Sanitary standards in Cuba are generally good. As long as you take appropriate precautions and use common sense, you are not likely to incur a serious illness or disease. Cuba's public health system is geared towards preventive medicine and, says Dr. Joycelyn Elders, former U.S. Surgeon General, is better at keeping people healthy that the U.S. system. Certain health indices surpass those of the United States, and Cuba has one of the highest rates of child immunization in the world.
Cuba is acknowledged as a world leader in orthopedics and the treatment of vitiligo, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. Nonetheless the system faces severe shortages of medicines and equipment end with few exceptions, facilities and standars are not up to those of North America or northern Europe.
Most major cities and resort destinations have 24 hour international clinics staffed by english-speaking doctors and nurses. The larger hotels have nurses and/or doctros on duty.
Dental and medical checkups are advisable before departing , particularly if you intend to travel for a long time or if you have an existing medical problem.
Take along any medications. Keep prescription drugs in their original bottles to avoid suspicion at customs. A simple first aid kit is a good idea. Pack some alcohol swabs and medical alcohol, antiseptic cream, band-aids, aspirin or pain killers, diarreah medication, sunburn remedy, antifungal foot powder, calamine and/or anti-histamine, water-purification tablets, surgical tape, bandages and gauze, and scissors.
Do not underestimate the tropical sun. It is intense and can fry you in minutes. It can even burn you through light clothing or while lying in the shade. Stay away from the midday sun. even if you consider yourself nicely tanned, use a suncream or sunblock of at least SPF 8. Zinc oxide provides almost 100% protection. Rbing sunscreens with you, they are not always available in havana although most hotels sell them.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance ins recommended. It is not cheap but can be a sound investment. Check that your insurance covers medical expenses abroad.
Eating and drinking in Cuba:
Eating in Cuba does not present the health problems associated with many other destinations in Latin America, but do use common sense precautions. Hygiene at street side stalls is often questionable, as is shellfish.
The state plumbing is also questionable. Tap water is best avoided. Stick to bottled mineral water, which is widely available and comes carbonated or non-carbonated. Coca Cola and Pepsi (or their Cuban-made equivalents, tu kola, tropicola), Fanta ( or the Cuban-made equivalent Najita ) as well as other soft drinks are readily available. There is no shortage of canned fruit drinks. Try the "batidos", delicious and refreshing fruit drinks blended with milk and ice.
If you are on an extended stay, maintaining a well-balanced intake takes attention.
Security:
Most hotels count with security personnel. Theft can be an issue though, especially in budget hotels. Most hotels have security boxes either in the room or at the hotel reception. Make sure to use one of those for your valuables: passport, camera and money... Lock your door and make sure to leave windows closed. Keep your suitcase locked when out of the room.
Walking Havana is virtually as safe as walking any other city in the world. The same can be said for other Cuban cities. Most crime is opportunistic snatch-and-grab. Be wary of darker back streets at night. Theft from hotel rooms can happen.
Your biggest problem will probably be the persistent scams pulled by restaurants, hotels, and other tourist entities. Insist on you bill and add it up diligently. Count your change.
Do not exchange currency on the street. Many scams happen by returning the visitor with the wrong currency. Use your hotel exchange desk or the known exchange houses CADECAS or banks
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