Staying healthy in the Amazon is easier than you think it can be, the Amazon is a healthy environment if you follow some basic tips and suggestions:

• Perhaps the most important rule is: "Peel it, boil it, cook it or forget it" , one of the main health problems amongst travellers to the Amazon is gastro-intestinal unease known more commonly as "travellers diarrhoea".
• Drink bottled mineral or filtered water only.
• Put sunsreen on
• Use insect repelent with DET
• Carry a basic medical kit with: painkillers, tampons, contraceptives, water-purifying tablets, foot powder, rehydration salts, anti-diarrhoea treatment and antibiotics, first aid kit.
• Be sure to bring a good supply of any medicines you may be using, you may not be able to find it locally. It is a good idea to have your Doctor to give you a generic prescription, commercial names may vary from one country to another.
• Visit a travel clinic in your country for your immunizations at least six weeks before your departure date. Recommended vaccines for Amazon travellers are: yellow fever, tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A. Some doctors will suggest you also get immunizations for: diphtheria, TB, hepatitis B, rabies and meningitis. You will not be allowed into Brazil without a Yellow fever vaccination.
• Play it safe, follow local advice and feel free to ask your guide, tour leader and other local hosts in case of doubt.
• More people die or incurr injury in cities than in the Amazon rainforest, venomous insects and snake bites are seldom and rare, there is anti-venoum and it is effective.

It is compulsory you carry travel and medical insurance with you throughout your trip, make sure these cover emergency medical treatment as well as emergency medical evacuation. TRAVEL GUARD is a reputable supplier of insurance in North America, yet there are many other suppliers around the world for you to choose from.