El Salvador health information for travellers

Here you'll find great El Salvador health information and tips that will help you stay safe, healthy so you can enjoy your time in El Salvador!

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I think it’s best that we all find out as much as we can about where we want to travel.

Being a tropical country, El Salvador deals with common ailments and viruses like all tropical and sub-tropical regions.

Two of the most common concerns are dengue fever and if you will be visiting rural areas also malaria.

The one thing that really bugs me about going there is “the bugs”, mosquitoes, fruit flies and flies.

But there are some things that we do to minimize the bother and the risk of getting sick from mosquito bites.

El Salvador health information – prevent insect bites

• It’s good to remember that mosquitoes will come out mostly at dusk and dawn – so this is when you need to be most cautious
• We always try to dress appropriately depending on what area we plan to visit. If we know we will be outdoors, we try wear long sleeves, long pants and a hat, it can get a bit warm but it’s definitely worth it
• I don’t like to use insect repellents myself but they are a good idea if you are not accustomed to the weather and don't want to wear long sleeves
• You don’t need to worry so much about your clothes if you will be in an urban area or indoors
• Sometimes, the nights can feel pretty hot so I’m always tempted to open windows but the mosquitoes do come in – so make sure that the bed is covered with a bed net, air conditioned rooms are even better though

Recommended vaccinations for El Salvador

One of the most important things to consider is whether we need to have the vaccinations for El Salvador that are recommended by health authorities because our bodies can react to different foods and climate.

So it is a good idea to check with your doctor whether you may need to get vaccinations for El Salvador.

These are the ones most often recommended by doctors:

• Malaria
• Hepatitis A - recommended for all travellers
• Typhoid - recommended for all travellers
• Tetanus/Diphtheria - recommended every 10 years

Other El Salvador health information to keep in mind

• Traveller's diarrhea is the most common travel-related ailment for travellers. The best way to prevent this is by taking precautions with the food and water you consume
• It is not a good idea to buy food from street vendors, when hungry or if you want to try some of the tasty dishes, go to a restaurant and ensure you wash your hands well before eating. If you are thirsty, ensure you buy bottled water only
• It is common to see street vendors selling water in plastic bags, but keep in mind that it may be contaminated and may make you sick

In Case of Emergency...

Hopefully, you won't have to call any of these numbers, but just in case, here is a list of phone numbers for some health services:

• Emergency - 911
• Red Cross - 2222-5755; 2222-5155
• Hospital Centro de Emergencias - 2530-3333; 2226-2186
• Hospital Rosales - 2231-9200; 2231-9296

Be safe and stay healthy in El Salvador!

Stay Safe - Some tips to help you stay safe...

Money matters - Currency in El Salvador...

Culture and more - Culture, language...

Restaurants - Some of the best restaurants in El Salvador...

Español - Páginas en Español...

Please note that this page is intended for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for personalized advice on health and travel.