Travel health in Argentina

Travel to Argentina doesn’t raise any major health worries and with a small dose of precaution and a handful of standard vaccinations or updates (tetanus, polio, typhoid and hepatitis A) you are unlikely to encounter any serious problems. There have been highly publicized outbreaks of dengue fever in the far north; other mosquito-related illnesses to be aware of are yellow fever, malaria and (in the far north) zika. Covid-19 vaccination requirements were discontinued in 2023. Yet a bout of travelers’ diarrhoea, as your body adjusts to local microorganisms in the food and water, is the most you’re likely to have to worry about. The tap water in Argentina is generally safe to drink, if sometimes heavily chlorinated, but you may prefer to err on the side of caution in rural areas in the north of the country. Mineral water is good and widely available.

Argentine pharmacies are plentiful, well stocked and a useful port of call for help with minor medical problems; the staff may offer simple diagnostic advice and will often help dress wounds, but if in doubt consult a doctor. Medicines and cosmetic products are fairly expensive, however, as they are mostly imported, so if you have room, take plenty of supplies.

The easiest way to get treatment for more serious ailments is to visit the outpatient department of a hospital, where treatment will usually be free. In Buenos Aires, the Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Av Córdoba 2351 (http://www.hospitaldeclinicas.uba.ar ) is a particularly efficient place to receive medical advice and prescriptions; you can simply walk in and, for a small fee, make an on-the-spot appointment with the relevant specialist department – English-speaking doctors can usually be found. For a list of English-speaking doctors throughout the country, contact your embassy in Buenos Aires. For medical emergencies or ambulances in Argentina, dial 107.

Among the nasty complaints that exist on Argentine territory are Chagas’ disease, cholera, malaria, dengue, hantavirus, yellow fever and rabies, though all are rare, mostly confined to remote locations off the tourist trail. That said, each is sufficiently serious that you should be aware of their existence and of measures you should take to avoid infection. For up-to-date information on current health risks in Argentina, check http://www.cdc.gov and http://www.who.int .

The incidence of HIV/AIDS is similar to that in most developed countries. As some of the condoms sold in Argentina are of pretty poor quality, it’s wise to bring a reliable brand with you.

Puna (altitude sickness)

Altitude sickness is a potentially – if very rarely – fatal condition encountered at anything over 2000m, but likeliest and most serious at altitudes of 4000m and above. It can cause a range of mild to severe difficulties, but a little preparation should help you avoid the worst of its effects. In many South American countries, it is known by the Quechua word soroche but in Argentina it is most commonly, and confusingly, called puna (the local word for altiplano, or high Andean steppes). You’ll also hear the verb apunar and the word apunamiento, referring to the state of suffering from puna, whether affecting humans or vehicles (which also need to be adjusted for these heights).

First, to avoid the effects of the puna, don’t rush anywhere – walk slowly and breathe steadily – and make things easier on yourself by not smoking. Whenever possible, acclimatize: it’s better to spend a day or two at around 2000m and then 3000–3500m before climbing to 4000m or more, rather than force the body to cope with a sudden reduction in oxygen levels. Make sure you’re fully rested; an all-night party isn’t the best preparation for a trip up into the Andes. Alcohol is also best avoided both prior to and during high-altitude travel; the best thing to drink is plenty of still water – never fizzy because it froths over and can even explode at high altitudes – or coca tea, made from coca leaves and readily available in supermarkets in the northwest. Eating, too, needs some consideration: digestion uses up considerable quantities of oxygen, so snacking is preferable to copious meals. Many people find that their stomachs do not digest meat at high altitudes, especially over 4000m. Carry supplies of high-energy cereal bars, chocolate, dried fruit (local raisins, prunes and dried apricots are delicious), walnuts or cashews, crackers and biscuits, and avoid anything that ferments in the stomach, such as milk, fresh fruit and vegetables, juices, or acidic foods – they’re guaranteed to make you throw up if you’re severely affected. The best form of sugar to ingest is honey, because it’s the least acidic.

Minor symptoms of the puna, such as headaches or a strange feeling of pressure inside the skull, nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia or dizziness, are common and usually subside in a day or two if you stop ascending. These symptoms should stop almost immediately if you descend to a lower altitude. More severe problems, such as persistent migraines, repeated vomiting, severe breathing difficulties, excessive fatigue and a marked reduction in the need to urinate are cause for more concern. If you suffer from any of these, return to a lower altitude and seek medical advice at once. Severe respiratory problems should be treated immediately with oxygen, carried by tour operators on excursions to 3000m or more as a legal requirement. The most severe conditions are pulmonary or cerebral edema, which require immediate hospitalization in intensive care. Avoid this by ascending slowly and monitoring yourself carefully, especially over 4000m.

Sunstroke and sunburn

You should take the sun very seriously in Argentina. Throughout the country, solar radiation is much higher than at similar latitudes in the northern hemisphere. Even people with darker skin should use a much higher factor sunscreen than they might normally: you should always use factor thirty or above as a sensible precaution. Radiation is monitored nationally, so check radiation levels as you would the weather if you plan to be outside for extended periods. Remember that the cooler temperatures in the south are deceptive – ozone depletion and long summer days here can be more hazardous than the fierce heat of the north. The north of the country, especially the Chaco region and La Rioja Province, is one of the hottest regions of Latin America in summer – temperatures regularly rocket above 40°C; extended siestas taken by locals are wise precautions against the debilitating effects of the midday heat. Where possible, avoid excessive activity between about 11am and 4pm, and when you do have to be out in the sun, apply sunscreen and wear a hat. You should also drink plenty of liquids – but not alcohol – and always make sure you have a sufficient supply of water when embarking on a hike.

Medical resources for travellers

• Canadian Society for International Health 613 241 5785, https://cagh-acsm.org/en. Extensive list of travel health centres.
• CDC 1 800 232 4636, http://www.cdc.gov/travel . Official US government travel health site.
• International Society for Travel Medicine 1 404 373 8282, http://www.istm.org . Has a full list of travel health clinics.
• Hospital for Tropical Diseases Travel Clinic UK 020 3447 5959, http://www.uclh.nhs.uk . A GP referral is required for those seeking advice and vaccines before travelling to tropical countries.
• MASTA (Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad) UK 0300 100 4200, http://www.masta-travel-health.com . Lists clinics in the UK.
• Tropical Medical Bureau Ireland 01 2715 200, http://www.tmb.ie . Health clinic offering vaccinations for travellers.
• Travellers’ Medical and Vaccination Centre 1300 658 844, http://www.traveldoctor.com.au. Lists travel clinics in Australia.
• World Health Organization http://www.who.int. The United Nations’ public health bureau, WHO monitors disease outbreaks around the world.