Medical Issues

Here is some general medical information for those diving in Sulawesi.

Vaccinations highly recommended for Indonesia include Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and Polio.

The two health problems you are most likely to face are dehydration and sunburn. Both of these can lead to serious medical complications. You should plan to drink ten glasses or about two and a half (2.5) liters of water a day. Dehydration packs are available locally in Gorontalo and throughout Sulawesi as Pharolit or Oralit or you can bring something like Gatorade from home. One dehydration pack mixed in water every other day makes a good strategy for resupplying body salts lost in sweating. Please bring sun block (like SPF 30) and apply prior to going outside.

Although the area where Miguel's Diving takes guests diving in Gorontalo is not known as a malaria area, your doctor may advise taking anti-malaria medication. If you plan to do any scuba diving, DO NOT take Mefloquine (known as Lariam). Chloroquine and Paludrine are recommended. Also note that you will typically need to begin taking your prophylaxis a week prior to departure. Mosquitoes carrying this disease bite around dusk. The best strategy is to avoid getting bitten.

Dengue fever can be common during the rainy season in certain areas of Sulawesi. Since there is no drug to take for this disease, avoid getting bitten. Mosquitoes carrying this disease bite in the afternoon hours when people often take naps. Make sure your room has been sprayed. Mosquito nets are rarely available.

Bring insect repellent, antihistamine ointment for insect bites, tri-antibiotic ointment for cuts, and seasickness tablets if you are likely to encounter this problem. Divers should NOT use the scopolamine patch, which has been reported to cause narcosis at shallow depths! Antibiotics are available locally in Gorontalo and throughout Sulawesi without a prescription.

Although diving with a cold or sinus trouble is NOT advised, divers might consider bringing sinus decongestants (non-drowsy) such as Sinutab, Triogesic, or Sudafed.

Divers are advised to complete the PADI Medical Form with your doctor, although many Sulawesi dive operators are unlikely to require this.

Should you happen to encounter some stinging plankton, the best remedy is hot compresses. This can be in the form of hot water pressed onto the affected area with a cloth, heat from a hair dryer, or even heat from the hot metal of a car. Take as much heat as you can. If you are still itching several hours later, try another round of heat. Since marine venoms break down with heat, this treatment will also help for stings from lionfish, scorpionfish, etc.

Medical Issues

Dive in Gorontalo