Trip HEALTH INFORMATION - Peru 2025
Health Information and Recommendations
Our goal is to stay healthy as a group, as best we can. We depend on every traveler to care not only about their personal wellness, but for the well-being of the whole group. Together, let’s adopt the mindset that we want to keep ourselves AND 60 other people healthy for the 10 days of our trip!
Prescription medications:
Bring all your prescriptions, enough for the whole trip, in their original packaging, with labels.
Be sure to pack your prescriptions in your carry-on luggage, so there is no risk of losing them.
Checklist of over-the-counter remedies: Please think about what non-prescription medications and over-the-counter supplies you may need. This is not an exhaustive list, and you know your body best. Some typical items to consider packing include:
Headache remedies: Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin (Ibuprofen). NOTE: Headaches are the most common reaction to high altitude.
For digestive issues: Anti-diarrhea meds and/or Laxatives
For upset stomach: Pepto Bismol, Pepcid, Tums, ginger chews
Motion sickness meds for bus rides
Emergen-C or your favorite immunity-booster
Nasal decongestant (sprays, Sudafed, etc.)
Sun screen
Insect repellent (DEET or Picaridin are recommended) NOTE: Some people have sensitivities to insect repellent. When applying bug spray, please step away from the group.
Tissues (in case there is no toilet paper along the way)
Hand sanitizer or wipes
Band Aids
Moleskin for blisters
Ace bandage or knee brace if you know you have a tendency to need them
Compression socks for the airplane (very helpful to reduce leg swelling)
Ear plugs (for plane or bus when you want to reduce noise, or for sleeping)
Any vitamins/supplements you normally take
Note about cough & cold remedies: There have been times when someone in the group gets sick, and it gets passed on to others. We especially ask that you please bring your favorite cough/cold remedies, including cough drops (include extra lozenges for singing).
Altitude:
Altitude Medication: SANS strongly recommends that every traveler get altitude medication from your doctor. Follow the instructions carefully; typically you begin the medication before you get to altitude.
Go Slow: It may take a few hours or days to adjust to the altitude. Go slow and enjoy our surroundings!
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of (bottled!) water to help your body adjust to the altitude.
Avoid Alcohol and Heavy Meals: These can worsen altitude sickness symptoms.
Bring headache remedies: In case of altitude headaches, bring Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen.
Coca Tea: This indigenous altitude remedy will be available in all our hotels, but should not be considered an alternative to altitude medication. Coca Tea has a simulant effect, so be aware that it can keep you awake at night if you drink it in the afternoon or evening.
Food & Water:
Drink only bottled water, including when you brush your teeth. Keep your mouth closed in the shower.
Do not use ice unless you know it was made from bottled water.
Bring a reusable water bottle - there will be safe filling stations at some hotels and busses. NOTE: Please do not touch your personal water bottle to the common spigot.
Food at our group meals and hotels is considered safe
Avoid salads, lettuce and any uncooked vegetables, and fruits you cannot peel. Gerry says in nice restaurants and at our group meals, you can feel safe eating salads, fruits and vegetables. Check with him if you have any questions.
At receptions with other choirs, we will have cooked foods that will be safe to eat (such as empanadas, etc.).
Do not eat at street food vendors or “sketchy” looking restaurants. Ask Gerry for restaurant recommendations if you have any concerns.
Always wash your hands with soap and water before eating and after using the restroom.
COVID & Respiratory Illness Protocols:
Please be up to date with your Covid booster
Please take a Covid test before you leave, and bring at least 2 tests with you.
Please bring a supply of masks with you. Masks will be optional during the trip, but if you develop any symptoms, we will ask you to mask. If we have an outbreak of anything - Covid, cold or flu, we may ask the group to mask.
If you wish to wear a mask during concerts, it must be black.
Please consider limiting public gatherings in the week before the trip, to limit your exposure to any illnesses.
Please wear a mask when we board the airplane, and keep it on until we take off and the airplane’s circulation system comes on. Once we take off, masks are optional.
MOST IMPORTANT: If you don’t feel well during the trip, or you’re coughing or sneezing, please wear a mask and keep a distance from other travelers. Travelers who are not feeling well are asked not to sing in concerts or join in group meals.
If you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a mask, please notify Jane Arsham or Linda Shoemaker. Exceptions to this policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Chemical sensitivities:
There are people with allergies/chemical sensitivities to perfume, cologne and scented body lotions, to name a few. The reactions people have can be mild to severe, including significant respiratory distress. This is one of the main reasons we request that no scents be worn when we sing, since we stand in such close proximity to one another. Please leave these items at home.
Insurance - please be sure to bring:
Your health insurance card (please check ahead of departure to clarify what your health insurance will or won’t cover outside of the US)
If you have purchased travel insurance, be sure to bring along a copy of the policy (or have it available electronically), including the number to call if you should need it.
If you feel poorly during the trip:
Please make sure someone knows, so we can check in with you. This could be your roommate, a Trip Committee member, or one of our health care volunteers.
Our Health Care Support Team:
Julie Freedman and Sue Brent, both health care professionals, have kindly volunteered to offer health care support during the trip. Feel free to contact either of them if you have questions about what to bring with you. They have a lot of experience traveling with SANS to share.
NOTE to “old time” SANSers: We are NOT bringing a medical bag with extra over-the-counter remedies. Please make sure to review the suggested checklist and bring any/all items you think you could need. Thank you!
Julie: juliefs513@gmail.com