Winter 2004 Issue

Athens Facilities Pass the MEDEX "White Glove" Test

MEDEX regularly re-credentials facilities around the world to ensure the most up-to-date information and highest level of care. Recently, we conducted "white glove" site visits in Athens in preparation for the Olympic Games. Those traveling to Greece for the Games and for other purposes can be assured that MEDEX facilities in Athens meet the strictest standards for efficient, quality service.

"Land of the Gods and the Games"

Greece is the cradle of civilization that spawned not only democracy but also many of the roots of Western culture. Greek art and architecture still influence modern aesthetics and have always offered an enriching experience for travelers. Today, Greece welcomes 10 million visitors a year, making tourism the country’s most important industry.

This is a particularly exciting time to travel in Greece, as the country prepares to welcome the Olympic Games in August 2004.

Entry Requirements

A passport, but no visa, is needed for tourist or business stays of up to three months. For other entry requirements, travelers should contact the Greek Embassy in Washington, DC (see list below), Greek consulates in U.S. capitals (Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco), and Greek embassies and consulates around the world.

Customs Regulations

Greek customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the export from Greece of antiquities, including rocks from archaeological sites. Penalties range from large fines to prison terms. Contact the Greek Embassy in Washington, DC and U.S. consulates for information regarding customs requirements.

HEALTH TIPS

SECURITY MEASURES

Water and Food

• Bottled water is recommended.
• Avoid raw or undercooked beef, and use caution when eating cold cuts, unpasteurized cheese, and Mediterranean shellfish.
• Milk is pasteurized, and dairy products are safe for consumption.
• Local meat, poultry, and seafood are safe to consume if well cooked.
• Fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe.

Air Quality

• Excessive air pollution, caused by industrial and transportation emissions is reported in and around Athens.
• Those with asthma and other respiratory illnesses should consult with a health care provider before traveling and carry sufficient medications.

Medical Facilities, Ambulances and Emergency Transportation

• Medical facilities are adequate — those in Athens and Thessaloniki are often better than those in rural areas.
• Public ambulance services are fair, and limited in more remote areas.

Travel Health Risks

• Traveler’s diarrhea — the most common traveler’s illness, caused by parasites and, to a lesser extent, viruses in contaminated food and water.
• Tick-borne encephalitis — a risk if you visit or work in forests fields, or pastures during the summer months. The vaccine is not available in the U.S. To prevent this disease, take precautions to prevent tick bites.
• Typhoid fever — transmitted by contaminated water and food. Raw shellfish from contaminated waters are likely to be infected. Be particularly watchful from December to March.

Recommended Immunizations

• Hepatitis A — A two-dose series is recommended.
• Hepatitis B — The Centers for Disease Control recommends a three-dose series for all travelers who make frequent trips to Greece or who will be there for six months or longer. A three-dose series is also recommended for short-term travelers whose activities or occupation put them at high risk. Hepatitis A/Hepatitis B is available in a combined vaccine as well.
• Yellow Fever — Immunization is only recommended if you are entering Greece from a yellow fever-infected area and are older than six months of age. This is to prevent introduction of the disease in Greece, where it is currently nonexistent.
• Tick-borne encephalitis — Only those who spend extended periods of time in rural areas during the spring, summer, or fall should consider this vaccine. A three-dose series is available in Canada and central Europe, but not in the U.S.

Prescription Medications

• Travelers can carry an antibiotic to be used in case of traveler’s diarrhea or, in some cases, as a prophylaxis. Check with your health care provider.

Following terrorist attacks in neighboring Turkey in November 2003, Greek authorities implemented extra security measures near sensitive sites. These include embassies and consulates in Athens and Thessaloniki (especially the diplomatic missions of Israel, the U.K. and the U.S.), offices of multinational companies, and synagogues.

Airports

Travelers should remain alert and expect additional scrutiny. New x-ray and scanning machines are being installed and enforced at Hellenikon Airport in Athens. Despite the large number of security officers, theft of luggage and personal belongings is a concern. Be sure to secure all belongs and be watchful of items as they pass through security checkpoints.

Traveling within Greece

Expect to encounter increased security at transportation hubs throughout Greece. Screeners may check items routinely carried by travelers, from cameras to children’s stuffed toys. Security measures may also affect access to certain government buildings, tourist sites, landmarks, and events. Call ahead to verify operating schedules.

Some 2,700 years ago, a foot race marked the start of the Olympics Games. On August 13, 2004, the Olympics will return to their ancient birthplace. Athletes from 201 countries — more than ever before in the history of the Games — are expected to compete. This summer, more than 10,000 athletes will participate in 37 Olympic sports.

In preparation for the 2004 Games, major projects have been commissioned: a new International Airport, a new Metro Network, a Ring Road, and new landscaping adding millions of indigenous trees and shrubs to the region.

In addition, during the year leading up to the games, more than 40 sports events are being held to test operational planning and the level of responsiveness and coordination among the different agencies and organizations involved in Olympic Security.

For more information, visit the Athens 2004 Olympic Games website

Be prepared when flying with a cold:

Before traveling, see a doctor or pharmacist for a decongestant and nasal spray. A simple winter cold can cause unpleasant complications in an airplane because pressure builds up in the ear canal and sinuses during takeoff and landing. Decongestants work best when taken an hour before departure. Nasal sprays should be used just before takeoff and descent. Those with severe cases of sinusitis or fluid behind the ears should consider postponing their trip.

Weather conditions:

National
http://www.weather.com/
http://www.weather.gov/

International
http://www.intellicast.com/
http://weather.noaa.gov/

Remember to block out the sun:

For anyone traveling from a cold climate to a sunny one, exposure to more intense ultraviolet rays can cause a severe burn. Wear sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more, including under mesh or loose-weave clothing. Wear sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats. Also, be aware that many common medications — particularly some antibiotics — increase the chance of severe sunburn.

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