Staying healthy in Paleokastritsa, Corfu

In Corfu many medicines can be bought over the counter without prescriptions. There are three chemist's in the Paleokastritsa area. There are two on the main road to Corfu Town, one just before and the other just after the petrol station, the other is just before the cross roads at Liapades. All of them have English speaking staff.
For anyone requiring medical treatment locally there is the Bioprognosis Clinic (26630 42056) at Doukades/Gardelades.
Citizens of EU countries are covered for free treatment in public hospitals within Greece on presentation of an E111 form. Enquire at your national health service or travel agent in advance.
Emergency treatment is free to all nationalities in public hospitals. In an emergency dial 166.
All this sounds fine, but although medical training is of a high standard in Greece, the health service is badly under funded and one of the worst in Europe. Hospitals are overcrowded, hygiene is not always what it should be and relatives are expected to bring in food and clean bedding for the patient - which could be a problem for a tourist. Conditions are better in private hospitals, which are expensive. All this means that a good health-insurance policy is essential.
Always take care what you eat and drink. Stomach upsets affect up to 30% of travellers, but the majority of those are relatively minor. Don't be put off trying the local food but do take simple precautions like washing or peeling fruit and vegetables. Tap water is safe to drink in Corfu but most people prefer bottled water.
In hot weather make sure you drink enough. It's a good idea to have a bottle of water with you. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. This is one of the biggest health risks here. You can get sunburnt surprisingly quickly, even through cloud. Use sunscreen, sun block for lips and noses, and wear a hat. Remember to protect your eyes with good quality sunglasses. Avoid alcohol.
Avoid insect bites by covering exposed flesh, screen windows, use a mosquito net and insect repellents. One word of warning; you'll frequently find small electric devices in your room that heat a tablet which gives off a vapour which kills mosquitoes. If you use them, try to position them close to an open window or door as breathing in the vapour all night can give you a headache.
Two other hazards are worth mentioning. Corfu Hospital is usually full of people whose holidays have been involuntarily curtailed due to coming off bikes and scooters, very often through no fault of their own. If you rent a bike or scooter wear strong trousers, a good jacket and proper shoes. Just imagine the result of sliding along a gritty road in only a pair of shorts and flip-flops. It is law that all renters must now provide a crash helmet. Wear it.
Be aware that there can be strong currents around the island, especially on the west coast. Always supervise children in the sea and obey the warning flags on the beaches.

Healthcare and Hospitals