Health Information
Full disclosure of health conditions of applicants
It is of the utmost importance to the program to maintain the health of all participants. We try here to provide enough information to allow you to take an active part in staying healthy and to assess the potential risks of participation in the program. For the safety of all, and to protect the university against unnecessary risks, we require that all applicants undergo a physical and make full disclosure of any health conditions that might affect their participation in the program. Such information will be kept confidential; we will use it only to assess the safety of your participation and to take whatever provision may be necessary to maintain your health in Egypt. Failure to disclose pertinent information is grounds for expulsion from the program. We also recommend a visit to the dentist before leaving.
Vaccinations
You should have currently valid vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, polio, typhoid, and diphtheria/tetanus. You should also have a TB test. Students at NYU are required to have an interview with a member of the staff of the Student Health Center before departure, and we recommend that students from other institutions have similar interviews with the appropriate official. During the period we are in Egypt, malaria is not a threat. We also do not believe that immunizations for cholera or rabies are warranted by the prevailing conditions.
We recommend, but do not require, a flu vaccine in advance of departure. This will protect you more against last-minute illness in North America or acquired in travel. Vaccinations can be obtained at your institution's Student Health Center; institutions have varying policies regarding charges for these. Allow plenty of time to complete these preparations. Depending on your family's health insurance, you may find that it covers these costs or that you can have them done at home free.
Water
The water supply in Dakhleh comes from the municipal supply of Sheikh Wali. It is safe to drink but high in iron; after filtration, it is good for drinking, and we serve it at meals. On the road it is best to stick to bottled water, which is universally available and cheap. Working in the sun, even at moderate winter temperatures, can be dehydrating. You should remember to drink adequate amounts of water regularly (water is available on the site as well). The quality of tap water supplies elsewhere in Egypt varies. The water in Cairo is heavily chlorinated and safe for brushing teeth, but most people prefer to drink bottled water (Baraka, Delta, Aquafina, and Siwa are the dominant brands) from springs.
Allergies
If you have any significant allergies, they should be disclosed in your health statement (as described above). Egyptian desserts and some other dishes commonly contain nuts. If you are allergic to nuts, make sure to let us know.
First aid kit
The excavation will have a first aid kit for serious incidents, and it maintains in the house a considerable range of medications, of which a list is given to participants, but we advise all participants to bring their own personal requirements. This means everything from sun block (specifically factor 15+) to band aids, antiseptic cream, imodum, aspirin, any personal medication, etc. Women are asked to bring all sanitary items that will be needed for the entire duration of your time in Egypt. While a good range of items is available in Cairo, and a more limited repertory at pharmacies in Mut, it is best to bring your own supplies. Although (as we indicate elsewhere) we expect a high standard of decorum in your behavior, we do wish to note that contraceptives are not available in the oasis and are likely to be difficult to find even in Cairo.
Local health care in Dakhleh
There is a small hospital in Mut, which can provide basic emergency care. There are several pharmacies, which are reasonably well-stocked but not as comprehensive as pharmacies in the US. We recommend generally that you bring adequate stocks of any medications you expect to take during the program, particularly if they are at all unusual.
Acceptance of risk
The university takes all practicable measures to minimize risks to the safety and well-being of all participants in this program. Nonetheless, it is in the nature of things that not all risk can be eliminated. In particular, the risks of road accident and of other health emergencies far from first-class health-care facilities are real. By taking part in the program, you accept these risks for your own account and agree to hold the university free of responsibility for any harm caused to you other than by the action of the university's agents.