Vaccines for Traveling~A Guest Blog Post

Traveling to exotic destinations is a dream many of us want to experience and enjoy.  But if you don’t protect your health, it could turn into a nightmare.

Many popular travel destinations, such as those in the Caribbean, and in Asia, pose a potential risk of you contracting endemic diseases.  Because of poor sanitation, high levels of infection with some diseases among the local population, and disease-carrying insects, you MUST prepare and vaccinate yourself and loved ones.

The best way to protect yourself is get the proper vaccinations. At least 6 weeks before you travel, ask your doctor about what vaccines you need.  Some vaccinations require multiple doses, administered many months apart, so you need to plan long before you travel.  Travel clinics are the best place to obtain the recommended vaccines to ensure your health.

If you travel to Caribbean countries, you may need several vaccinations.  Consider the cholera vaccine if you travel to Central America.  Cholera is contracted from contaminated food and water.

You should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A if you travel to Mexico, Caribbean countries, or Central America.  The virus responsible for the disease can be transmitted from contaminated food, water, and feces.

If you travel to these areas, you also have to be vaccinated against the Hepatitis B virus.  The virus is transmitted by unprotected sex, sharing needles, sharing toothbrushes and razors, blood transfusions, and from contact with those you live with.

A high risk of rabies exists in the Caribbean, and Central America.  Dogs and bats are common vectors of the virus, so avoid contact with stray dogs, and avoid caves.  Other animals can also transmit the disease, so avoid touching them.

High-risk areas for infection with typhoid fever include Caribbean countries, and Central America.  Although treatable with antibiotics, the bacterium that causes the disease can produce severe symptoms, so it’s best to be vaccinated against it.  It’s spread from infected water, food, and shellfish.

There’s a risk of malaria in some parts of the Dominican Republic, and all of Haiti.  Before you travel to these areas, your doctor can prescribe some pills, which you take before, during, and after your travels.

Dengue, a disease transmitted by mosquito, affects Mexico, Honduras, and Costa Rica.  Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and pants, and use insect repellents.

If you travel to Asia, be aware that countries in this geographic area pose a risk for cholera, dengue, and Hepatitis A and B.  Japanese encephalitis occurs in almost all of Asia, and is transmitted by mosquito.  In Japan, China, and Korea, it’s usually transmitted in the summer and autumn. In Thailand, and Vietnam, it’s transmitted year-round

Polio can be caught in some regions of Asia, and because of the severity of this disease (it can be lethal), be sure you are vaccinated against it.  It’s transmitted by contaminated food and water, and by sneezing.

You can also bolster your defenses by eating probiotics at least a month before you go.  This will help you prevent diarrhea, and improve your immune function.  Pack oral rehydration salts with you in case you get   sick at destination.  These will help you recover from diarrhea.  While you’re in a foreign country, wash your hands frequently, and use a paper towel to open the bathroom door.  Don’t eat raw fruits and veggies, and don’t eat raw meat or milk products.  Drink only bottled water, and don’t drink any water that has ice in it.   Use a net over your bed to prevent malaria, as well as DEET.

Speak with your doctor about which vaccines and medications will be required to protect your health when you travel.  Plan a meeting many months before you travel.  Get the recommended vaccines, and practice good hygiene, so you can enjoy your vacation!