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As you travel abroad this year, seeking relaxation or an adventure of a lifetime, unexpected health problems are the last thing that you want. However, health problems may arise if you fail to get travel vaccinations or take certain precautions while abroad.
Why should I get vaccinated before I travel?
Travel vaccinations will protect you and your family from illnesses that are present in other parts of the world. Vaccinations also serve to prevent the transfer of infectious diseases across international borders. Some things that you may want to consider if you are not sure if you need to be vaccinated is the region that you are traveling to, your length of stay, and type of accommodations.
When should I schedule an appointment to get vaccinated?
You should make proper arrangements to get vaccinated 4-6 weeks before your departure. Some vaccinations must be given in a series over a period of days or weeks. Also, most vaccines need time to become effective in the body. You may visit your doctor or a travel clinic for vaccination.
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What vaccines do I need?
First, make sure that you and your family are up to date on routine vaccinations. Then check your destination on the Centers for Disease Control website (www.cdc.gov/) under travel vaccines and destinations for vaccinations that are recommended. Some recommended vaccinations are for hepatitis B, influenza, and malaria. The only vaccine that is required is the yellow fever vaccination for travel to certain countries in Sub- Saharan Africa and tropical South America. Meningococcal vaccination against meningitis is required by government of Saudi Arabia for travel during Hajj.
What other precautions should I take while traveling?
It is important to ensure safe drinking water in parts of the world where tap water is not chlorinated or where sanitation is poor. Drinking unsafe water may cause traveler's diarrhea. Bottled waters are always safe if the bottle is fully sealed. If it is not, it may have been refilled. Another alternative is to boil the water to kill bacterial, parasitic, and viral causes of diarrhea and allow it to cool to room temperature. Other precautions against
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traveler's diarrhea are avoiding eating foods or beverages purchased from street vendors where unhygienic conditions may be present, eating raw or undercooked meat and seafood, and raw fruits unless they are peeled.
What should I do if I get traveler's diarrhea?
Most cases of traveler's diarrhea are self-limiting and do not require treatment. However, rehydration is important to prevent dehydration. If you pass three or more stools in a three hour period with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain; antibiotics are needed for 3-5 days of treatment.
For additional information, talk with your pharmacist or physician. You may also find helpful information at www.cdc.gov/travel.
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