Lame headline, I'm sorry. Have you ever wondered if you should get immunized before heading out on that next big trip? The Chicago Tribune recently ran a great article about vaccinations and shots you should consider before heading off to exotic (and even not very exotic if you plan to rough it) locales. Here's a quick cheat sheet:
- Typhoid is transmitted by contaminated food and water and is recommended for travelers heading to most foreign destinations, including Eastern Europe.
- Hepatitis A is transmitted by food and water and is recommended for people traveling to those same places.
- Hepatitis B is transmitted by blood and bodily secretions and is advised for patients who expect to receive a tattoo, have contact with needles or have sex with locals while traveling.
- Yellow Fever and Japanese Encephalitis are transmitted by mosquitoes, if you plan to visit infested places, plan to get them.
- Rabies pre-exposure shots also may be recommended for travelers heading into rural areas or for travelers with children, who are more likely to pet animals and may not report a bite. Note that the pre-exposure vaccination does not eliminate the need for post-exposure shots.
- Polio has not been eradicated in many countries, but if you've had the shot in childhood, it's still probably still good.
- Malaria does not have a vaccine, so travelers are given pills to take before, during and after travel as prevention. A person's itinerary determines which drug will be used, because malaria parasites in some areas are resistant to certain drugs.
As with all things health related, get in touch with your doctor and ask them about your trip. Tell them:
- The places you are visiting - including whether in cities or farming areas
- The season you are traveling in
- Your lodging—for example, a five-star hotel or a tent
- Planned activities and expected time to be spent outdoors
Going abroad? Get a shot in the arm [Chicago Tribune]
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