Prioritising Travel Health
As the summer holidays have arrived, many people are planning and preparing for vacation. That means lots of packing, but what about consideration for your health?
Even though travel health may not be the number one priority in people’s minds, it’s an integral factor to consider before embarking on a holiday. In this blog, we discuss the importance of vaccinations, keeping healthy before and during travel, and more.
Why are vaccinations important for travel?
Vaccinations are a travel health safety precaution to provide enhanced immunity against infectious diseases that are commonly contracted by travellers in different countries, like cholera and polio.
As you enter foreign countries, you may come across pathogens that your body’s immune system isn’t used to. That’s when vaccines come in handy.
What do vaccines consist of?
Vaccines are a type of medicine that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies to protect your body and fight off the infection effectively. In addition, they use inactivated bacteria or viruses to boost your immunity.
Check that your vaccinations are up to date
Before you travel, it’s essential to make sure that your routine vaccinations are up to date. Moreover, routine vaccinations consist of vaccinations that are given to people during their childhood and adulthood, such as measles, diphtheria, hepatitis B and more.
These vaccines overall protect you from diseases despite your travels.
How do I know which vaccines I should take?
Hepatitis A & B: Commonly transmitted through contaminated food and water, these vaccines are essential for travellers visiting regions with poor sanitation.
Rabies: Vital for travellers exploring remote areas or engaging in activities that involve contact with animals.
Yellow Fever: Required or recommended for certain tropical areas where yellow fever is prevalent. Some countries may require proof of vaccination to enter.
Meningococcal Vaccine: Recommended for those visiting regions with a risk of meningitis outbreaks, particularly during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Diphtheria: Mostly required for children, but vaccines can be given to adults who are at a higher risk of getting the disease. Additionally, it’s required for travellers who are going to an area where there may be a risk of diphtheria. A booster vaccination may be needed if the last time you were vaccinated was more than 10 years ago.
Polio: Required for children and those travelling to a region where contracting poliovirus is a high risk. If you haven’t had the minimum of five doses of polio-containing vaccine, you may need additional doses before you travel.
Planning Ahead
It's important to plan ahead and speak with a travel health specialist or your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before going on a trip. Because some vaccinations need to be administered in a series of doses over a period of weeks, planning ahead guarantees that you get the full immunisation benefit before your travel.
For last-minute travellers, it's still essential to seek advice and receive any necessary vaccinations, especially in high-risk areas.
Staying Healthy During Travel
While vaccinations play a vital role in protecting your health during travel, they are not the only factor to take into consideration. Here are some additional travel health tips:
Food and Water Safety: Be cautious of consuming raw or undercooked foods, drink bottled water, and avoid ice in regions with questionable sanitation.
Insect Protection: Use insect repellents and wear appropriate clothing to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue.
Sun Protection: Shield yourself from the sun's harmful rays with hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Hygiene Practices: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitiser when handwashing facilities are unavailable.
Conclusion
Taking precautions for your travels is always a smart move to make. You don’t want to risk catching any diseases.
As you embark on your next adventure, take the time to prioritise your health by understanding the importance of vaccinations.
By reducing the spread of viruses across borders, proper immunisation can not only shield you from potentially fatal diseases but also contribute to the security of global health. Combining travel health measures with immunisations will help you have a safer and more pleasurable trip while making priceless memories that will last a lifetime. Travel safely!
Book a travel vaccine with us or a consultation with our health specialists:
https://www.harleystreet104.com/vaccination-travel-health
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