When traveling to other countries, it is important to be will aware of the dangers that may arise from environmental factors. If you are planning to take a trip to a tropical region, for example, you should be cautious about disease-carrying insects. Many countries still lack proper sanitary infectious disease regulations for water and food establishments. For these reasons, travelers should consider going to a immunization clinic to protect themselves.
1. What types of diseases to look out for:
A large portion of travelers visiting a country with lower standards of sanitation will experience common sicknesses such as traveler’s diarrhea, caused by E. coli bacteria. E. coli infects 20 to 45 percent of international travelers.
On the other end of the spectrum, international travelers can be exposed to life-threatening diseases such as yellow fever or malaria if they are not careful. Both of these diseases are transmitted when infected mosquitoes feed on someone. These life-threatening diseases and more can be prevented through immunizations at a local clinic.
2. What are vaccines?
A vaccine aids in the immunization of many different kinds of diseases. A different vaccine is needed for every preventable disease. Vaccines contain virus particles that are dead or have become deactivated. These particles stimulate a person’s immune system and a person’s white blood cells begin to produce antibodies that would normally begin to fight off a live infection. The virus particles are destroyed, and the antibodies “remember” the disease so that when a live virus does infect someone, his or her immune system will react quickly and efficiently to stop the virus.
3. The three types of vaccines:
In immunization, there are three different levels of vaccines:
Routine vaccines are given at clinics or pediatricians regularly to both children and adults that protect against diphtheria and tetanus. These two diseases can be contracted in many countries including the United States.
Recommended vaccines are simply just that–recommended. They are administered at clinics for immunization if you are traveling to a certain part of the world or if you choose to receive immunization from a relatively simple disease such as the flu. Another example of a recommended vaccine is typhoid.
Required vaccines are a necessity when traveling to a certain part of the world. There are currently only one required vaccines when traveling to certain African or South American countries– for the immunization of yellow fever. Saudi Arabia in a similar fashion requires a meningococcal vaccine for travelers visiting during Hajj.
4. How to find out more information:
The Centers for Disease Control website can provide you with valuable information before you decide to travel to another country. You can find out what diseases to look out for based on what country you are looking to travel to. Your doctor can explain to you what vaccines you should need as well. A traveling clinic would also be ideal. Clinics will give you proper information for immunization and will administer vaccines. After you receive the vaccine, the clinic will give you a certification to prove that you have been vaccinated.
5. Timing is everything:
Keep in mind that certain vaccinations given at clinics can take several weeks to be effective. Make sure that you plan accordingly and receive your immunization at a clinic well in advance of your traveling arrangements. Some vaccines require “booster” shots to maintain full efficiency of a vaccine. It is important to visit a clinic and receive a booster shot to ensure proper protection from diseases.