Things happen. People get sick, economies simmer, and sometimes, rain ruins a beach day. But passing gloom is just that – passing – and should never hinder your desire to travel.
In light of the recent swine flu epidemic, the following information will help you plan for travel to countries that require certain health vaccinations, and what to do if you get ill during your trip. We spoke with experts in the health, travel, and the airline industry to get their tips for safe travel.
Here is a quick breakdown on how to prepare for your trip to some of the world’s most popular destinations:
China: Get educated – and vaccinated – before you board your flight to China. Along with your routine vaccinations, you will also need to get Hepatitis A shot, specifically to shield you from food and water viruses. A Typhoid vaccination is also recommended, especially if you’re visiting smaller cities or rural areas. You’ll only need a rabies or Japanese encephalitis shot if you plan to camp, hike, or spend an extended amount of time in the wilderness. You don’t need a yellow fever vaccine to get into the country, but you do need one (and proof that you’ve been vaccinated) if you’re traveling from a country where a yellow fever outbreak is present. Visit your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip to China for all the required shots.
China has different water quality standards than the United States. Opt for bottled water or use an iodine tablet if you plan to use water from a faucet. Most hotels that accommodate foreign travelers are well-prepared for this, and equip each room with a water-boiler. Use only safe, clean water when brushing your teeth and rinsing.
Mexico: The serious swine flu epidemic has sadly affected many lives around the world. As with any major pandemic, it’s best to stay tuned to the U.S. Department of State’s Web site and experts at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) rather than listen to hasty rumors. As of April 27th, 2009, the CDC recommends that “U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico.” If you are on an essential flight to Mexico there are tangible ways for you to protect yourself.
According to the CDC, “The recommended antiviral drugs for swine influenza are oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu®) and zanamivir (brand name Relenza®). Both are prescription drugs that fight against swine flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. These drugs can prevent infection if taken as a preventative.”
In addition to your regular vaccines, make sure to get a Hepatitis A and Typhoid shot before traveling to Mexico. While Malaria is a concern in some parts of Mexico, no signs of malaria exist along the Mexico-U.S. border, or along the resorts on either the Pacific or Gulf coasts. If you do start to experience fever, chills, sweats, nausea, or vomiting, see a doctor immediately.
Mexico is another country where you need to watch your water consumption. “Buy carbonated water (aqua con gas) in remote places and avoid ice cubes,” says Craig Zabransky, Cheapflights.com South America travel expert. “You know the water is fresh if it has bubbles.”
Africa: A land of wild safaris, barren deserts, and matchless tropical havens, Africa is a paradise for nature and animal lovers. Lush with rainforests and vast with wildlife, the entire continent lures people from all over the globe to discover its complex personality. While preparations to visit Africa are hefty, the journey is well worth it.
In addition to your routine vaccinations, see your doctor 6-8 weeks before you plan to travel and ask for Hepatitis A, yellow fever, typhoid, meningococcal, and polio vaccinations, depending on which country in Africa you plan to visit. It’s a long list, but it’s worth playing the part of a pin cushion to ensure your health.
Pack anti-malaria drugs from the United States before you leave. Atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine are the strongest and most common ways to reduce the risk, but it’s best to consult your doctor before making any purchase.
In many countries in Africa, even tourist-friendly destinations like Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania, the HIV/AIDS virus is highly concentrated. Having direct contact with blood or other infectious secretions could put you in harm’s way. To keep yourself as safe as possible, you can limit your risk in two simple ways: by avoiding sexual contact and by refusing any form of drug use.
Brazil: Carnival may only be five days a year, but festivals never seem to end in Brazil. Despite the party-fever that each traveler catches upon arrival, yellow fever has also made an uninvited appearance. Rio Grande do Sul and Sao Paolo have noted a few cases of the illness near the borders. The Brazilian Ministry of Health has recommended, but not mandated, that travelers arm themselves with vaccinations.
A Hepatitis A vaccine is necessary, in addition to routine shots, and rabies and typhoid are suggested if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors during your Brazil trip.
Australia: If you plan on spending time in the Australian outback, add the Japanese encephalitis and rabies vaccinations to your routine shots at least 4-6 weeks before you travel to Australia. Although insects are tiny, they can cause big problems if you don’t defend yourself. Bring insect repellent with 30 -50 percent DEET, or Picaridin with either 7- or 15 percent concentration to ward off any pesky strands of the Ross River Virus. Wearing long, loose clothing will help protect you, too.
According to the CDC, cases of the Pertussis (more commonly known as the “Whooping Cough”) have been reported in Australia. Highly contagious, the coughing and sneezing respiratory infection is most common with children and identifiable by the cough’s “whooping” sound. Pertussis is also spreadable in adults, in the form of a severe, unrelenting cough. To prepare yourself against the irritating cough, the CDC says, “Two combination vaccines give protection against pertussis: DTaP (acellular pertussis vaccine in combination with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids) and Tdap (tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine).”
General Health Tips for Travel:
No matter where you travel, it’s good to remember a few basic rules to staying healthy while traveling:
– Treat minor injuries with additional care. Address a simple cut or open wound quickly by washing with antibacterial soap, and using an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. Cover it with a Band-Aid to shield it from any other bacteria.
– Wash your hands as often as possible, particularly before meals, after being on public transportation, and after using the restroom. It’s a good idea to keep antibacterial gel with you for extra precaution in crowded public places.
– Opt for reputable (or even imported) bottled water if you get the chance, and carry iodine tablets for emergencies. As a general rule: the colder water, the slower the purification so let the tablet dissolve and saturate for 30 minutes before drinking, to be safe. Boiling water for at least one minute will also eliminate bacteria. Prepare for the worst and travel with an over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medicine, or by simply asking your doctor for a general antibiotic before you travel.
– Make sure any meat you eat is fully cooked.
– Be aware of the location’s pasteurization standards, and steer toward hot cheese (i.e. pizza) rather than cold. A good rule of thumb: if it’s supposed to be cold, make sure it’s cold; if it’s supposed to be hot, make sure it’s hot. Bacteria settle more quickly in lukewarm products.
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Bug bites can add unnecessary annoyance to a peaceful day. Wear loose clothing that covers your arms and legs, and purchase insect repellent with 30 percent-50 percent DEET, picaridin (KBR 3023), and Oil of Lemon, if possible. Always follow the instructions on the bottle.
Finally, don’t run yourself down before the trip. If you’re run-down, chances are greater you’ll catch something while you travel. Plan ahead and make a check-list of all the required items you need before your trip. Consult the CDC and U.S. Department of State Web sites before you go and most importantly, have fun.
© Cheapflights Ltd Andrea Mooney
