Page 45 - Flipbook

take a shot keeping bugs at bay helps to ensure an enjoyable holiday
BY HANNAH WALLACE
Contagious diseases are still endemic in some places, and food and water are more likely to be contaminated there. When in doubt, follow the "Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it" rule. And at least a month before your trip, see a travel-medicine specialist to be sure you're up-to- date with routine vaccines (polio, tetanus, flu) and to
YELLOW FEVER
Infection with this mosquito-spread virus
is usually mild but can cause liver and multiple organ failure.
HABITAT Sub-Saharan Africa, Panama and
South America.
VACCINE Not recommended for pregnant women, babies under nine months or people with compromised immune systems.
WHEN TO TAKE At least 10 days before your trip. IMMUNITY 10 years.
HEPATITIS A
Often transmitted by contaminated food and water, Hep A isn't life threatening but can cause acute liver disease. HABITAT Anywhere food workers don't wash their hands. Most prevalent in Africa, South America and South Asia.
VACCINE Havrix or Vaqta; immunoglobulin for babies under 12 months.
WHEN TO TAKE Ideally,
at least two weeks before you leave.
IMMUNITY More than
one year. For long–term protection, doctors recommend a booster shot six months after the first.
find out which shots or medications you'll need. (The International Society of Travel Medicine lists doctors at istm.org.) We asked Lin H. Chen, M .D., director of the Travel Medicine Center at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, MA, which illnesses travelers should be most aware of. EV
TYPHOID
A life-threatening illness caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacterium, generally spread via the fecal-oral route. HABITAT Anywhere in
the developing world, particularly South Asia. VACCINE Either an injection or four capsules made of the live attenuated bacteria. WHEN TO TAKE At least one week before your trip. IMMUNITY The injection is good for two years, the oral vaccine for five.
MALARIA
Sometimes fatal, it's spread by mosquitos.
HABITAT Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, parts of Oceania. Can occur in more developed countries; check the CDC's malaria table for info. PROPHYLACTIC Malarone,
a combination of two antiparasitic medications; several other drugs.
WHEN TO TAKE Start one
to two days before departure, then every day you're there and for seven days after your trip. IMMUNITY Malarone works only when you're taking it.
* Centres for Disease Control
Consult your doctor before taking any medication or being vaccinated. Use all medications as directed.
ENDLESS VACATION 43
TRAVEL HEALTH