Visiting a new country soon? Your bags may already be packed and your travel documents all set, but are you ready? I mean are you ready physically? Is your body prepared to fight diseases that you may acquire while traveling? Here we tell you more about traveling smart and one way to do that is by getting vaccinated.
Risks of International Travel
International travel, especially to developing countries and rural areas, may have significantly higher health risks. These risks will also depend on your destination, your activities, your health, and your vaccination history. If you’re healthy as a horse and probably won’t be doing anything stupid, then that’s two less problems. Finally, you can address the last risk by, again, getting vaccinated.
Vaccine Preventable Diseases
Do make sure you are up to date on all recommended vaccinations before traveling abroad. Many of the vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States are rare now but they are still very common in other countries. These include, but are not limited to, polio and measles. Yet there are some diseases that have never reached the United States soil and this should be more reason for you to get vaccines.
Traveling Smart by Planning Ahead
It is wise to plan everything about your trip ahead of time. This definitely rings true with your immunizations too. Just when do you do it though? We recommend seeing your health care professional at least a month before any international travel. You may need this much time to complete a vaccine series. This will also allow your body to produce enough antibodies to protect you once you leave. If you have kids and you’re bringing them along, do make sure to consult with their pediatrician at least three months in advance.
Getting to Know Your Destination
Find out vaccine recommendations and requirements for your travel destination. Research and do more research. What are the endemic diseases present in this country? How is it transmitted? Where should I not go? Knowing all of this is probably the best way to prevent acquiring those diseases if getting vaccinated is not an option.
Leave a Reply