William Penn Life, 2000 (35. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2000-10-01 / 10. szám
A prescription _ for a healthy trip abroad For many people international travel is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; for others, it's an annual, or even more frequent, part of their lives. Whether rare or routine, travel to foreign lands can be fun, relaxing, exciting, educational and altogether life-enriching. It can also be dangerous to your health. Experienced globetrotters know what they need to do before, during and after their journeys to ensure their health. But, even they would be wise to review the following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. VACCINES Many diseases which are under control in this country remain common in many destinations. You should receive a series of vaccinations to ensure your good health. You should see your doctor at least four to six weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect. What shots you'll need depends on your destination. But, the CDC recommends several shots no matter where you're headed. All travelers should be vaccinated for: • Hepatitis A; • Hepatitis B, if you might be exposed to blood, have sexual contact with locals, stay longer than six months or be exposed through medical treatment; • Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals; and • Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing countries. The CDC also recommends booster shots, as needed, for tetanus-diphtheria, measles and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults. Much of the advice supplied by the CDC is just plain old common sense. But, in the excitement of preparing for a first trip overseas, or the familiarity of routine travel, it's easy to overlook some basic do's and don't's. THIN- Wash hands often with soap and water.- Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks and ice cubes.- Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it.- If you are going to visit risk areas for malaria, take your malaria prevention medication before, during and after travel, as directed.- Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents, and wearing longsleeved shirts and long pants tucked into boots or socks as a deterrent to ticks.- Keep feet clean and dry and wear shoes to prevent fungal and parasitic infections. Health Links For more information about how to protect yourself against diseases that occur in foreign countries, talk to your doctor, or check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site at: www.cdc.gov/travel- Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. THINGS TO AVOID DON'T eat food purchased from street vendors. DON'T drink beverages with ice. DON'T eat dairy products unless you are certain that they have been pasteurized. DON'T share needles with anyone. DON'T handle animals (especially, monkeys, dogs and cats) to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague). WHAT TO TAKE 1) Long-sleeved shirts and long pants to wear while outside. 2) Insect repellent containing DEET in 30 to 35 percent strength for adults and 6 to 10 percent strength for children. 3) Over-the-counter antidiarrheal medicine. 4) Iodine tablets and water filters to purify water if bottled water is not available. 5) Sunblock and sunglasses. 6) Prescription medications, enough to last your entire trip, and a copy of the prescription(s). Once you return home, you still need to be vigilant for signs you may have brought home more than memories from overseas. If you become ill after your trip-even as long as a year after you retum-tell your doctor where you have traveled. Remember, no matter where you travel abroad, you need to take care and take precautions. |\VPL| William Penn Life, October 2000 5
