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Viewing Travel Health Information for Travel to Developing CountriesTravel Health Information for Travel to Developing Countries
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Are you considering travel to a developing country like India? This article contains information about vaccinations, anti-malarial medications, and travel health advice - for journeying to foreign countries that may pose health risks. By Allen from Airawat Tours Pvt. Ltd. The following information must be viewed as a guide only. It is not intended, nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Specific recommendations on vaccinations, anti-malarial medications, and targeted travel health advice are always provided on an individual basis taking into account: • the personal health of the traveler, including past medical and vaccination history; • intended activities; • precise itinerary; • style of travel; • type of accommodation; • time of year; • altitude; • length of stay. As well, some vaccines, e.g. rabies and tuberculosis, are influenced by local disease risk. Specific face-to-face advice is particularly important when recommending ant malarial medications and those for presumptive treatment. e.g., for travelers' diarrhea. We strongly recommend that travelers seek an appointment with a doctor trained in travel health prior to travel to India. Major Travel Health Issues and Considerations for India Disease • Hepatitis A: This is a viral disease of the liver transmitted through contaminated food or drinking water. It is the most common vaccine-preventable disease that occurs in travelers to less developed areas of the world. Immunization is strongly recommended for travel to India. • Hepatitis B: This is a viral disease of the liver that is transmitted via blood, blood products, or bodily fluids. It is vaccine-preventable. Hepatitis B immunization is now part of the childhood immunization schedule. Many adult travelers have missed this very important immunization and travel may be a good reason for vaccination. The vaccine is currently provided to all children as part of our childhood immunization program. • Typhoid: Typhoid fever is caused by a bacterium in contaminated food and water. It is endemic in the developing world, and vaccination is recommended for travelers to areas where environmental sanitation and personal hygiene may be poor. The adventurous eater venturing 'off the beaten' path should certainly consider vaccination. • Tetanus and Diphtheria: Tetanus is caused by a toxin released by a common dust or soil bacteria, which enters the body through a wound. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection of the throat and occasionally of the skin. It is found worldwide and is transmitted from person-to-person by coughing and sneezing. Diphtheria vaccine is usually added to the tetanus vaccine. Because many adults no longer have immunity from childhood immunization, it is advised that travelers to less developed countries have a tetanus and diphtheria booster. While the current recommendation is for an update at 50 yrs of age in Australia, Travel Doctor believes that all travelers to less developed areas should be current within the last 10 years, making any booster in the event of injury unnecessary. • Measles, Mumps and Rubella: Childhood immunization coverage in many developing countries is not very good. As such, travelers whose birth date is after 1966 should ensure that they have had two doses of measles vaccine. Since 1990, this may have been via the combination vaccine MMR (measles, mumps and rubella). Those born prior to 1966 are most likely to have long-term immunity from previous exposure as a child. • Chickenpox: This very common infectious disease can now be prevented through immunization. Many people miss the disease in childhood only to have a significant illness as an adult. Travel puts one at higher exposure, and if one has not had the illness, a test can show whether at risk. • Poliomyelitis: All travelers to developing countries should be up to date with vaccination against polio. Poliomyelitis is a viral infection that can lead to paralysis and sometimes death. Transmission is by fecal contamination of food, usually by unhygienic food handlers or flies, or directly from infected nasal secretions. Although most Australian's and New Zealanders will have been immunized in childhood, it is important to note that efficacy wanes after 10 years, and a booster dose is recommended if traveling to a country where the disease is still found, such as India. • Malaria: Malaria is transmitted by a night biting mosquito. The decision to use or not use anti-malarial drugs should be made after consultation with a travel health specialist, taking into consideration the relative malaria risk of areas on the traveler's itinerary, as well as potential side effects and cost of available drugs. Insect avoidance measures should be followed throughout the trip. Upon return, any flu like illnesses should be investigated by a travel health specialist. • Meningitis: Meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane overlaying the brain. It can be caused by bacteria, a virus, or a fungus. Bacterial meningitis is the form of most concern to travelers. It is a serious disease and can rapidly become life threatening. It is transmitted from person-to-person through close contact (i.e. droplet infection - the same way you catch a cold). Vaccination might be considered for those backpacking off the beaten path, in northern India, or those working in health areas where crowded conditions occur. • Japanese Encephalitis (JE): JE is a mosquito-borne viral disease prevalent in rural areas of Asia and Indonesia that can lead to serious brain infection in humans. Risk is usually greatest during the monsoon months. A vaccine is available and is particularly recommended for adults and children over 12 months of age who will be spending a month or more in rice growing areas of countries at risk (or who repeatedly visit such areas). It is also recommended for people traveling to an area where an outbreak is known to be occurring. Insect avoidance should be considered the primary means of defense. • Rabies: Rabies is a deadly viral infection of the brain transmitted to humans. The disease itself is rare in travelers, but the risk increases with extended travel and the likelihood of animal contact. The best way to avoid rabies is to avoid all contact with animals. Dogs are the main carriers. However, monkeys, bats, cats, and other animals may also transmit the disease. More than 25,000 people die from rabies in India each year. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for extended travel and those who work with, or are likely to come into contact with animals. • Cholera: Cholera is a severe, infectious diarrheal disease caused by bacteria. It is common in developing countries and is associated with conditions of poverty and poor sanitation. Cholera causes severe and rapid dehydration. Travelers who follow the rules of eating and drinking safely will minimize their risk. There is also a new oral vaccine available for cholera, which may be recommended under certain circumstances. • Malaria is a risk factor in India. Malaria prevention options should be discussed with a travel medicine specialist prior to departure. • Yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers arriving from or transiting through yellow fever-infected areas, such as Africa or the Americas About the Author: Visit Airawat Tours Pvt. Ltd for more information about travel to India. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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