vaccines|travel CHECKING OUT When travel fever hits a trip to your GP may be your first stop. Western Europe, North America, Canada, Australia and New Zeland present very little threat to our health but if you are venturing to other destination it’s important to ensure that you have up-to-date vaccinations or booster shots. MMR, diphtheria-tetanus pertussis, varicella vaccine, polio vaccine and the flu shot are designed to aid in the prevention of and fight against these illness. You don’t want an overseas illness be the most exotic part of your trip!
EXTRA CARRY ON If your destination has very basic or poor sanitation, take extra precautions and ensure you the necessary vaccines. The most common of these include hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines which are aimed at reducing the risk of illness caused by contiminated food or water. So at least you can indulge in the local cuisine without risk of serious infection.
NEEDLE PAINS You may experience some mild side effects following your vaccinations, these can include soreness, redness or swelling in injection site, fatigue, headaches, muscle or joint pain, fever, chills, nausea and diarrhoea. These symptoms are of no concern once they are mild and last only 2-3 days. If you experience a severe reaction to your travel vaccines such as a high fever, behavioural changes, trouble breathing or a strained/increased heart rate, contact your doctor immediately.
THINK AHEAD Most travel vaccines have a long lifespan but they do need time to spread throughout the body and build maximum protection. Ideally you should schedule to hve your vaccines six weeks before you’re due to travel - contact your GP in advance as they may need to order them. If you’re travelling at short notice then four weeks is considered sufficient by most doctors. If you aren’t travelling for an extended period of time you can receive your vaccinations up to two weeks before you leave the country.
TRAVEL GUIDE Give your doctor full details of your itinerary as it can affect the type of vaccines you’ll need. Let them know if you’ll be
A Dose ofTRAVEL Avoid the headache that accompanies overseas illness and learn all you need to know about receiving your travel vaccinations.
participating in outdoor activities, swimming in the sea, lakes or rivers and if you’ll be travelling to rural areas where you’re likely to be incontact with a greater range of insects and animals. The length of your stay and modes of transport you’ll use while abroad are also factors for consideration. These details may indicate a more specific range of vaccines than someone staying in a hotel or resort and swimming in the pool.
SELF HELP Most trips will pass without incidence but it’s handy to bring a basic kit. An anti-diahorea medication, rehydration salts and water purificatin tablets are a good idea. Antiseptic and hydrocortisone cream for insect bites and rashes. Antihistamines if you’ve a history of alergies. If you’re planning on an extended stay in a remote region your GP may prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic in case of infection. Before you return home you can donate anyting you don’t use to a local clinic. SUMMER 2016 | ICA HOME & LIVING | 79
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