Because
we live in a country where many of the most serious diseases
are kept under control, it is all too easy to play down the
risks to our own and our family's health when we think of
travelling abroad.
But
there are many countries where we risk catching diseases which
we normally never hear about at home, and against which we
haven't so far needed a vaccination.
Take
a look through this document and you will discover the diseases
that can be prevented by vaccination, and you'll also find
some handy tips to keep you healthy when travelling abroad.
Remember
always contact your family doctor or practice nurse at least
8 weeks before you go abroad and tell them where you are travelling
to. They will then advise you on what protection you need,
if any.
Reduce
the number of vaccinations you need
When
you are travelling to areas where you need to be protected
against more than one infectious disease, it is sometimes
possible for vaccinations against these diseases to be given
in one combined vaccination - reducing the number of jabs
you need. For example in certain regions of the world both
the hepatitis A and typhoid bugs are rife.
Over
two thirds of travellers who are visiting areas of risk for
hepatitis A and typhoid, receive vaccinations against these
diseases. You can now be protected against both of them by
one combined vaccine.
Similarly
you can be protected against both hepatitis A and hepatitis
B with a combined vaccine that gives you protection for 10
years against hepatitis A and for 5 years against hepatitis
B. Your doctor's surgery will advise you of the vaccinations
you need according to your travel plans.
Diseases
Preventable by Vaccination
It's
important to discuss your travel plans with your doctor or
practice nurse at least 8 weeks before you're due to go. That
way they can work out a vaccination schedule that ensures
you are safe from any of these diseases:
HEPATITIS
A
The
hepatitis A bug is found in infected food and water. Cleaning
your teeth in water containing the bug, swallowing ice cubes
made from it and eating salads washed in it can put you at
risk. However there are vaccines that give good protection
against hepatitis A.
HEPATITIS
B
We
tend to think of hepatitis B as a disease passed on through
sexual activity. Indeed, certain people are at risk because
of their lifestyle. But this is not the only way that the
hepatitis B bug can be caught. An accident, or even dental
problems, needing emergency treatment could put you at risk
of hepatitis B, if infected blood or infected instruments
are used in surgery.
TYPHOID
If
you are travelling to countries where standards of hygiene
are poor, then you should seek protection. Typhoid enters
the body through bugs from infected food and water. Food may
be contaminated by someone handling it who carries the disease,
by flies or by water used in washing it. Shellfish raised
in polluted water and fresh vegetables grown in soil fertilised
with untreated sewage are also a danger to health. In fact,
there are many ways the food you eat could put you at risk.
TETANUS
When
was your last tetanus jab? Tetanus is found all over the world,
so your tetanus jabs should be kept up to date. If you're
unsure whether or not you are protected, you should contact
your doctor's surgery.
POLIO
Although
you have most probably been vaccinated against polio, if you
travel abroad regularly, remember …you need a booster
every 10 years.
MENINGITIS
Meningitis
has often been in the news lately. However, you can protect
yourself and your family against one of the serious forms
from which you may be at risk, if you are travelling to Africa,
the Middle East and some parts of Asia.
DIPHTHERIA
Diphtheria
is a serious infectious disease, which is still a risk in
certain parts of the world, including Russia and the Ukraine.
A low-dose diphtheria (plus tetanus) vaccine can now be given
which provides good protection.
YELLOW
FEVER
Some
countries will not let you enter unless you have a yellow
fever vaccination. Best check with your doctor's surgery.
RABIES
Rabies
is a deadly disease found in most countries other than the
UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand and a few other countries.
So, if you are intending to travel in country areas of places
where rabies is common, especially if a good way from medical
help, you should seriously consider vaccination before you
go.