Why get Vaccinated?

Sickness can strike at any time, especially when you’re traveling. When you introduce your body to new environments, your body becomes acquainted with germs and diseases that it has not yet built resistance to, which leaves your immune system vulnerable to illnesses. Not only does this put you at risk during your travels, but you can also spread traces of your illness to others once you’re back on familiar territory. And disease is one souvenir that’s best left where you found it.
Common Health Risk 1

Hepatitis A


Hepatitis A is an infectious disease that targets your liver. It’s commonly spread through contaminated food and water, but can also be contracted through hand contact or a sexual encounter with an infected person.

In most cases, Hepatitis A does not cause lasting damage to the liver when treated properly and early. However, if left undetected, Hepatitis A can create serious liver disease, prolonged fatigue, and in rare cases, death.

If you are traveling to a developing country, you are at a higher risk for contracting Hepatitis A. The disease can also be found in traditional accommodations in urban areas.

Symptoms:
10%

Fever


15%

Fatigue


25%

Loss of Appetite


30%

Headaches


78%

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

OTHER DISEASES



Avian Influenza

Also known as “bird flu,” Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease spread by birds and can affect both humans and other animals.


Cholera

This intestinal infection is caused by bacteria that can contaminate food and water.

Bedbugs

Despite their name, bedbugs can hide anywhere, including your clothing, luggage, and other items.


Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Though more common in children, this contagious viral disease can also affect adults.


Common Health Risk 2

Hepatitis B


Hepatitis B is a highly contagious viral disease that is contracted through contact with contaminated blood and other bodily fluids. This disease is commonly spread through unprotected sex, blood transfusions, and injecting drugs, though you can also contract it through simple procedures like a body piercing or manicure.

Untreated Hepatitis B can lead to serious liver disease, liver cancer, cirrhosis, and chronic liver infection. All travelers are urged to receive a Hepatitis B vaccination regardless of your destination.

Symptoms:
10%

Fever


78%

Jaundice


56%

Stomach cramps


77%

Diarrhea


35%

Vomiting

OTHER DISEASES



Ebola

This deadly viral disease is easily passed via direct contact with an infected person or animal.


Measles

Highly contagious and found in most parts of the world, measles is preventable through vaccinations.

Malaria

Spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, this disease is potentially fatal for those who contract it.


Meningococcal Disease

Spread through bodily fluids of the nose, mouth and throat, this serious bacterial infection can lead to life-threatening blood infections or brain damage.


Common Health Risk 3

Influenza


Influenza, or commonly called the flu, is spread by contact with infected fluids from the nose and throat. The flu is a seasonal illness that puts travelers in September through April at higher risk for contracting it.

Complications resulting from the flu increase for certain age groups, such as children under 2 years of age, pregnant women in their 2nd or 3rd trimester, or persons with chronic illness. Generally, those who contract the flu are at risk for ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, or even death.

Symptoms:
15%

Cough


10%

Fever


15%

Fatigue


15%

Headache


60%

Muscle aches


30%

General feeling of sickness

OTHER DISEASES



Typhoid Fever

This bacterial infection is most commonly caused by lack of sanitation or poor food handling.


Zika Virus

Most often spread through infected mosquitos in warm, tropical areas, this virus canseverely impact fetal development.

Tuberculosis

Also known as TB, this highly contagious bacterial disease infects roughly 5-10% of the people who breathe in the bacteria.


Tick-borne Encephalitus

Infected ticks can pass on this viral disease, which results in swelling of the brain and spinal cord, paralysis, and confusion.


Common Health Risk 4

AIDS


There is no vaccine to prevent the contraction of AIDS/HIV. More than 150 counties worldwide have established entry limits to foreign travelers seropositive for HIV, which helps to limit your potential exposure. However, you can prevent or limit your exposure to the disease by not engaging in unprotected sexual encounters.

Complications of AIDS/HIV include a weakened immune system that leaves you vulnerable to other diseases, opportunistic infections such as pneumonia, cancer, and death.

Symptoms:
10%

Fever


35%

Rash


40%

Chills


32%

Night Sweats


88%

Extreme Rapid Weight Loss


15%

Fatigue


77%

Sore Throat



It’s Better Late Than Never.

You should take care to include vaccinations as a regular part of your travel planning. Vaccinations typically need 10 to 14 days to begin developing immunity, and some vaccines require boosters to offer the most effectiveness.

However, it’s better to receive your inoculations late than not at all. This way you will still provide your body with some form of defense against foreign diseases. Remember, some diseases like pertussis and measles may be rare in our homeland, but still rampant in other parts of the world. Ensuring you receive the right vaccines at the right time can give you the best chance of coming home as healthy as you departed.




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