Minimise health risks associated with travel by getting relevant vaccinations prior to the trip, writes Nadia Badarudin
TRAVEL broadens your mind and widens your horizon, especially if you have a chance to explore a foreign land. However, on top of all the excitement and anticipation of new experiences, either for business or pleasure, you should remember that travelling can put your health at risk.
Jet lag, being stressed out due to the interrupted routine or lack of rest, as well as exposure to environmental toxins or sick people, can have you down with illness. And falling sick while travelling is an inconvenience, especially when you are abroad. Can you imagine lying in a hospital bed in a land where everything is alien to you? (where to get help, the procedures, and the bills!)
Having a strong immune system is important to fend off diseases. And when it comes to travelling overseas, the key lies in staying healthy and taking the necessary health precautions — such as vaccinations — before you leave home.
PRE-TRAVEL MEASURES
Occupational health physician Datuk Dr V. Alagendran says health risks associated with travel are greater for some people — infants and young children, pregnant women, the elderly, the disabled and those who have existing health issues.
However, many health hazards can be minimised or avoided completely with proper measures taken prior to travelling.
“Getting sick or involved in an accident are the experiences that we can all do without during travel.Pre-travel preparation is key to avoiding emergencies at any cost,” he adds.
Travellers are advised to seek medical advice two months before flying off. For those going to work or live overseas, they need to seek advice six months before departure, says Dr Alagendran.
“For those leaving at short notice, it is never too late to seek advice,” he adds.
TYPES OF VACCINATIONS
Dr Alagendran says the types of vaccinations for travellers vary according to individual needs, destination and the activities involved. In general, all travellers have to ensure that their childhood vaccinations for tetanus or diphteria are up-to-date.
“They should also check and ensure immunity to measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox,” he adds.
“Age also determines the types of vaccines that should be taken for the trip. For instance, travellers over 65 years old are recommended to take flu and pneumonia vaccines, while children under 5 years old should take the HIB (haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccine,” he adds.
DESTINATION
Destination-wise, it is always advisable to get vaccinated for hepatitis A before visiting developing countries and get protection from tuberculosis (TB) prior to a trip to poor countries.
Travellers to Sub-Saharan Africa need the meningitis vaccine, while a polio booster may be necessary when travelling to countries where polio still occurs, such as India, Pakistan and Nigeria.
“Sometimes it depends on which part of the country you visit. For example, you need yellow fever vaccine if you are going to the Amazon basin in Brazil,” says Dr Alagendran.
WHAT TO TAKE
The purpose of travelling as well as the activities involved while being away also determine the vaccines needed to strengthen the body’s immunisation system.
• Typhoid vaccine: For those who may eat food from markets or street stalls.
• Hepatitis B vaccine: For those who anticipate contact with blood products (i.e. healthcare workers).
• Rabies vaccine: For those who might have contact with animals, especially dogs.
• Influenza vaccine: For those going on cruises or bus tours.
In conclusion, Dr Alagendran says: “Always be alert and informed. Even if nothing is compulsory for your trip, a basic medical kit can be useful no matter where you go.”