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Travel Health: Take a Shot
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Keeping bugs at bay helps to ensure an enjoyable vacation
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BY HANNAH WALLACE
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Contagious diseases are still endemic in some places, and food and water are more likely to be contaminated there. When in doubt, follow the “Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it” rule. And at least a month before your trip, see a travel-medicine specialist to be sure you’re up-to-date with routine vaccines (polio, tetanus, flu) and to find out which shots or medications you’ll need. (The International Society of Travel Medicine lists doctors at istm.org.) We asked Lin H. Chen, M.D., director of the Travel Medicine Center at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, MA, which illnesses travelers should be most aware of.
YELLOW FEVER
Infection with this mosquito-spread virus is usually mild but can cause liver and multiple organ failure.
HABITAT: Sub-Saharan Africa, Panama and South America.
VACCINE: Not recommended for pregnant women, babies under nine months or people with compromised immune systems.
WHEN TO TAKE: At least 10 days before your trip.
IMMUNITY: 10 years
HEPATITIS A
Often transmitted by contaminated food and water, Hep A isn’t life threatening but can cause acute liver disease.
HABITAT: Anywhere food workers don’t wash their hands. Most prevalent in Africa, South America and South Asia.
VACCINE: Havrix or Vaqta; immunoglobulin for babies under 12 months.
WHEN TO TAKE: Ideally, at least two weeks before you leave.
IMMUNITY: More than one year. For long-term protection, doctors recommend a booster shot six months after the first.
TYPHOID
A life-threatening illness caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacterium, generally spread via the fecal-oral route.
HABITAT: Anywhere in the developing world, particularly South Asia.
VACCINE: Either an injection or four capsules made of the live attenuated bacteria.
WHEN TO TAKE: At least one week before your trip.
IMMUNITY: The injection is good for two years, the oral vaccine for five.
MALARIA
Sometimes fatal, it’s spread by mosquitoes.
HABITAT: Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, parts of Oceania. Can occur in more developed countries; check the CDC’s malaria table for info.
PROPHYLACTIC: Malarone, a combination of two antiparasitic medications; several other drugs.
WHEN TO TAKE: Start one to two days before departure, then every day you’re there and for seven days after your trip.
IMMUNITY: Malarone works only when you’re taking it.
Consult your physician before taking any medication or being vaccinated. Use all medications as directed.
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Published: Spring 2012
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Illustration: Kirsten Ulve
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