Helpful tips

The selection of vaccinations for a given trip will depend on the type of vaccinations. The specific health situation of the country to visit, the endemic diseases that affect it and the characteristics of the trip to be undertaken (adventure tourism does not have the same risk as one organized by urban sites. or urbanized rural areas). Also important is the duration of the trip, the previous state of health of the traveler himself, and the time available before the trip. This suggestion of general preventive measures should always be “personalised” by competent health personnel time before departure.

List of suggested vaccinations

Yellow Fever:

Yellow fever is spread by a species of mosquito common in certain areas of Africa and South America. It is advisable to get vaccinated before traveling to certain regions. Moderate cases cause fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Severe cases can cause fatal kidney, liver and heart disorders. There is no specific treatment for the disease, but instead consists of managing the symptoms and limiting complications.

Anger:

Acute bacterial intestinal disease that is transmitted especially by contaminated food and water. Endemic areas are found in Central and South America, Africa and Southeast Asia. Vaccination against cholera has been ruled out as mandatory, and the risk for travelers is very low, with hygienic preventive measures with water and food during the trip being the best suggestion.

Typhoid Fever:

It is another infectious disease produced by the use of contaminated water and/or food. The geographic distribution is almost non-existent in developed countries, but it is common in many parts of Africa, Central and South America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Vaccination is recommended for those travelers who visit places outside the conventional and known tourist circuits and/or precarious hygiene conditions.

Tetanus:

It is a disease caused by a bacterium, universally disseminated that occurs when it enters the body through abrasions or wounds on the skin or mucous membranes, especially in anfractuous wounds , from there The importance of cleaning and disinfection of all injuries such as those mentioned. This vaccine is highly recommended for travelers.

Hepatitis A:

It is an infectious disease, transmitted by the hepatitis A virus, which is transmitted from person to person, by ingesting contaminated food and drink. It has a worldwide distribution, with periodic epidemics and a high incidence in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Mediterranean area and Eastern Europe. The vaccine is prepared with inactivated virus, and travelers under 30 to 35 years of age from low-incidence areas (Western Europe, Canada, the United States, Japan, Australia and New Zealand) are recommended to go to You will travel to highly endemic countries, always assessing the duration of the trip and its hygienic and sanitary conditions.

Hepatitis B:

It is a disease transmitted by the hepatitis B virus, of universal distribution. It is mainly transmitted sexually, blood transfusions with contaminated blood or contaminated material (syringes, tattoos, etc). It is endemic throughout Africa, much of South America, Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, China, and the Pacific Islands, except Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Vaccines made by genetic engineering are currently used. The vaccine is recommended for travelers who are going to stay more than 6 months in endemic areas, or who travel frequently, health workers, intravenous drug addicts and when sexual intercourse is anticipated. with the local population or healthcare may be needed.

Meningococcal Meningitis:

It is an acute infectious disease with worldwide distribution, which usually occurs endemically with seasonal oscillations.
The countries with the highest incidence are in Sub-Saharan Africa, outbreaks have also occurred in Southeast Asia (India, Nepal) and the Middle East. Vaccination is available. It is indicated for travelers over 2 years of age going to endemic or hyperendemic areas of meningitis A or A. C during the dry season (December to June) and that they will be in direct contact with the population. It is mandatory to travel to Saudi Arabia, during the pilgrimage period to Mecca.

Rage:

It is an acute viral disease that is transmitted to humans by direct contact (bite, secretions) with certain species of animals (dogs, cats, foxes, bats, etc. ). It is endemic in many developing countries, becoming a major public health problem in some of them, and others claiming to be exempt from this disease. Taking into account a specific assessment, the real risk of disease, pre-exposure or post-exposure (after contact with a suspicious animal) can be carried out or those who plan to stay in rural areas or special professional activities (zoologists, vets, etc)

Other Vaccines:

There are other vaccines that are only advisable in special cases, in which it is necessary to assess individually, the characteristics and duration of the trip, the sanitary conditions of the country and the nature of the trip. s of destination, the age and clinical situation of the traveler. These can be Japanese encephalitis, pneumococcus, diphtheria, influenza, etc.

Malaria Prevention:

Malaria, or Malaria, is a widespread disease that affects practically all tropical countries. It is transmitted through the bite of the mosquito (Anopheles). Since this disease can be serious, even fatal, it is important to prevent it. In the absence of an effective vaccine, prophylaxis will be based on In the following measures: Be aware of the risk of infection for all travelers who go to malaria areas, know how to protect yourself and consult a doctor in case of fever. The use of appropriate clothing and protection against mosquito bites is the first line of defense against malaria along with the use of an effective repellent on exposed areas of the skin.

(A contribution from Dr. Alberto Imposti)