Come vacation time, we're scrambling to get our shopping done, drawing up to-do lists of every variety and racing through the countdown to day one of our holiday with barely-concealed glee. Your mind is full of the things you will do at your holiday destination, the places to see, the food to eat, the walks on the beach...
In this mental pell-mell, what you probably do not even remotely consider is the one important pre-vacation measure: vaccinations.
Preventive measures regarding one's health, say experts, are crucial prior to travelling. Depending on where you are headed, there are health precautions you must take if you hope to enjoy a healthy, happy holiday. For instance, some countries may require that you get vaccinations four to six weeks before departure, which means you need to consult your doctor about what shots to take well in advance. You also need to ensure that your child's regular immunisations are on track. Dr Humam Sami Ali, a senior specialist in internal medicine at Ras Al Khaimah Hospital, elaborates on the importance of vaccinations before going on a vacation: "Unhealthy lifestyles, lower immunity levels and drug resistance are making it much more difficult for nations all over the world to fight off infections. So it is very important to gather complete information on the health situation in your destination country. Prevalent infections and diseases should always be an important consideration in your travel plans."
Dr Jamuna Raghuraman, a paediatrician at Aster Medical Centre Plus in Dubai offers further input. "One should be particularly careful when travelling to countries where arthropod-borne illnesses are prevalent. The same applies when travelling to countries that report high local incidences of gastro-intestinal infectious such as typhoid, malaria and dengue. A few illnesses - such as tick-bite fever - are also specific to certain countries. That is why every country has its own set of recommendations. It's imperative to refer to these recommendations prior to travelling."
The most common traveller's diseases include (but are not limited to) water-borne diseases like cholera, food-related disorders, traveller's diarrhoea, Hepatitis A and B, typhoid and the common cold. You're at greater risk of contracting an illness if you're travelling during summer. Says Dr Ali, "Keep in mind the prevalence of gastro-intestinal infections like viral gastro enteritis or typhoid; severe forms of sun stroke; infections like yellow fever, meningitis, viral haemorrhagic fever, malaria and encephalitis; nasal bleeds; severe forms of dehydration; photosensitivity; worsening of previous illness especially skin disorders; complication of illness like hypertension, diabetes, immuno-suppression due to a dehydrated state; Thromboembolism; and superficial skin infections."
According to Dr Raghuraman, "Children should have completed their routine vaccinations as well as the additional optional vaccinations (chicken pox, typhoid, meningococcal, and seasonal flu). They should also receive yellow fever vaccine (for all children older than nine months). Prophylaxis tablets for malaria are prescribed based on age. They are usually taken two weeks before travelling and will continue up to four weeks after you have returned."
There could be a few side-effects due to vaccines, but "vaccinations are time-tested and if used appropriately will produce minimum side-effects," says Dr Raghuraman. "Minor effects include pain in the injected area, fever and malaise. Major effects include severe allergic reactions and can even manifest as an illness if live vaccines are administered to people with immune-deficiencies."
Dr Ali continues: "Expectant mothers and women planning to have a baby should, without fail, consult their doctors regarding impending travel-related vaccinations. The vaccines usually deemed safe for pregnant women are influenza and tetanus. The list of vaccines which require caution is longer and includes vaccines for oral polio, measles, mumps, rubella, typhoid, varicella and yellow fever."
According to international health regulations, vaccinations against yellow fever when travelling in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America are a must.
"A seasonal flu vaccination is also advised," says Dr Raghuraman.
Taking routine vaccinations for protection from globally common diseases may be a good idea. Examples include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, an MMR vaccination, and shots to prevent chickenpox, typhoid and zoster.
The most common diseases that are likely to affect travellers are usually related to infections and will relate to the epidemic(s) common to the region.
Make sure that you plan your vaccinations in advance, Dr Ali advises. In the case of typhoid, you can receive a vaccination any time before travel, since it provides immunity for up to three years.
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are administered over a six-month period, so it is a good idea to get the shots well in advance of your anticipated travel date.
In the case of yellow fever, the vaccine takes at least seven to ten days to become active, so it is advisable to plan the vaccination in sync with your travel plans.
Japanese B encephalitis' vaccine consists of two shots administered within a period of 28 days. Full immunity takes at least a month to build up. Therefore, the vaccination schedule should be finished at least 10 days prior to your travel date. For meningitis, the vaccine should be administered a minimum of ten days before you fly.
But vaccinations alone, though very effective, are not the cure-all for travellers. Practising hygiene is crucial to prevent infections. Another very important health precaution when going on a holiday is to carry a first-aid kit.
Dr Raghuraman's advice: "Make sure your medical kit includes oral rehydration salts, pain killers, antipyretic (to reduce temperature), an emetic (to prevent nausea), glucose and all your routine prescription medications.
"Pack cotton wool, disinfectant and bandages. Also, take along anti-allergic drugs, laxatives, antibiotics (for traveller's diarrhoea), antacids, analgesics, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, sunscreen and moisturisers," he says.
Depending on the region, you might also need to take along water purification tablets or filters.Share your travel itinerary with your doctor before leaving. Do your research and notify him of the current climate and weather conditions there.
Also, keep your medical history updated. Check official portals online or contact the consulate; they will be able to provide you with updated information relating to current health issues and will flag areas of concern.
You can also read travel forums on the internet which will provide travellers' commentary on diseases, prevention and treatment. But again, cross check these with official medical sources.
When you have returned from your trip, you must update your doctor regarding any illnesses that you might have had during your trip. Inform him about any medication you might have taken while away. It is imperative not to hide any details from your doctor.
When travelling...
- Drink at least ten glasses of filtered or mineral water every day.
- Avoid having ice cubes in beverages if you are not certain they are frozen from mineral water.
- Never eat food from roadside vendors.
- If you are prone to allergies, carefully check the contents/ingredients of the food before consuming.
- Ensure all your food is properly cooked.
- Avoid drinking milk unless it is boiled.
- Never eat cut fruits sold from wayside stalls.
- Have a good breakfast with fresh juice and fruits.
- Carry along enough water and food if you are exploring rural areas.
- Wash hands well before eating any food.
- Wash fruit well before eating it.
- Never accept food from strangers.
- Avoid overeating - especially junk food.
- Do not eat unlabelled food products.
