Traveling to China? Follow these top 10 travel tips to stay healthy on your trip

May 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Top 10 Travel Tips for China:
  1. Visit a travel health specialist
  2. Get a pre-travel physical exam
  3. Check the weather
  4. Break the language barrier
  5. Verify China’s Entry & Exit Requirements and ensure your passport is current
  6. Get vaccinated
  7. Locate all U.S. Embassy Locations
  8. Pack smart
  9. Be aware of travel notices
  10. Get the most out of your trip by planning activities

According to the Lonely Planet China Travel Guide, “China is home to one of the world’s oldest and most remarkable civilizations. You’ll need a well-made pair of travelling shoes and a strong stomach for long-distance wayfaring.” Of course, those aren’t the only items you’ll need for an enjoyable trip to China.

A successful trip to this destination includes a good deal of preparation. Follow the below top 10 travel tips for China to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime!

1. Visit a travel health specialist.
Before embarking on your journey, it is important you meet with a Travel Medicine Specialist. From vaccinations and medications, to packing list essentials, to entry and exit requirement, your Travel Health Specialist will advise you of common pitfalls and help you steer clear of them.

2. Get a pre-travel physical exam.
A pre-travel physical can help you address potential problems before they occur. Your physician will make you aware of your current health status and inform you of any precautions you may need to take prior to travelling.

3. Check the weather.
China is a big place, to say the least. Tune in to the weather reports for the regions you plan to visit so you can pack accordingly.

4. Break the language barrier.
As with travel to any international destination, your experience will be enhanced if you make some effort to speak the local language. Carrying a phrase book, or learning a few well-chosen words can go a long way towards immersing yourself in the culture and will ingratiate you with the locals.

5. Make sure your passport is current and verify China’s Entry & Exit Requirements.
Long before you plan to depart, it is wise to obtain your passport and double check all of the travel requirements so that there are no last minute surprises. This is especially true if you are going to be entering China from a country other than the United States.

6. Get all shots & vaccinations.
Obtain all necessary shots and vaccinations prior to travelling. This may include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Polio, and Yellow Fever.

7. Make certain you know where all of the U.S. Embassy Locations are.
The US embassy can be a key resource should any problems arise abroad. Embassy personnel are there to help American citizens, so be certain you know where the embassy locations are in China.

8. Make sure you packed everything.
Your packing list should include not just clothing but also key travel supplies. You are likely to need mosquito repellent, sunscreen, plug adaptors, and a water purification kit. Purchase these items and take them with you on your trip.

9. Look for Travel Notices in Effect.
Visit the CDC website, and check for any travel advisories or restrictions. This is especially important with regards to disease outbreaks. If there are any regions that have become dangerous due to health or political factors, the CDC will advise of the notifications, and your Travel Health Specialist will make you aware of these issues as well.

10. Plan your itinerary.
It’s impossible to take in all that a country as large and diverse as China has to offer in one vacation. To get the most out of your trip, do plenty of advance planning. Bring your itinerary with you to your visit with a Travel Health Specialist so he/she can make detailed recommendations tailored to your specific plans.

China is a fascinating vacation destination that is certain to be a trip of a lifetime. The country boasts a perfect blend of history and modernization, delicious cuisine, architectural sites, stunning landscapes, and a distinct culture. Don’t let a lack of planning ruin your trip; prepare well, and travel even better!


 
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . (2013). Health Information for Travelers to China. Retrieved from http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/china.htm

Harper, D., & Low, S. (2013). Lonely planet China travel guide (13th ed.). Lonely Planet.

McCrohan, D. (2013). 5 top tips for China first-timers. Retrieved from http://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/travel-tips-and-articles/76639

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May is Hepatitis Awareness Month

May 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Key Takeaways:
  • Both Hepatitis A and B can be prevented with a hepatitis vaccine.
  • The word “hepatitis” means inflammation of the liver.
  • Infection with viral hepatitis can turn into a lifelong chronic disease.
  • Many people with chronic hepatitis are not aware of their infection.

Hepatitis is most often caused by viral infections. However it can also be caused by heavy alcohol use, medications, and some medical conditions. Infection with viral hepatitis can turn into a lifelong chronic disease, and it increases the risk of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. As such, viral hepatitis is a concern not to be taken lightly. May is Hepatitis Awareness Month, and this is an opportune time to evaluate whether you need your Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccine or a titer test for these diseases.

What Is Hepatitis?

The word “hepatitis” means inflammation of the liver. For travelers, hepatitis that results from viral infections are the most relevant forms of the disease. There are many forms of viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, E and G. Hepatitis C is the most common blood-borne infection in the United States, with nearly 4 million chronic infections. There is no vaccine to protect against hepatitis C. However, both hepatitis A and B can be prevented with a hepatitis vaccine.

Hepatitis A is typically spread through contaminated food and water, such as food prepared by an ill restaurant worker. Hepatitis B is spread through blood, such as during childbirth or from blood transfusions. This chronic disease is endemic in parts of the world, including much of Asia and Africa. Hepatitis B can become a chronic, lifelong infection, yet many people with chronic hepatitis are not aware of their infection. Startlingly, about 15,000 Americans die each year of liver cancer caused by viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis Vaccines

Thanks to the hepatitis A vaccination that has been widely available for the past 20 years, rates of infection have significantly decreased. According to the CDC, the hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children age 1 and older as well as adults at an increased risk of infection, including restaurant, childcare, and health care workers as well as travelers to certain parts of the world. The hepatitis A vaccination requires two shots.

The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for infants, with the first shot to be given immediately after birth, as well as older children and adolescents who have not been previously vaccinated. The second shot is typically given one month later, and the third shot is given six months after the first. Adults who are at an increased risk of infection, such as health care workers, childcare workers and travelers are also typically advised to get the Hepatitis B vaccination series.

Getting vaccinated against hepatitis A can prevent serious illness. Vaccination for hepatitis B reduces the lifetime risk of liver damage and liver cancer. What are you waiting for? Have you been vaccinated against Hepatitis?

May 19 Is Hepatitis Testing Day

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has designated May 19, 2013, as National Hepatitis Testing Day. Each year, this day serves as a reminder for people at risk to be tested. Anyone at risk of infection should contact the nearest Passport Health clinic to get a titer test to check for immunity to hepatitis A, B, and C. If you’re not immune, schedule an appointment to receive the hepatitis A and B vaccinations.

Hepatitis A, B and C are serious diseases. Fortunately, you can protect yourself against infection and the subsequent complications of chronic liver disease. The team at Passport Health is here to provide you with hepatitis testing, education, and vaccinations year-round, but especially during Hepatitis Awareness Month!

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Top 10 Health Tips for Travel to Africa

May 13, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Top Ten Health Tips for Travel to Africa:
  1. Get the Proper Travel Vaccines
  2. Bring Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications
  3. Malaria Awareness
  4. Wear Sunscreen
  5. Avoid Water Borne Illness
  6. HIV and AIDS Awareness
  7. Protect Your Feet
  8. Protect Your Safety
  9. Be Prepared for Jet Lag
  10. Pack a First Aid Kit

There are countless things to remember when planning a trip to Africa; don’t forget to plan for good health as well. Follow these Top Ten health tips to ensure your trip to Africa is memorable in nothing but the best ways.

1. Get the Proper Travel Vaccines
You may well need travel immunizations for your trip to Africa. Diseases that are uncommon in the United States, such as yellow fever, are endemic in much of the African continent. A visit with a travel health specialist will ensure you are up-to-date on all recommended and required vaccines.

2. Bring Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications
Access to pharmaceuticals, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, is much different in Africa than in the United States. Be sure to pack a sufficient amount of your medications in your carry-on bag. Keep a written list of your medications as well as your physician and home pharmacy’s contact information with you.

3. Malaria Awareness
Your travel health specialist may prescribe anti-malarial medication for you to bring on your trip. It is of utmost importance that you take the medication as recommended. Bring a mosquito net if your travels will have you staying in open-air accommodations. Use insect repellents, and pack pants and long sleeved pajamas to further protect yourself from insect bites.

4. Sunscreen
Africa’s equatorial location means intense exposure to the sun. Without adequate protection, you could experience painful sunburn. Bring plenty of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.

5. Water Borne Illness
The safety of the water supply in Africa is different from what you may be used to at home. Intestinal infections are a common result of drinking contaminated water or eating foods that have been exposed to contaminated water. Be sure to drink only bottled, distilled, or treated water during your travels. Pack anti-diarrheal medication as well as oral rehydration packets should you develop an intestinal illness.

6. HIV and AIDS
HIV and AIDS are serious public health concerns in many Africa countries. Be smart, and avoid risky activities.

7. Protect Your Feet
Bring sandals to wear in the shower to protect yourself from fungal infections and parasitic infections. A pair of inexpensive flip flops will do the job. If you are planning on hiking and trekking, pack comfortable, sturdy walking shoes so sore feet do not cut your explorations short.

8. Protect Your Safety
Scams and pickpockets are not uncommon experiences in Africa. Take steps to protect yourself from credit card fraud and theft. Take care with how much cash you carry on your person at any time. If staying in a hotel, leave valuables in the hotel safe, or, better yet, do not bring them at all. Keep a low profile so as to not attract an undue amount of attention to yourself. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid unsavory parts of cities, and travel with a companion whenever possible.

9. Be Prepared for Jet Lag
After hours on the plane and arriving to a different time zone, you are likely to experience jet lag. Leave time in your travel schedule to allow your body to rest and adjust to your new surroundings.

10. Pack a First Aid Kit
Bring first aid essentials that may not be available in your destination such as a digital thermometer, latex gloves, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, hydrocortisone, lip balm, tweezers, and iodine wipes or alcohol swabs. You will be prepared for any situation!

For more Africa-specific travel tips and news, please visit the Africa Travel Association’s website, and be sure to sign up for their newsletter! Passport Health is proud to be the digital marketing partner of choice for the ATA.

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Video Destination Advice – View It, Follow It!

May 9, 2013 By 2 Comments

Are you planning a trip abroad? If you are headed to one of the 9 countries listed below, don’t leave the US without watching our Destination Advice videos. Get the best travel ideas, up-to-date travel health tips, and vaccination recommendations to have a fun and healthy trip abroad.

Brazil
China
Ghana 		Kenya
Peru
South Africa 		Tanzania
Thailand
Vietnam

1. Brazil.

Don’t head to the famous beaches of Rio de Janiero without first taking these travel health precautions!

 
 

2. China.

Planning an excursion to see the Great Wall in person? Watch this video for tips to protect your health!

 
 

3. Ghana.

Ready to be charmed by Ghana’s welcoming villages and awed by the country’s stunning beaches? Make sure you have gotten your malaria medication so an illness does not ruin your trip!

 
 

4. Kenya.

Are you a nature lover who can’t wait to see wildlife up close and personal in Kenya’s many game parks? Make sure you first get the vaccines you need so an illness does not ruin your trip.

 
 

5. Peru.

Planning a trip to Machu Picchu? Did you get your Hepatitis A vaccine? Learn about this and other recommended travel vaccines for Peru.

 
 

6. South Africa.

Is a safari on your travel itinerary? Have you gotten your Yellow Fever shot? Learn about this and other travel health issues you should consider before heading to South Africa.

 
 

7. Tanzania.

Are you planning to summit Mount Kilimanjaro? Do you have the proper trekking gear? What about mosquito nets and repellents? Learn about how else you can prepare.

 
 

8. Thailand.

Planning a culinary tour of Thailand? Make sure you have the proper eating and drinking strategies in place as well as the vaccinations you need so your culinary tourism does not take a toll on your stomach.

 
 

9. Vietnam.

Ready to take in the tranquil countryside? Did you get a Japanese Encephalitis shot to protect yourself from this mosquito-borne disease? Educate yourself on destination-specific health concerns!

 
 
For even more travel health tips that are tailored to your health history and itinerary be sure to schedule an appointment with a Travel Medicine Specialist. Make the most out of your time abroad!

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Traveling abroad with children? Here are 5 tips to ensure youngsters stay well.

May 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment
5 tips for keeping children healthy when traveling abroad:
  1. Pack more than you think you will need
  2. Follow safe infant and child feeding guidelines
  3. Prevent Stomach Troubles
  4. Bring Medications
  5. Get Travel Vaccinations

An overseas vacation with children gives your youngsters an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives. Travel opens children up to new cultures, new opportunities for learning, and expands their horizons, both literally and figuratively. However, the pre-travel process is complicated, even for adults, and kids add additional planning and packing considerations. Make sure you don’t neglect these five tips to help ensure your youngsters stay well and the trip is enjoyed by all.

1. Packing Tips
If your children are still in diapers, bring more than what you think you will need since supplies might not be readily available at your destination. Bring supplies to treat common childhood ailments such as headaches, tummy aches, and runny or stuffy noses. Be sure to pack sunscreen and mosquito repellant. A basic first aid kit will allow you to treat small bumps, bruises and cuts that your child might experience. Stock the kit with bandages, antibiotic ointment, a thermometer, children’s pain reliever, tweezers, and a small pair of scissors. Bring along hygiene supplies, like baby wipes and hand sanitizer, to minimize the spread of disease. Bring along a pacifier for the baby to suck on during the plane flight to help equalize the pressure in his or her ears during take-off and landing.

2. Safe Infant and Child Feeding
If your infant is still on formula, bring ready-to-eat formula, so you are prepared in case water standards may be questionable in your destination. Be sure to obtain a supply of bottled water or a water purification kit for drinking, rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables, and for tooth brushing or other personal hygiene uses. Supervise children with activities such as hand washing.

3. Prevent Stomach Troubles
Children can become nervous when traveling, and their dietary habits may change as well, both of which can lead to tummy troubles. Bring along some remedies for common stomach troubles. Anti-diarrheal medication and a stool softener will help treat common belly problems and help children to generally be more comfortable during the trip. Bring oral rehydration solution packets in case your child becomes dehydrated due to vomiting or traveler’s diarrhea.

4. Bring Medications
If your child takes any prescription medications, pack them in your carry-on luggage. Also, bring a copy of your child’s prescriptions, including the contact information of your pharmacy and pediatrician. Pharmacies are not always readily available abroad, and the quality may not be what you are used to in the United States.

5. Get Travel Vaccinations
In addition to the routine childhood immunizations that your child has received from his/her pediatrician, your child should have a travel health consultation with a travel health specialist before a trip abroad. Travel health specialists have the most up to date health alerts and information on travel immunizations needed to prevent illnesses common at your destination. Your child might need travel vaccinations such as typhoid fever, yellow fever, or other shots that are not on the routine childhood vaccination schedule. Some vaccinations, such as those for Hepatitis, must be given in a series over time, so plan to have the travel health consultation several months in advance of your trip.

Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/air-travel-with-infant/HQ00197
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2012/chapter-7-international-travel-infants-children/traveling-safely-with-infants-and-children.htm

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Want to learn how to be a welcomed traveler anywhere? Follow these tips regardless of your destination.

May 2, 2013 By 2 Comments
Top 5 Tips for being a welcomed traveler in any place:
  1. Find out if your destination is open to American tourists and visitors.
  2. Always be aware of your surroundings.
  3. Try to blend in – familiarize yourself with the local customs and culture.
  4. Be Prepared – pack your basic necessities.
  5. Prepare your health – vaccinate before you go.

When traveling abroad, part of the excitement is experiencing diverse cultures and customs. Being a culturally aware traveler can help you to get the most out of your trip so you don’t inadvertently cause offense and spark an embarrassing incident overseas. Be aware that your actions, reactions, and behaviors can impact your travel experience. Taking the below steps will help you be a welcomed traveler, no matter what your destination might be.
 
 
1. Determine whether the country you are visiting is open to American tourists and visitors.
Being aware of this information before arriving at your destination will help you prepare for your trip. In general, according to a recent report from the World Economic Forum, these countries are the least welcoming to travelers from the US: Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Venezuela and Bolivia in South America, and Mauritania and Chad in Africa. On the other hand, the most welcoming countries to US tourists are: Canada, Portugal, Ireland, Thailand, the Philippines, Brazil, Australia, and Mali and Morocco in Africa.

2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Take some time to research your travel destination. Being aware of the unsavory parts of the town in which you are staying could help you avoid unwelcome experiences such as falling victim to a scam or a run in with a group of thieves. Stick with a guide who knows his or her way around. Travel in groups or at least with one other person whenever possible. When exploring, bring maps, and inform others of your itinerary and estimated time of return. If you are in need of assistance, ask a local police officer or a shop keeper for directions.

3. Try to Blend In
Learn the customs of your intended destination before setting foot in the country. Take care to dress similarly to how the natives dress, especially in countries where culture or religion dictates modesty. Do not flash valuables around. Address others respectfully when communicating with natives. Taking simple steps like learning how to greet and thank natives in their own language is likely to go far in making you a more welcomed guest.

4. Be Prepared
Pack well for your trip. By having everything with you that you might need during your travels, you can avoid rushing to a local pharmacy in a frustrated huff for your basic necessities. If you wear prescription glasses or contacts, bring an extra pair. Bring enough of your prescription medications as well as the contact information of your travel health specialist. Pack a basic first aid supply kit. Be sure to include mosquito repellant or insect repellant, sunscreen, a water purification kit, over the counter medications such as antihistamines, anti-diarrheals, pain relievers, and oral rehydration solution.

5. Take Care of Your Health
When traveling abroad, do your best to ensure your good health for the duration of your trip. This begins with a visit to a travel health specialist and for your travel health consultation. By getting necessary travel vaccines, you can safeguard yourself against many infectious illnesses that may be common at your destination. No one is in a good mood or ready to make a good impression when sick, and travel immunizations go far in helping you to avoid being in need of medical care and being a burden on your host country.

Sources:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/survival-guide.htm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/03/21/a-fascinating-map-of-countries-color-coded-by-their-openness-to-foreigners/

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CDC Study Debunks Vaccine-Autism Link

April 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Key Takeaways:
  • Autism is a developmental disorder that is present at birth, and symptoms develop during the early childhood years.
  • Exposure to multiple vaccines on the same day had no link to the development of autism disorders.
  • No link found between vaccination history and the development of regressive autism.
  • CDC, WHO, and the Institute of Medicine have all debunked any link between childhood vaccinations and the development of autism.

Autism is a developmental disorder that is present at birth, and symptoms develop during the early childhood years. Over the years, many parents have voiced concerns that autism results from early childhood vaccinations, especially when several vaccinations are administered at once.

In recent years, the incidence of autism diagnoses has risen dramatically, from about one in every 200 children in the 1990s to one in 88 children today. As a result, concern about the causes of this condition has increased as well, and much undue blame has fallen on vaccinations. However, a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Immunization Safety Office has again debunked the link between multiple vaccinations and the development of autism.

Why Do Some People Believe Autism Is Linked to Vaccination?

In the 1990s, as autism diagnoses in young children steadily increased, parents and some medical professionals began to raise concerns about pediatric vaccinations. Specifically, people were highly concerned about thimerosal, a preservative commonly included in childhood vaccinations. Much of the hype surrounding the link between preservatives, vaccinations, and autism can be traced to a 1998 study published by a British scientist avowing a link between vaccines and autism. However, the study was later proven to be erroneous, unscientific, and largely a fraud. Unfortunately though, once the article was published, the damage was done, and the belief in the vaccine-autism link became widespread. Even today, up to one-third of parents still adhere to the erroneous belief that vaccines and autism are linked, and ten percent of parents do not follow the recommended vaccination schedule for their children.

Notably, due to health concerns, thimerosal was removed from nearly all vaccines in 2001. It is now only present in one type of influenza vaccine, and there are thimerosal-free alternatives that individuals may choose. After thimerosal was removed from childhood vaccines, the incidence of autism has continued to rise, making this supposed causal claim even more dubious.

Debunking of the Vaccine – Autism Link

Because some parents have chosen to either not vaccinate their children at all or to not follow the recommended CDC childhood vaccination schedule, the CDC Immunization Safety Office conducted a study that compared the vaccination history of children with autism spectrum disorder with children without. The central idea behind the study was if receiving multiple vaccines on the same date raises the risk of autism, then children who received more vaccines early in life or on a single day should show a higher risk of autism.

The sample population was 1008 children, 256 of whom had a diagnosis placing them on the autism spectrum, and 752 of these children were not on the autism spectrum. The researchers used the vaccination records of the children to determine the amount of antigens to which the children had been exposed. Then, the children were subdivided into groups based on the amount of antigen received from birth to three months, birth to seven months, and birth to two years old.

After analyzing the data, CDC scientists determined that the amount of antigens received over any of the time periods was not linked to the child’s risk of developing autism. Exposure to multiple vaccines on the same day also had no link to the development of autism disorders. Finally, the researchers looked at vaccination history and whether the child developed regressive autism, and, again, no link was found. The study data and results were published in the April 1, 2013, issue of the Journal Pediatrics.

Even though the CDC, the World Health Organization, and the Institute of Medicine have all debunked any link between childhood vaccinations and the development of autism, there is still much work to be done to fully convince the public of the safety and efficacy of routine childhood vaccinations. Share this article to help inoculate against false claims!

Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism/
http://singularityhub.com/2013/04/04/multiple-vaccinations-on-same-day-does-not-raise-autism-risk/?utm_source=Singularity+Hub+Daily+Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2ab352da7f-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism/ds00348

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Celebrate World Malaria Day 2013! Learn more about malaria prevention.

April 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Key Takeaways:
  • Malaria is a potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease .
  • Malaria is a global problem affecting nearly 100 countries.
  • Once bitten by a malaria-infected mosquito, it can take between 7 to 30 days before the first symptoms appear.
  • If traveling to regions where malaria is prevalent, be sure to discuss your trip with a Travel Medicine Specialist prior to departure.

World Malaria Day is today, April 25th, and, globally, many people will participate in a range of activities to celebrate the progress made by the global development community in combating malaria. Indeed, there is much to celebrate as investments in malaria prevention have yielded remarkable results over the past several years. Nonetheless, significant work remains to be done, and one of the goals of this day is to further raise awareness of this deadly disease.

Malaria deaths in Africa have been reduced by one third during the last decade. In addition, 35 out of 53 other countries affected by malaria have reduced their cases by 50 percent in this same time frame. In further good news, child mortality rates have decreased by about 20 percent.

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease carried by the Anopheles mosquito. An estimated 216 million cases of malaria occurred around the world in 2010, and 655,000 people perished. 91 percent of these deaths occurred in Africa.

Malaria symptoms vary widely, and after a person has been bitten by an infected mosquito, there is an incubation period that can last from seven to 30 days before the first symptoms appear. While some people have few or mild symptoms, others may become severely ill, and even die. The most common symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, and headaches.

A mild case of malaria can have a duration of less than a day and will have symptoms that are consistent with the flu; this tends to begin with chills and shivers and ends with sweating as the body temperature returns to normal. Severe cases of malaria, however, can result in organ failure and severely abnormal metabolism and blood values. The brain can be affected, causing impairment of the consciousness, seizures, comas, and other neurological irregularities. Severe anemia is not uncommon. Another very serious issue can be acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Even after recovering from an episode of this illness, patients may have additional attacks.

Travelers to regions in which malaria is endemic are usually counseled to take anti-malarial drugs and take proper mosquito precautions. However, it is still possible to contract the disease, and it is possible that symptoms do not appear for a significant amount of time after exposure. Therefore, should you feel ill after a trip abroad, be sure to seek out healthcare as soon as possible and tell you doctor about your trip itinerary

What has been done to combat malaria?

Malaria is a global problem affecting nearly 100 countries, and it is particularly prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa and India. However, this disease is preventable and treatable. Indeed, malaria used to be prevalent in Europe and the U.S., but aggressive prevention measures and treatment eliminated the disease in 1951. Over the past decade, one third of developing nations have seen a 50 percent decline in cases and deaths due to timely diagnosis and treatment. Anti-malarial drugs, spraying homes with safe insecticides, and the use of insecticide-treated bed nets for night protection are largely responsible for this decline.

Funding for malaria has increased almost six-fold in the past 10 years. The Gates Foundation has played a significant role here, and there has been significant coordination between donor governments, NGOs, and other international actors. However, much work remains to be done in combatting this significant global public health threat.

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Learn more about Meningitis on World Meningitis Day 2013

April 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Key Takeaways:
  • Meningitis can affect anyone, anywhere in the world.
  • More than 1.7 million people are infected annually with meningitis.
  • Bacterial Meningitis is most common and can be vaccine preventable.
  • If you are traveling to a part of the world with high rates of meningitis infection, be sure to get vaccinated before your trip.

Today, April 24th, is world Meningitis Day. Continue reading to learn more and raise awareness about this disease.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, which are the membranes that line the spinal cord and brain. This serious health condition can result from a viral, fungal, or bacterial infection. Other less common causes of meningitis include allergic reactions to drugs, chemical irritation, parasites, and tumors. Fortunately, there are vaccines that can prevent some forms of this illness and reduce the lasting impact that the condition has on the person who contracts it.

What Is World Meningitis Day 2013?

World Meningitis Day 2013 is an awareness event that marks the fifth anniversary of the campaign to educate people about this serious health condition and to provide support for those who have suffered from it or currently have the condition. This day is marked on April 24, 2013, and it will focus on the incredible impact that immunizations have on reducing the incidence of this disease. Because meningitis can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time, this issue is a global one that deserves attention.

Facts About Meningitis

Each year, more than 1.7 million people are sickened with meningitis. This number, however, could be greatly reduced by increasing the proportion of people who get a vaccine for the condition. Of the forms of meningitis, the bacterial variety is the most common and is very severe. Even when meningitis is promptly diagnosed and treated in an ideal health care setting, up to 10 percent of patients die and up to 20 percent are permanently disabled by the disease. Fifty percent of people infected with bacterial meningitis are children aged 5 and younger, and, every year, more than 170,000 people around the world die from bacterial meningitis infection. Notably, this statistic does not just apply to the developing world; in first world countries, bacterial meningitis is one of the top 10 causes of death among children aged 14 and younger.

Symptoms of Meningitis

The early symptoms of meningitis resemble those of a bad cold or flu. These symptoms include:

  • Fever and chills
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Severe headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Changes in mental state
  • Agitation and irritability
  • Drowsiness and fatigue
  • Poor feeding in babies
  • Rapid breathing and fast pulse
  • Unusual posture, with head and neck arched backwards

Only a healthcare professional can determine what type of meningitis a person has. A physical exam and laboratory tests are needed to make a definitive diagnosis of the condition. Physicians can treat bacterial meningitis with antibiotics. Supportive care such as intravenous fluids, pain relievers, and medication to reduce swelling and seizures might also be prescribed for the patient. Even with prompt treatment, complications are possible. Potential complications of meningitis include hearing loss, fluid on the brain, seizures, and brain damage. However, early treatment of meningitis is the key to minimizing potential complications and increasing the chances of a full return to good health.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Meningitis

Although meningitis can be a life-threatening condition, there are ways to prevent against the bacterial form of the disease. Vaccinations are available for some strains of bacteria that cause the illness. Haemophilus vaccine, or the HiB vaccine, is one vaccination that infants and children routinely receive, and it prevents one form of the disease. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is another routine childhood vaccination and prevents another strain of bacteria that can cause meningitis. The meningococcal vaccination is a third type of vaccination that covers teenagers and adults who are planning international trips or living in group conditions such as a dormitory where bacterial meningitis can easily be spread to others.

When traveling internationally, a visit to a travel health specialist for a travel health consultation and examination can determine whether the meningococcal vaccination is a recommended vaccine for you. Based on your planned itinerary and health history, your travel health specialist will make meningitis and other vaccine recommendations specifically tailored to your needs.

Sources:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000680.htm
http://comoonline.org/news-and-events/world-meningitis-day/

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What can you do to help America’s health disadvantage?

April 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Everyone knows: the US has a health problem.  The interesting question, however, is why?  Why do we spend so much on healthcare yet live shorter lives with higher incidence of disease than our counterparts in other high income countries?  This infographic spells it out.

So, what can you, as an individual, do about our health crisis?  Better choices are one place to start: exercise, nutrition, and preventative care go far.

What can employers and organizations do about this situation?  Investments in employee health, including employee wellness programs, annual physical exams, and education have a significant ROI.

Do your part in working to end America’s Health Disadvantage.


America's Health Disadvantage
Source: America’s Health Disadvantage

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