What Do I Need to Know about Traveling while Pregnant?

February 27, 2015 By Leave a Comment
pregnant traveler in airport

 

Everyone loves to travel, but sometimes life events can get in the way. Work, school, and social commitments can make taking a vacation challenging. Family can also make travel challenging, especially for people who are just starting one. Many people believe that traveling is impossible while pregnant, but, by following a few simple tips (and talking with a physician, of course!) it can be just as fun while pregnant as it would be at any other time.

Traveling while pregnant is generally safe unless otherwise indicated by a physician. Before planning a trip during pregnancy, however, talk with your primary care doctors about what you will be doing and whether it is advisable to do so. A doctor may recommend changing travel plans slightly depending on your specific situation.

The second trimester of pregnancy is considered the best time for travel as morning sickness has generally ended and other related early risk factors are reduced. Some airlines do have rules regarding pregnant travel, and these are typically related to having medical approval before traveling during the ninth month.

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Measles Is Affecting the US: See a Timeline of the Outbreak!

February 26, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland - Courtesy of Harshlight on Flickr
The Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. Courtesy of HarshLight on Flickr

 

The current measles outbreak has shed renewed light on the need for vaccination and the danger that diseases pose to the unvaccinated. To understand just how rapidly measles can impact the unvaccinated, here is a timeline of events of the current outbreak, from ‘patient zero’ visiting a California theme park to the most recent updates from the CDC.

Measles Outbreak Timeline Image

Click here to view the interactive version!

For more information about measles and the importance of the measles vaccination, see Passport Health’s newly updated web page on the disease.

Are there any other timelines you would like to see? Let us know in the comments below or on the Passport Health Facebook page!

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The Flu Report: 2/25/15

February 25, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Flu Near You Map - February 25th
Image courtesy of flunearyou.org. Click here to view the interactive map.

 

The number of influenza cases is falling across the nation once again this week. More states are reporting heavily reduced activity, and there is a slowing of influenza spread in Europe and throughout the rest of the world as well.

Overview:

Influenza rates fell again this week to just over 2,000 cases reported in the US, the lowest we have seen since mid-November of 2014. But, there have been two interesting developments that have come with this decline. First, influenza B cases are on the rise. Although there are just a few more cases than previous weeks, the overall percentage of influenza B cases has risen to over 20 percent of specimens tested. Vigilance remains important when it comes to this strain.

Secondly, pneumonia and influenza mortality is still above the epidemic threshold. This rate is lower than it was in 2014 at this same time of the year and is fairly similar to the mortality rate that we saw during the 2012-2013 season by mid-February.

Influenza spread seems to be more localized now, according to Centers for Disease Control data as well as that reported by FluNearYou.org. Nevada is the only state in the West with a high influenza activity rating; Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas are the worst in the Midwest; New York, Massachusetts and West Virginia are the only states with major flu spread still occurring. Hawaii and Puerto Rico are the only non-mainland regions that are experiencing high flu activity.

By the Numbers:

In the United States, the CDC has reported:

  • Flu Cases (Laboratory Confirmed) – 2.381 (13.0% of specimens tested)
    • Influenza A – 1,833 (77.0%)
    • Influenza B – 540 (23.0%)
  • Flu-related Deaths (Percentage) – 8.4% (1.2% above epidemic threshold)

NOTE: Flu cases, as referenced above, are confirmed cases in people who have gone to see medical professionals. Percentage estimates, referenced in the “Overview” section, include these documented cases from medical professionals but also a variety of other self-reported metrics.

Around the World:

While much of Europe is still listed as having severe flu activity according to Google Flu Trends, some countries, like Spain and the Netherlands, are seeing a relative decline in flu activity. Japan is also on the mend as it is now listed as having only moderate activity. That being said, if you plan on traveling to Mexico or eastern Europe over spring break, be sure that you have gotten your flu shot as the regions have retained their high states of flu activity.

Staying Healthy:

Our tip for this week: wash you hands! Just because influenza is on the decline in the U.S. and throughout the world doesn’t mean we can stop being vigilant. Wash your hands before eating or after coming in contact with anything that might be a contaminated surface. Hand sanitizers are a good alternative as well, especially if you are on the go.

For additional information on influenza and what can be done to prevent it, visit FluFree.com which contains a variety of flu related resources. In order to schedule your flu shot, even for the upcoming 2015-2016 flu season, please contact a Passport Health flu professional at 1-888-499-PASS (7277) and we’ll help you get everything arranged.

The Flu Report is a weekly blog post designed to give updates on the spread of influenza throughout the year. It is posted every Wednesday and focuses on regional outbreaks, global spread and ways to avoid infection.
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Which Vaccines Do You Need for a Safari in Namibia?

February 24, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Zebras at Etosha National Park in Namibia
Etosha National Park, Namibia

 

Namibia is a beautiful country on the southwest coast of Africa, and it is a popular safari travel destination. Not only is Namibia a great place for viewing African wildlife up close and personal, but the country also offers countless other outdoor adventure options. If you are planning an outdoor adventure in Namibia, make sure you follow our safari roadmap and health tips for travel to Namibia to get the most out of your time overseas!

The Fish River Canyon, located in Namibia, is the second largest canyon in the world, and this is a very popular tourist destination. The 85 kilometer trail through the canyon is perfect for those up for a challenging, multi-day hike, but the trail is only open from May to about the middle of September due to the extreme temperatures during the rest of the year. Travel plans requiring this level of exertion bring with them additional medical considerations that should be evaluated before departure. Be sure to schedule a travel health consultation with a Passport Health Travel Specialist at least four to six weeks before your departure date to go over your unique travel health strategy.

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Am I Sick with Influenza or Measles?

February 23, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Measles is a potentially deadly disease that spreads rapidly in an unvaccinated population. Especially due to the media attention the disease has garnered recently and the fact that we are still in flu season, you may be wondering whether an illness is influenza, measles, or maybe something else. Although you should always receive a diagnosis from a healthcare professional, the infographic posted below is a quick guide to some of the key differences between measles and influenza.

Is it Measles or Influenza?

Remember that both influenza and measles are preventable through vaccination. Both vaccines have been deemed safe by the Centers for Disease Control and are very effective at stopping the spread of the viruses and lessening their effects should you still get infected.

For more information about influenza, see the Passport Health influenza portal, and, for information on measles, see our measles page.

Any further questions? Comment below, look us up on Facebook, tweet us, or email us, and we’ll see what we can do to help or even help you arrange an appointment with a Passport Health specialist!

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New Requirements for Travel to South Africa: Does This Mean Easier Trips?

February 22, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Cape Town South Africa Panorama
Panoramic View of Cape Town, South Africa

 

Touring Africa may have just become a little easier thanks to a regulation change in South Africa. As of January 31, 2015, people traveling to South Africa from a ‘low-risk yellow fever country’ will no longer require proof of having received a vaccination for the mosquito-borne disease to enter the country.

The decision, based on World Health Organization recommendations, went into effect as soon as it was announced and will affect thousands of travelers every year.

Previous to this decision, if you were traveling to South Africa and had been within a country that has endemic yellow fever for as few as 12 hours, you would have been required to provide a valid yellow fever certificate upon arrival, and this certificate is only obtainable after receiving the yellow fever vaccine.

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Three Stories about the Need to Vaccinate

February 21, 2015 By Leave a Comment
several vaccine vials

 

Measles is, without a doubt, a fairly scary virus. In 2014, there were just under 200,000 measles cases confirmed by the World Health Organization across the world. That number is about 92 percent less than where it was in 1980, when 2.6 million cases were reported. This decline is attributed to one thing: measles vaccination.

The WHO, Centers for Disease Control, and medical organizations all around the world plead with parents asking them to get their children vaccinated to avoid measles and other deadly diseases. However, despite numerous studies showing that vaccines are safe, some individuals claim that vaccination is unsafe and can cause serious side effects. These voices are generally loud, and involve many Hollywood stars who receive significant international attention despite espousing often ill-informed beliefs.

But, there are some famous and well known individuals who have touching and important stories about the safety and importance of vaccines, beliefs backed by literally hundreds of studies proving that vaccines not only work, but have few to no harmful side effects and will save lives.

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What Is the Measles Vaccination Rate in My State?

February 20, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Measles is a potentially deadly disease that is slowly moving across the United States. Over the last month and a half, nearly 150 people have been infected in 17 states. The Centers for Disease Control and other organizations have stated that the best way to avoid the disease is through vaccination with the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine. Below, courtesy of CDC data, is an infographic containing the vaccination rates for all 50 states. See where your state stands in comparison to the CDC goal of 90 percent of the total population being vaccinated!


Click here to access the interactive version!

For more information on measles and how to prevent it, please see the Passport Health MMR web pages.

Were you surprised by your state’s vaccination rate? Why? Tell us below or on the Passport Health Facebook page.

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Lunar New Year: A Top Time to Travel to Asia – Are You Prepared?

February 19, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Ceremonial dragon dance during lunar new year celebrations

 

This week marks the beginning of a fun, festive period of celebration in many Asian countries as they commemorate the Lunar New Year. Vibrant decorations adorn many houses or shops, and the streets are brimming with visitors and well-wishers. Firecrackers, festivals and special events are just some of the ways the beginning of the New Year is celebrated in China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Vietnam, and Tibet. Commonly referred to as the Spring Festival, the Lunar New Year occurs on the second new moon after the winter solstice, falling on February 19th this year.

This important annual event is celebrated for several days, and there are many customs that involve food, gifts, greetings and events. On the eve of the New Year, people prepare by shopping for food, clothes, and decorations. They also spend time thoroughly cleaning their houses. This represents bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new one. Homes are decorated with red lanterns, paintings, and paper cutouts. These are meant to carry best wishes and create a prosperous atmosphere by depicting subjects such as gods, flowers, legends, and popular creatures.

Like many festivals, the New Year has its origins in myths and stories. A popular legend recounts a mythical beast, Nian, who was notorious for eating livestock and crops on the eve of a new year. However, a wise man found out the beast was scared of loud noises and red colors; this started traditions like using fireworks and red symbols.

Asian countries experience a surge in travel during this time of year, as family members who live overseas travel back home to celebrate and share a reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve.

In China, a traditional dinner dish is jiaozi, or dumplings. Another common course is whole fish, whose name, yu, is synonymous with “abundance” or “surplus”. On New Year’s Day and the days following, visits to relatives and family friends are common. When guests are over, it is important to serve food that symbolizes luck, fertility, and prosperity. It is common to make pilgrimages to holy sites, visit pageants and performances, and spend time with family members. Businesses and shops are traditionally closed as families enjoy the many rituals and celebrations the Lunar New Year brings.

The lantern festival marks the end of the New Year, and it takes place on the fifteenth day of festivities. Emphasis is placed on the craftsmanship of lanterns, and inscriptions or wishes are written on them before they are lit and drift away. This video below shows parts of the Hong Kong ceremony in 2014, surely a sight to behold and a great reason to travel to China!

Hong Kong Chinese New Year Hyper-lapse (2014) from David Rusho on Vimeo.

Are you taking part in the festivities surrounding the Lunar New Year? If so, plan ahead for a healthy trip as you take part in one of the most cheerful and colorful celebrations in the Asian world. If you have visited these countries in the past for the Lunar New Year, please tell us about your experience in the comment section below or on the Passport Health Facebook page!

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The Flu Report: 2/18/15

February 18, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Flu Near You Map - February 18th
Image courtesy of flunearyou.org. Click here to view the interactive map.

 

A decline in cases and sporadic reports of influenza could spell the beginning of the end for flu season in the United States. However, flu trends continue to worsen in Europe, making the vaccination crucial for travelers to this region of the globe.

Overview:

Since the last week in December, influenza case rates have been in constant decline, dropping from nearly 13,000 a week to just over 3,000 weekly cases. While many jurisdictions are still reporting widespread activity, some areas are now reporting low to minimal flu presence. Much of the South, a region that was affected heavily at the start of the season, shows minimal to low flu activity. Texas and the surrounding states, however, are listed as moderate to high in flu levels, underscoring the fact that some areas of the US are still fairly heavily impacted by the virus and influenza-like illness.

FluNearYou.org shows only sporadic flu cases throughout the nation, pointing to the potential for flu season to wrap up shortly. The decline in influenza like illness in FluNearYou data is also reflected in CDC statistics, lending further credence to the fact that we could be very close to the end of the influenza season. That being said, it is still immensely important to follow standard anti-flu procedures.

By the Numbers:

In the United States, the CDC has reported:

  • Flu Cases (Laboratory Confirmed) – 3,174 (14.9% of specimens tested)
    • Influenza A – 2,768 (87.2%)
    • Influenza B – 406 (12.8%)
  • Flu-related Deaths (Percentage) – 8.1% (0.9% above epidemic threshold)

NOTE: Flu cases, as referenced above, are confirmed cases in people who have gone to see medical professionals. Percentage estimates, referenced in the “Overview” section, include these documented cases from medical professionals but also a variety of other self-reported metrics.

Around the World:

The decline in influenza activity in North America is starting to become more noticeable, but the spread of influenza in Europe is starting to peak. As of now, only Poland and Bulgaria have a less than high rating of flu activity according to Google Flu Trends. Germany, Sweden, the Ukraine and Romania are listed as high while the rest of Europe and Russia are listed as having intense flu activity. Further east, Japan is now listed as having high activity after being listed as severe for over a month. Whether these numbers will decline as quickly as they have in the U.S. is unknown, but receiving a flu vaccination before traveling to Europe is suggested.

Staying Healthy:

Our tip for this week: start preparing for next year. Pawtucket Pete might have forecasted six more weeks of winter, but it is never too early to start preparing for the next winter and the 2015-2016 flu season. Feel free to call ahead and schedule your flu shot appointment or even arrange an on-site flu clinic for your business. Either way, Passport Health makes getting a flu shot convenient, and this health measure will help you stay healthy throughout 2015 and 2016.

For additional help, contact a Passport Health flu professional at 1-888-499-PASS (7277) and we’ll help you schedule your flu vaccination today. Also, please visit FluFree.com for additional information on the flu and how to minimize its impact on you and your community.

The Flu Report is a weekly blog post designed to give updates on the spread of influenza throughout the year. It is posted every Wednesday and focuses on regional outbreaks, global spread and ways to avoid infection.
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