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Traveler’s diarrhea (TD) and food safety have been a major focus of this blog. Enter the term traveler’s diarrhea in the blog’s search blog and you will learn practical steps on how to prevent the disease and to treat it should it occur. You will also learn that this author – a physician who specializes in digestive diseases – was hit with TD on the last day of a trip to Central America last year.

Traveler’s Diarrhea Hits Home

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The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported recently that nearly 40 folks around the country contracted salmonella, a germ that is often responsible for traveler’s diarrhea abroad. This domestic outbreak was not caused by poor hygiene in a restaurant or in a food warehouse. The culprit here were cute little baby ducks and chicks who were contaminated with salmonella and transmitted the germ to Ohio food handlers. These folks were completely unaware that they were carrying the germ. Soon, salmonella infection would spread to 15 states. Health experts understand that the goal is to prevent outbreaks, rather than respond to them after they occur.

Is There A Travel Vaccine for Salmonella?

Not yet.  For now, the key to prevent salmonella is to maintain excellent personal hygiene and to make careful food and beverage choices.  

Is Salmonella Serious?

Salmonella can be a very serious illness which can result in dehydration and other medical complications. In the recent outbreak, several people were hospitalized. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.  Mt Health Hatcheries, the source of the outbreak, points out on its web site that baby chicks should be considered farm animals and not pets.

Before you travel abroad, speak with a Travel Clinics of America travel expert to learn how you can avoid salmonella and other diseases.

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Preparation is the key to a successful trip, especially when taking one abroad. There are plenty of things to take into consideration to ensure your trip goes accordingly. Many first time travelers book their trip and then aren’t sure what their next step should be. This is a great reason why working with one of the top Baltimore travel clinics is so helpful.

Travel clinics in Baltimore such as Travel Clinics of America will guide you through the preparation process. They will not only make sure you are medically prepared, but also that you are mentally prepared too. Below is a list of some of the areas that Travel Clinics in Baltimore will be able to help you.

Getting your Passport – Without a passport, you unfortunately aren’t going anywhere. Getting or renewing a passport can take anywhere from 4 weeks or two months. It is very important to get this finished as soon as you know you will be travelling out of the country. Baltimore travel clinics can tell you how to get this accomplished.

Starting the Vaccination Process – We are very fortunate in America because we do not have to deal with dangerous diseases on a daily basis. That’s not the case for many countries around the world. Travel Clinics of America in Baltimore will be able to tell you which vaccines you will need based on your medical history and your destination. Vaccines are one of the most important things to stay on top of when preparing for a trip. The last thing you want it to get sick in another country.

Packing the Right Supplies – Not all diseases and viruses have vaccines. Some diseases, such as malaria, need to be prevented by using techniques and supplies. Travel clinics in Baltimore will be able to tell you exactly what supplies to take and when and how to use it. Some of these supplies you should pack would be high SPF sunscreen, water purification pills, antibiotics, insect repellent with DEET, and international plug adapters. There are plenty more supplies that you may need to, so call Travel Clinics of America in Baltimore and make an appointment.

Be sure that you are fully prepared to take your trip out of the country. Visit a Baltimore travel clinic to help guide you along the way.

It is still very important to fully prepare for a trip even if you are just going south to Mexico and/or the Caribbean. Some people may think that because they are not crossing the ocean there are no real threats. The fact of the matter is that there are diseases, parasites, and viruses you must prepare for. By visiting a Baltimore travel clinic, you can prepare for your trip to Mexico and drastically decrease your chances of getting sick or infected.

Typhoid fever is a problem that travelers may face when visiting Mexico. About 75% of the cases of typhoid fever that happen to US citizens happen when travelling internationally. This bacterial infection is spread through contaminated food and beverages and only lives in humans. It is very important to get the typhoid fever vaccination as well as acquire the knowledge about what foods may be health risks. By visiting Baltimore travel clinics, you can accomplish all of this in one trip

Traveler’s diarrhea can ruin any trip. It is extremely contagious and can affect travelers even if they are aboard a cruise ship. This illness consists of several watery stools, abdominal cramps, extreme discomfort, and possibly a fever. Almost 50% of travelers that leave the country will get a case of this disease. You can avoid traveler’s diarrhea by using bottled water, avoiding buffets and salad bars, and not using ice which could have been made from contaminated water. Learn more about traveler’s diarrhea from an appointment at Travel Clinics of America in Baltimore.

Swimming is a very popular activity for travelers who go to the Caribbean or to Mexico. For this reason, it is also important to learn about schistosomiasis. It is a parasitic infection from swimming in contaminated bodies of fresh water. Travel Clinics of America will be able to advise you on what prescriptions you should take if you were to get infected.

Remember, just because you’re not crossing an ocean to another country doesn’t mean you should forget about visiting a travel clinic before you depart. Make an appointment today.

Insects are the cause of diseases spreading across many different countries. Without the proper tools to fight these diseases, many natives of these countries die each year. It is very important to learn about these diseases before you travel. You should know how they are spread, the common symptoms, and most importantly how to prevent them. These questions and more can be answered by Boston travel clinics such as Travel Clinics of America. Below are a few examples.

Malaria
Malaria is a very serious disease. It is responsible for many deaths across the globe. Unfortunately there is no vaccine for malaria, but there are successful ways to prevent it. Malaria is spread through bites from mosquitoes. The areas with the highest risk for malaria are Africa, India, and parts of South America. Malaria can develop just days after a mosquito bite, or it can take weeks or more. Parasites destroy red blood cells which can result in anemia.  Symptoms include fever, nausea, chills, rapid heart rate, and more. To prevent malaria, use insect repellent that contains DEET as well as treat your clothes with permethrin. In addition to helping you with choosing the right supplies, Travel Clinics of America in Boston will be able let you know when the insect population will be at its peak.

Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a disease which is also spread through mosquito bites. Like many other dangerous diseases overseas, it can range from mild cases to much more life threatening. Yellow fever cannot be spread through human interaction. Since yellow fever is a viral disease, it is not treated with medications like antibiotics. Medicine can be taken for the symptoms, but overall it just needs to run its course. The symptoms for yellow fever include nausea, chills, headache, muscle ache, and fatigue. There is a yellow fever vaccine, and some countries even require you to have it before you enter their boarders. Visit Travel Clinics of America in Boston to learn more about yellow fever as well as get vaccinated.

These are only two of the many diseases that bugs and insects, specifically mosquitoes, can carry and spread. Be sure you know about all the diseases you could possibly encounter as well as how to prevent them before your departure. Get that information from one of the top Boston travel clinics, Travel Clinics of America.

Families have been adopting babies from foreign countries more during the last 10 years than ever before. Babies are most commonly adopted from Asia, Eastern Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean. Although adopting a child is a wonderful thing, a lot of preparation needs to be done before it’s time to leave. Since many children and babies are adopted from developing countries, it’s important to visit a doctor from a Boston travel clinic to get prepared.

Vaccinations are extremely important when adopting a baby or child. Since many children in these countries don’t have adequate medical care, they can have diseases like hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or tuberculosis. This can potentially be a danger to your whole family. By visiting one of the knowledgeable Boston travel clinics, like Travel Clinics of America, you can learn about the country you plan to adopt from as well as how to protect your family from potential threats.

Not only can the baby be infected with disease from poor living conditions, you personally must also worry about getting infected or sick during your travels. Any trip to a developing country can be dangerous for people who don’t have experience doing so. Be sure you have the correct supplies to protect yourself from contaminated food and water, bug bites, and extreme sunlight. Simple items to take could be things like:

  • High SPF sunscreen
  • Bug repellent with DEET
  • Water purification pills
  • An international cell phone

Make sure to also check you insurance information in case there is an accident. Medical evacuation can be very expensive if your insurance doesn’t cover it. Also, know where you can go to find reputable hospitals and English speaking doctors. Boston travel clinics can help you plot out these things in the region you are travelling to.

Adopting a baby or a child should be one of the happiest moments for your family. One way to ensure this is to visit Travel Clinics of America in Boston before you leave. Get the proper supplies, the right vaccines, and the correct knowledge, and your family should have a wonderful time picking up the new family member.

Every year, an event occurs in the Middle East that affects millions of people of faith throughout the world.  The Hajj, the holy pilgrimage to Mecca, draws Muslims to Mecca, Saudi Arabia from the four corners of the globe  This ritual is one of Islam’s holiest acts and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam that every Muslim is obligated to perform, if physically able. 

There is no firm date for the Hajj as there are for American holidays as Islamic holidays are determined by the lunar calendar.  This year the Hajj is expected to occur between November 4-9, 2011.

Muslims traveling to Mecca to express their faith need protection against many diseases and health threats.  Contagious diseases can spread rapidly through the enormous crowds that will be present during the Hajj week.  Common sense and travel vaccinations can reduce your risk of becoming ill.

Every Muslim bound for Mecca this year should consult with a travel doctor several weeks before departure. 

Which Vaccines Do I Need?

Meningitis Vaccine: Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world that requires international travelers to receive the bacterial meningitis vaccine against life threatening meningococcal meningitis infection. Even though the vaccine will protect you, the requirement is to protect the Saudi public. Documentation of vaccination is required.

Yellow Fever Vaccine: If you will be arriving in Saudi Arabia from a country at risk of yellow fever, then you must present an up-to-date yellow fever vaccination certificate.  Make sure that your travel doctor is certified to administer this vaccine.

Polio Vaccine: If you are traveling from an area where poliomyelitis is a risk, then you should receive a dose of polio vaccine beforehand.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine:  Travelers should receive influenza vaccine, commonly referred to as a ‘flu shot’ before departure.

In addition to these important travel vaccinations, your travel doctor will advise you on how to make safe food and beverage choices, which medications to take with you and a host of special travel safety tips to stay safe and healthy.

The Hajj draws the faithful from all over the world.  At Travel Clinics of America, we want your spiritual journey to be a safe one.

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Travelling abroad can be a wonderful, rewarding experience. It can also be very physically stressful, especially to those who have a chronic illness. These illnesses shouldn’t stop people from living their lives, but they need to be analyzed and taken into consideration when planning a trip out of the country. One of the best ways to weigh your options would be to make an appointment to one of the best Chicago travel clinics, Travel Clinics of America.

Chronic illnesses can range from diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, pulmonary disease, gastrointestinal disease, and more. If you have a chronic illness, the illness should be stable if you are planning on taking an abroad trip. Leaving the country and your primary doctor can be dangerous if your chronic illness is unstable and unpredictable.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that people suffering from chronic illness should seek consultation at least 4-6 weeks before departure of their trip. This would be the optimal time to visit Chicago travel clinics. Not only can a Chicago travel clinic help with consultation on chronic illness, but they can also get you vaccinated, give you in depth knowledge on the area you are travelling, and give you recommendations on the right supplies to take on your trip.

One thing to remember when travelling abroad with a chronic illness is to pack enough medication to last longer than your trip’s duration. Also, pack this medication in your carry-on bag in its original packaging. Be sure to take into consideration the time zones too. You must take medication based on elapsed time and not the time of day.

When visiting a top Chicago travel clinic like Travel Clinics of America, be sure to get a physician’s note on official stationary outlining the medications that need to be taken (names and dosages), any existing medical conditions, and any equipment that needs to be used on the trip.

Travelling abroad is not out of the question for those who have a chronic illness. As long as your situation is analyzed and approved by a professional from an organization like Travel Clinics of America in Chicago, chronic illness shouldn’t keep you grounded in the states.

Travel clinics can recommend a variety of prescriptions depending on your situation, your health, and your destination. These prescriptions can help protect you as well as help make your trip as enjoyable as possible. Below are some of the most popular prescriptions that travel clinics can give their patients and why a traveler would want to take them.

Disease prevention medications can make the difference between a successful trip and a disastrous one. There is currently is no vaccine for malaria, but there are several medications to help prevent it. They all have unique advantages as well as side effects. This is a major reason why visiting Travel Clinics of America in Chicago can help you prepare. The doctors at TCA can go over these different medications and help you choose the one that is best for you. They can also prescribe medications to take on your trip that will help you treat traveler’s diarrhea. It’s important to be prepared for this because it affects half of all travelers to the developing world.

Motion sickness is a common problem among travelers. Whether you get airsick, carsick, or seasick, there are medications you can take to help you relieve these symptoms. Who wants to get dizzy, experience cold sweats and nausea with possible vomiting while you’re on a trip? Schedule an appointment today with one of the leading Chicago travel clinics and see if you suffer from motion sickness.

Jet lag won’t kill you or make you sick, but it really can affect the quality of your trip. Jet lag is basically an interruption of your body’s internal clock from the change in the time zones. It can affect your sleep pattern and really make you tired. There are medications you can take to help minimize these symptoms, so call and get a consultation with a doctor at Travel Clinics of America.

Trips abroad are expensive and take a lot of planning. Don’t have your trip ruined by something that can be prevented. Make an appointment with Travel Clinics of America to ensure your trip goes as planned.

Even though your regular doctor may know all about you and your medical history, they may not have updated knowledge about vaccines, diseases in different parts of the world, and how to prevent getting sick abroad. These areas can be very specialized, and they can also change frequently. By visiting one of the top Cleveland travel clinics, you can be certain that you will have the proper knowledge to take your trip overseas.

The doctors at Travel clinics of America in Cleveland, OH are knowledgeable in many areas. Below are some examples of how they can help you over a traditional doctor.

  • Vaccines – Vaccines are essential when going anywhere abroad. Doctors and professionals at Cleveland travel clinics understand which vaccines you will need depending on the region for the world you are travelling to. They are educated in diseases and bacteria and also tell you how to prevent diseases for which there are no vaccines. Make an appointment with the Travel Clinics of America in Cleveland and get vaccinated before your trip.
  • Knowledge of the World – One big advantage of going to a travel clinic is having the knowledge about where you are going passed along to you. You can learn about what types of foods to avoid so you don’t get sick, which areas are safe to travel to, and which supplies you should take in your luggage. An example of a simple detail that could save you from becoming sick is buying bug repellent with DEET in it to avoid getting malaria. Malaria is spread by mosquitoes and there is no vaccine to prevent it. You must know this and other preventative techniques like this to stay safe.
  • Travel Tips and Prescriptions – Travelling itself can be stressful on the body and mind. Learn the right travel techniques and prescriptions that can help you during the trip. Avoid things like motion sickness and jet lag, and even learn how to travel in special situations like being pregnant or having a chronic illness. Visit Travel Clinics of America in Cleveland to get ready for your trip the correct way.

Your doctor may be able to give you some of this information, but to be sure you know everything about your destination as well as get the right vaccines and supplies, make an appointment with Travel Clinics of America.

August is National Immunization month, a reminder to all of us that vaccinations matter.  We take it for granted that our kids won’t contract smallpox or polio. A few generations ago, however, these diseases struck hard.  Researchers are working hard to develop vaccines against  tuberculosis, malaria and HIV, stubborn diseases that so far have prevailed against our smartest medical researchers.  Scientists are also working every day to develop a vaccine against cancer.

Child Receiving Polio Vaccine

 Do vaccines really work?

Vaccinations are one of the towering achievements of the medical profession.  Millions of lives have been saved.  It is difficult to estimate the number of lives that have been spared since when we prevent one case of Hepatitis A, for example, we also prevent this individual from spreading the virus to others.   Of course, no vaccine is 100% effective, but they are recommended by every major medical professional organization as a critical measure to safely prevent illness.

 Can’t vaccines cause serious side effects?

Fortunately, these are very rare events.  Vaccinations are thoroughly tested before they are released for public use.  Although no medication or vaccination is foolproof, vaccinations have a highly impressive safety record.  While there remains a belief that certain vaccines may cause autism, this has been roundly rejected by medical experts. 

I’m going abroad.  Do I need travel vaccinations?

If you are traveling abroad, you may need special travel vaccinations against diseases like yellow fever, hepatitis, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis and even rabies.  In addition, you may need booster shots of vaccines that you received years ago.   Many travelers discover when they consult with a travel doctor that they are not up-to-date on their routine vaccines, including vaccines against  tetanus, pneumonia and shingles (zoster).  A new study just released reports that many adults are not receiving the routine vaccinations they need.

Can My Regular Doctor Give Travel Vaccinations?

Travel medicine requires special knowledge and training.  Most regular physicians do not administer travel vaccinations to their patients.  We recommend that you consult with trained travel doctors several weeks before departure. 

Although National Immunization Month occurs only one month per year, travelers should be thinking about travel vaccinations every day of the year.

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