Thursday, May 12, 2011

Breaking Free of NYC Travel and The Travel Clinic

What could be better than to leave the stone confines of NYC and jet off to exotic surroundings? Before you do, make sure to visit a travel clinic to protect yourself from any illness lurking in the far-off jungles. Living in NYC is a treat in itself, but especially for us—used to concrete and metal—relaxing amid flora and fauna goes a long way to relieve stress. Take Africa for instance, a long trip experiencing wild animals in their natural habitat (and we’re not talking about the “D” train!) could be a life changing experience.

The continent is brimming with countries that offer safari packages. South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia and Madonna’s favorite Malawi, are just a few. Obviously, an African vacation is a bit different than hitting Pebble Beach for a round of golf. One must prepare in a way that is very different from other vacations. Visiting a travel clinic before you leave NYC is a great way to start.

There are many things that a travel clinic will prepare you for, but the most important will be protection from indigenous diseases. In Africa, the one to worry about is yellow fever. In fact, many countries in Africa will not even allow you to enter without first presenting them with a certificate stating that you have received the yellow fever vaccination.

200,000 people will become infected with yellow fever this year alone. While on vacation, getting diarrhea is bad enough, the last thing you want to do is catch a potentially fatal disease. According to the World Health Organization, yellow fever is still rampant globally and causes over 30,000 deaths a year. In their literature they state, “Vaccination is highly recommended as a preventative measure…”

The virus that causes yellow fever is carried by mosquitoes and can cause chills, high fever, vomiting, headaches, kidney and liver problems, and in extreme cases even death. There is a no cure for yellow fever so the best bet when traveling to danger zones is being vaccinated.

It is only a certified travel clinic that can administer this vaccination properly and legally. The test is quite simple and is administered via one single inoculation. A yellow fever immunization lasts ten years and a booster is recommended after that time. According to the World Health Organization the vaccine should never be given to infants under the age of six months. In many cases the vaccination should be held off until the child is one year old.

Exemptions include pregnant women and individuals who are allergic to eggs (since the vaccine is prepared in embryonic eggs). Persons with weakened immune systems are also exempt. This includes people who currently suffer from leukemia, lymphoma or HIV/AIDS.

Everyone else should have the vaccination administered at least ten days before traveling. If you currently reside in the NYC area and are in need of a certified travel clinic for a yellow fever shot, or any other reason, log onto Travel Clinic NYC website. There you will find a dedicated, caring staff ready to make your trip the best one possible. Call 1-212-696-5900 to make an appointment today.

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