Travelling to far off lands is a treat for the adventurous amongst us. Many people come to NYC as their destination of choice. But for those of us that live here, we prefer a more exotic locale. With these locales come different situations and dangers. The world is still full of dangerous diseases that need to be protected from. Typhoid is one such disease, and if you are planning a trip overseas to anywhere in the developing world, a vaccination is an important tool in safeguarding your good health. In the past ten years or so, Americans travelling to Africa, Latin America, and Asia have found themselves to be especially at risk.
NYC has its own dangers to be sure, but we are not speaking of catching food poisoning at a hotdog cart or getting mugged for your ipod as you jog through Central park at two in the morning. What we are speaking of is a deadly disease that affects over 400 Americans a year and over twenty million others from less-developed countries. Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi and is easily caught through infected food and water. A typhoid vaccination can keep a person from becoming infected.
How is it Spread?
Typhoid is a rather ugly disease anyway you look at it. The bacteria is alive and well in the feces of the infected. Therefore, anyone who handles food—but does not wash their hands thoroughly before doing so—can potentially infect another person. If typhoid gets into a region’s water supply it will multiply there and become the source of much sickness and disease. Once the bacterium is ingested, only heavy antibiotics can control its spread. It makes much more sense to receive a vaccination before potential exposure to it.
How to Avoid Typhoid Fever?
There are just two ways to avoid becoming infected with this terrible disease. The first is to avoid eating or drinking any risky food or water. And the second is, to receive a typhoid Vaccination in NYC before you jet off. In NYC, any certified travel clinic will be able to administer the proper vaccination to keep you safe during your journey.
If overseas—and in potentially hazardous area—it is possible to destroy a water-based typhoid infection by boiling the liquid for a full minute before consuming it. (Helpful hint: Let the water cool down before drinking it J.)
Avoid all ice cubes, as they are made from the general water source and might be infected.
Only eat raw fruits and vegetables that can be peeled completely, therefore removing the potentially infected rind.
Drink only bottled water.
Never eat food from a street vendor. If it is possible to catch food poisoning in NYC where our water is thoroughly treated, clean and scrumptious –just imagine what is possible in an area with typhoid in their water source.
Remember to receive a vaccination for typhoid and/or any other disease your travel doctor recommends. He/she will carefully look over your travel itinerary and point out any potentially dangerous areas on your trip.
For those of us in NYC in need of travel vaccination log onto Travel Clinic NYC for the best treatment available. Travel Clinic is located just two blocks from Grand Central Station making it easily accessible by bus or subway. Call 1-212-696-5900 today and make an appointment to see a certified travel doctor.
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