When you lack the evolutionary advantage, get the malaria vaccination in NYC

According the Center for Disease Control, each year nearly 1,500 people are diagnosed with malaria in this country, mostly in travelers returning from high risk zones. Every year, millions of people from the United States travel to malaria endemic regions, especially sub-Saharan Africa, and put themselves at risk to the disease. Once infected, individuals can suffer from high fever, headache, anemia, and inflammation of the spleen. Those who develop cerebral malaria, when the disease attacks the brain, commonly suffer from insanity, unconsciousness and, often, death.

Yet people living within developed countries have the privilege of convenient access to anti-malaria drugs and vaccinations. A prospective traveler in the US can substantially lower his or her risk of contracting the disease by visiting a travel clinic and receiving a malaria vaccination that builds immunity against it. Not all countries benefit from these life-saving immunizations. 

It is likely that malaria has killed more people worldwide, especially children, than any other infectious disease. The World Health Organization reports that over 40% of the world’s population lives in malaria zones. Every year 300-500 million people are affected by it, including one million children under the age of 6 that die of it every year. The disease can have devastating effects on individuals and communities badly affected by it, with sometimes severe political and economic ramifications. But do local peoples, with little to no access to anti-malaria vaccinations or travel clinic, have defenses against malaria infection?

An interesting aspect of microevoultion theory is how it explains the existence of certain heritable yet terminal diseases that refuse to be naturally weeded out of human populations. Skeptics of Darwin ponder how evolutionary theory by means of natural selection supports itself in cases like sickle-cell anemia, which creates abnormal hemoglobin that in turn misshapens and injures red blood cells, preventing them from adequately carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Why hasn’t this unfavorable trait been naturally selected out of populations? And which population can benefit from malaria prevention NYC?

One important marvel is how people that are heterozygous for sick cell anemia, meaning they carry one allele of it by mean of their mother or father, actually have strong survival genes against malaria. The explanation is surprisingly simple: The malaria virus attacks the host by invading its red blood cells where it replicates and spreads by infecting other red blood cells. But individuals who are heterozygous for Sickle Cell Anemia do not have enough healthy red blood cells for the virus to infect and grow in, thus inhibiting malaria to grow strong and overtake host. Thus is it an advantage for people living in malaria endemic regions to be heterozygote for Sickle Cell Anemia, granting it as a favorable trait to be passed on to future generations.

And it has, with sickle cell carrier frequencies at almost 40% in some African populations, where malaria has thrived for thousands of years. You’ll see similar statistics in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Indian populations where malaria resides. Microevolution theory gives us a fascinating example of how individuals within these populations have survived malaria environments with the aid of a usually life-threatening disease.

Yet most Americans have not developed this advantage, and need to get a malaria vaccination before entering any of these countries. If you live in or nearby NYC, visit this travel doctor NYC located in Midtown. It sits in between 39^th and 40^th street, just two blocks from the Bryant Park and Grand Central transit locations. The staff will answer all your concerns and offer expertise advise about maintaining your health while your abroad. Call 212-696-5900 or visit Travel Clinic New York  to make an appointment.

When you lack the evolutionary advantages, let modern medicine pick up the slack. Take advantage of travel vaccinations.

Every child needs a tetanus vaccination, and I know the right clinic for it in NYC

If you have a child that will be entering kindergarten or preschool soon, chances are he or she needs to get a tetanus vaccination nyc shot very soon.  You may not remember getting one, but if you were born in the United States within the last 60 years you more than likely received one as part of the routine child immunization schedule for all US residents.  Today, there are almost no elementary schools in the country that do not require proof of immunization boosters for children seeking admittance into their program. But don’t feel annoyed by this, as tetanus is a serious, lethal infection and a vaccine is the most effective way to prevent it.

Tetanus is caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani found in contaminated soil, dust and animal feces. If your child is playing outside and cuts his or herself and then comes into contact with the bacteria it may enter directly into their blood stream. Once infected, tetanus toxins will attack the motor neurons, the nerves in the body that help control muscle movements. Your child will then experience muscle stiffness and spasms in the jaw and neck muscles, a condition commonly expressed as “lockjaw.” Following symptoms include difficultly in swallowing, stiff abdominal muscles, overall painful body spasms, which all can interfere with their ability to breathe and inevitably threaten their life. The tetanus vaccine lowers their risk to this infection substantially.

If you are unfamiliar with travel shots, you should know that their introduction into modern medicine was like a miracle for the human species. In the past millions of people used die from bad cuts or injuries that become contaminated. Now, vaccines prevent this by strengthening our immune system, whose job is to protect our bodies from infection and illness. When foreign viruses and bacteria enter our body our immune system responds by producing antibodies, acting like little soldiers in our body that fight infection and disease for us.

More importantly, once our body makes these antibodies it will be more prepared for the next invasion, understanding the bacteria better. This is why people who have had chickenpox almost never get it again as adults, even if in close contact with this contagious disease again. Vaccines stimulate the antibody process. The Tdap vaccine in nyc  introduces this process without getting the individual sick.  A small amount of the bacteria is inserted into the individual in order to promote antibody growth in the immune system. If you need to explain this to your child, it’s sort of like training your troupes for battle. When the enemy does arrive, your body will be strong and familiar enough with it to defeat it.

Many parents have expressed concerned over vaccines, but they have a long record of being safe and incredibly effective in preventing disease. The risk of a vaccine harming your child is nothing compared to the risk you put them in by not preparing them against tetanus.

You can get your child their tetanus shot safely and quickly at this conveniently located travel clinic in new york.  When you come in you’ll meet with a board certified doctor, not a nurse practitioner like with most clinics. Their general staff is incredibly professional and respectful of your time, with waiting times rarely exceeding thirty minutes for walk-ins. As a travel clinic, they specialize in vaccinations, so you can feel certain your child will interact with an incredibly proficient and experienced doctor.

Call them today at (212) 696 5900 or log onto travel clinic new york to start your child’s tetanus vaccine.

In NYC a Good Shot is a Dime a Dozen But a Yellow Fever Shot Tops ‘em All!

NYC, the year 1951. The New York Giants are up against the Brooklyn Dodgers. Bobby Thomson steps to the plate and lets one RRR---iii---ppp!!! This game-ending homerun hit by Thomson has become known through the long dark annals of Baseball history as the “Shot Heard ‘round The World!” Brooklyn’s soon to be demolished Polo Grounds is where these two tenacious teams tantalized a town—and where the Giants proudly seized the National League Pennant! As the sweat-soaked yellow sun began to diminish from view, there was a new fever in town—Giants Fever.

Over the ages there have been other “famous” shots in NYC. Did or did not John Gotti and his henchmen successfully assassinate Big Paulie Castellano as he and his bodyguard Tommy Bilotti pulled up at Sparks Steakhouse for a fine meal? Si! Those pain-in-the-neck innocent bystanders (and by the way, there were many) walked quickly, ran, crawled or stood stone-like and suffering from fever-like chills. No one wanted to be the next one shot.

However, in this article we are not speaking of these rather unseemly shots. What we would like to share with you is another kind of shot. In fact, a yellow fever vaccination shot. So put down the Cracker Jacks and twenty dollar beers, and lay low with the pot of sweet and peppered sausages slowly cooking to perfection unless you want to start a war, and do you even have the mattresses to go through with it? (We doubted it.)

Anyway yellow fever is a potentially deadly disease caused by a small virus that it spread from shortstop to made-man by the simple bite of a little mosquito. These infected little buggers do not see culture, nor do they not see the clothes that make the man. No, they only see fresh flesh—and you can bet big that someone will get a big bite.

It is approximated that in areas of the world that have no access to the yellow fever immunization—the disease causes over two hundred thousand illnesses a year, and thirty thousand deaths. It is a yellow fever vaccination shot that can bring down this atrocious number of deaths. In NYC, there are numerous places to receive a yellow fever shot, giving you your first step in protection from this viral vermin.

Whether a ball player from a farm team or a wiseguy from NYC once infected with yellow fever you will begin to see several different stages of symptoms. As the symptoms progress so does the severity of the disease inside your body. Let’s take a look at the yellow fever progressive stages:

Early Stage

Occurring directly after being infected by the yellow fever-carrying mosquito, symptoms at this stage are headache, muscle and joint ache, fever, flushing and loss of appetite. Vomiting is often present, as is jaundice, a “yellowing” of the skin.

Period of Remission

During this stage the symptoms seem to vanish and you seem to be getting better on your own. You are not. Don’t be fooled. Symptoms of many diseases seem to vanish but all the while the disease is doing a number on your vital organs under the cover of silence. 

Period of Intoxication

This is the stage of yellow fever where things get their worst. At this point you are cursing yourself for not receiving that simple shot. This is the stage when slipping away into a coma and then death is most commonly reported. At this stage of the disease is also when multi-organ failure will begin. This includes liver failure, kidney failure and the heart failure. Symptoms at this stage include delirium, seizures and coma. Anyone at all, whether from NYC or not, needs hospitalization immediately for thorough, round-the-clock treatment.

Anyone in NYC in need of a yellow fever shot, Travel Clinic New York is probably the place for you! Located just several blocks from Grand Central Station, Yellow fever vaccinations NYC is easily accessible by many subway lines and a ton of buses. Whether right next door in Manhattan or a quick B train ride from the Bronx you will receive the best, most professional and discreet care possible. Call 1-212-696-5900 to arrange an appointment. Some time ago a wise man was quoted as saying, “It’s only business.” The staff at Travel Vaccination Clinic feel the opposite way. Our patients are treated like family and nothing can break those bonds. Not even business!

The Truth About Tetanus! NYC Dangers & The Vaccination

Rusty nail, this. Rusty nail, that. It seems like every time someone is barefoot in NYC, there’s someone screaming, “Watch out for rusty nails!” or “Don’t step on a rusty nail—you’ll get tetanus!” Well, we’re here to tell you that rust does NOT cause tetanus. We know it’s hard to comprehend because of how many times we’ve heard this old wives tail growing up but in the following article we will explain what DOES cause tetanus and how helpful a simple vaccination is towards protecting ourselves from catching it.

What is tetanus?

It is a dangerous bacterial disease common all over the world. Many people refer to it as “lockjaw,” as one of its symptoms is a tightening of mouth muscles. Tetanus cannot be spread from person to person, it must be caught firsthand. The tetanus bacteria are found in soil and can enter the bloodstream through the tiniest of cuts and wounds. One can even become infected with tetanus through a scratch on the skin surface.

The reason that we have been warned against rusty nails our entire lives is that rusty nails are most commonly found outside in the dirt where the bacteria resides. Rust is a rough surface when looked at under a microscope, thus it is the ideal place for the bacteria to cling to. Infection can occur if your skin is punctured by the nail. Because of the tetanus vaccination, the cases of “lockjaw” have been dwindling in NYC and across the country.

The first sign of tetanus infection is muscle stiffness, especially around the mouth, jaw and neck. Once infection takes hold severe muscle spasms may occur. The muscles may spasm so severely that they “lock” up and can cause difficulty swallowing and even breathing. It is possible to die from suffocation if suffering from a severe case of tetanus. According to the Centers For Disease Control & Prevention, tetanus will be fatal (death) in one in ten cases!

Because tetanus is so dangerous and can cause severe autonomic nervous system disorders, the vaccination is the most important step in protection. Individuals should know that it is not one simple shot but a series that are spread over months. Depending on the amount of time spent outdoors, adults should receive the vaccination every ten years.

Chances are the vaccine was administered as a child with other more common vaccinations such as measles and whooping cough. If you have a child attending summer camp—or who spends a great deal of time outdoors playing—a vaccination is highly recommended. The recommendation includes children in NYC. 

Who should NOT receive the tetanus vaccination?

Individuals who have an already comprised immune system due to existing health problems such as cancer or HIV, and/or anyone undergoing radiation treatment should not receive the vaccine. If suffering from a neurological disorder, speak to your doctor about the risks associated with the vaccine.

Pregnant women CAN receive a tetanus vaccine but the need should be great. Once again, a doctor should be consulted. Many times a doctor will hold off administering the vaccine to a pregnant woman unless there is a significant outbreak in her area and there is a serious threat that she will become infected.

Tetanus is too dangerous to take chances with. Therefore, if you live in the NYC area and need to visit a certified travel clinic, log onto NYC Travel Clinic for more information and to arrange an appointment today. Travel Clinic of New York is located mere blocks from Grand Central Station, making it easily accessible by all modes of public transportation. Call 1-212-696-5900 to speak to a person and to get more information. It makes good sense to protect against tetanus then to have to treat it once infected.

 

NYC to Africa. Travel Vaccination Protection

Looking for a unique travel idea? Here’s a trip that’s a long way from NYC and will fill you with excitement and wonder. Go get a new suitcase, a vaccination, a reliable camera and head off to Africa to visit the Masai peoples! The who?

The Masai.

This African tribe is famous for being noble and fearless warriors who once dominated the plains of East Africa. The Masai are known for their tall, muscular features and their distinctive dress. Seeing a male tribe member in the flesh is astonishing. Typically they hold fierce-looking spears and are adorned in blood-red shoulder cloaks. The women are beautiful and adorn themselves in intricate jewelry and bangles. Both sexes wear earrings and take pride in stretching long holes in their lobes. The men sometimes wear elaborate headdresses made from lions manes or ostrich feathers. Both men and women shave their heads.

Aside from the many countries that are suffering through political strife, Africa is a beautiful continent to visit. Visiting a Masai village affords you to the opportunity to absorb true-to-life African tribal culture and so much more. However, due to indigenous diseases present on the continent, a travel vaccination is definitely recommended. Especially if the traveler is from NYC and has only built up an immunity to eating dirty water hotdogs!

How do the Masai live?

The Masai are very family oriented and reside in huts that are encircled in enclosures made from sharpened sticks and prickly thorn bushes in order to protect their cattle herds from predators. This enclosure is called an Enkang. Each Enkang includes approximately 10 to 20 small huts made from branches pasted together with fresh cow-dung. (How’s that for an exciting travel experience?!)

The huts are typically small and have holes in the roofs. The holes serve two purposes. The first is to let a little light in, and the second is to allow smoke to escape from the smoldering cow-dung (!) fire kept ablaze for cooking and warmth. For your average resident of NYC a cow-dung fire may not seem like the best place to make smores, but the smoke drives away the insects and for that you will be thankful.

 

Before heading anywhere in Africa be sure to check the rules and regulations regarding whether a travel vaccination is necessary. For instance, in many countries in Africa proof of a yellow fever vaccination is necessary for entry. This routine travel vaccination can be acquired at any certified travel clinic. NYC has many highly regarded facilities of this type.

A travel clinic can help you prepare for a trip in so many ways. If you are planning an overseas journey, visiting one is a must. For those of us who live in NYC or its surrounding boroughs, think about visiting Travel Clinic New York. Easily accessible by mass transit, this clinic is certified to administer all travel vaccinations—and so much more. Just log onto TravelClinicNY.com or call 1-212-696-5900 to make an appointment. Stay safe and have fun.

The perfect travel itinerary:camera,cash and immunization

When traveling overseas, there are few things that one should never be without. The first is your camera, preserving your memories is a great way to relive your fun and adventure. Then there is extra cash in order to experience everything the country has to offer. The next is whatever travel immunization is recommended for your particular trip. One must do all they can to protect themselves from any illness that lurks in their destination country.

Believe it or not, diseases that have been eradicated in the United States for decades and longer are still prevalent overseas. One doesn’t worry about contracting a disease like yellow fever when vacationing in Orlando, Florida. But if your travel plans take you to any country in Asia, Africa or Central and South America you should have a yellow fever vaccination administered four to six weeks before you arrive.

The statistics, according to the World Health Organization, state that over 30,000 people will die this year alone from yellow fever. The disease is spread effectively and quickly from the bite of an average (but infected) mosquito. Before getting aboard any plan to fly overseas, visit a travel clinic to get the low down. The immunization shot for yellow fever lasts a full ten years and is only available from a select group of doctors who are certified to administer them.

Immunization is the process by which our immune system is built up in order to protect us from a particular microscopic agent that would otherwise do our bodies harm. By administering a small amount of the agent in question an automatic protective response is triggered through what is known as “immunological memory.” They have been keeping people safe from disease since the year 1796 when a British doctor named Edward Jenner developed a vaccine for smallpox.

For those in the NYC area in search of a certified travel clinic, log onto Travel Clinic New York. They are just blocks from Grand Central Station and are a respected and prized part of the community there. Because of their proximity to Grand Centra, they are easily accessible by mass transit by all New Yorkers. Call 1-212-696-5900 to arrange an appointment today.

Vaccination Preparation.Protection From Yellow Fever

It’s a brave new world out there and although the economy is the toilet it is still possible for many of us to live out our dreams, hop on a flight and visit an exotic country of our choosing. When doing this it is important to stay healthy and be protected from dangers that lurk in the corners of this world. Yellow fever is one such danger. It is still prevalent in many countries in Central and South America, Africa and many parts of Asia. Receiving a simple vaccination before you board that plane will do you a world of good.

Yellow fever is an illness passed on by mosquitoes and can be deadly in a small percentage of individuals that acquire it. The others may suffer horrible pain and suffering including severe liver and kidney problems. According the World Health Organization—the premier authority—over two hundred and fifty thousand people will be infected by yellow fever this year alone and out of them over thirty thousand will die a very uncomfortable death. It is for this reason that a vaccination is so important if traveling to the areas mentioned above.

           

A yellow fever immunization is quick and painless, takes only a few moments, and can protect you for about ten full years. All world travelers over the age of nine months should have this vaccination. The only people it is recommended do not have the shot are pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems because of other illnesses and people allergic to eggs and egg products.

For those in the NYC area in need of a certified travel clinic log onto Travel Clinic New York for access to a highly respected, professional and discreet facility. It is recommended that the yellow fever vaccination be administered at the VERY least two weeks before your trip. Call 1-212-696-5900 to make an appointment today. Preparation can grant you salvation.