Dangers of Typhoid: Are You In The Know?

In a previous post about typhoid fever, I discussed the importance of the typhoid vaccine. Today, I am going to show the effects of typhoid fever, the warning signs, the symptoms, and why the vaccine should even be considered. The vaccination as I stated in the previous article about typhoid fever, though it has side-effects, are not severe and have been proven to be rather mild with such side effects as headaches, fever, and swelling at the site of the injection.

Every year, there are 16 million new cases of typhoid fever around the world. The virus mostly infects an individual’s liver, intestines, gallbladder, spleen, urinary and digestive system. Transmission of the virus can occur when an individual ingests contaminated food and water that have traces of the bacteria or infected feces of a person who carries the virus. Poor hygiene habits, poor public sanitation conditions, and flying insects that feed on feces can also lead to possible infection of the virus. Due to these numerous causes, many educational programs have highly suggested people to change their hygiene habits, to wash their hands thoroughly after cleaning after themselves and before handling food.

Symptoms appear within the first week after infection. Early symptoms, as with many other diseases, are flu-like causing fever, muscle aches, cough, and headaches. By the end of the first week, there is already a decrease in white blood cells which are the immune system’s primary defense against infection and disease. As the weeks go by, symptoms gradually worsen causing high fever, rashes, diarrhea, chills, delirium, constant nosebleeds, severe fatigue, hallucinations, and strong abdominal pain. Red spots also begin to appear on the lower chest and stomach. At its worst, typhoid fever eventually causes intestinal hemorrhage (due to bleeding on parts of the torn lymphoid tissue in the lower intestine), and intestinal perforation (an open hole in the final section of the small intestine) which is serious and in nearly all cases fatal.

Typhoid fever can last between three weeks to a month and an individual can recover after treatment. It’s been discovered that in cases that are untreated, about 10-30% of infected individuals do not survive. Those in the recovery process may have to go through surgical procedures if they endured intestinal perforation.

Despite the fact that the number of the cases in some parts of the world have decreased greatly thanks to the raising of awareness of typhoid by many public educational programs, vaccination is still recommended to prevent infection. There some parts of the world that the virus is still prevalent especially in developing countries where healthcare is low and poor sanitary conditions is common. So if you are planning to travel this summer, take into consideration vaccination because it’ll help you have immunity against the virus for many years. Even if you are not travelling, it’s best to begin considering the vaccine. We are surrounded by millions of people a year and going from place to place all the time. Sometimes the people that are in our surroundings may have hygiene habits that we may be unaware of.

In 1906, an incident occurred when a recovered typhoid victim was working as a cook. Mary Mallon suffered typhoid fever but was treated and though she had recovered, she still carried the virus and was a carrier for the rest of her life. During her time as a cook, beginning in 1906, she infected more than 50 individuals, three of whom who later died from typhoid. 

Once more, this article is not meant to strike fear in society nor warn people of a possible outbreak. But it is still important to consider vaccination because the disease can infect anybody and can be transmitted into an individual without them even noticing. If you are considering vaccination or are in need of it, visit us at our website at www.travelclinicny.com or call us at 212-696-5900 to schedule an appointment. Find out how you can get the typhoid vaccination today! As I always say, a clean bill of health is always bliss!

Typhoid Vaccination? OF COURSE!!!

            If you are planning to travel this summer, be sure to double check everything you are taking with you especially a clean bill of health. Typhoid vaccination is being distributed across the nation and with typhoid fever on the rise in many countries, the vaccination is now being highly recommended for those who are planning to travel this summer and here’s why.

            In many countries around the world, typhoid fever is very common which is why if you are planning to travel, one of the things you should consider taking is the typhoid vaccination. It is not a guarantee that what you will eat and drink while away is completely pure. Typhoid fever has been known to infect individuals through the ingestion of contaminated food or water that have traces of the disease from an infected person. People who become carriers of the disease can easily spread it to others if not treated. The disease also occurs through bad hygiene and sanitary conditions and since we everyday citizens are surrounded by thousands of people each day, we are at risk.

            Prevention is a necessity and the best way to prevent becoming an infected victim is to consider taking the vaccine especially if you are planning to travel this summer. The vaccine should be taken between one to two weeks before travel so that it can be allowed time to work within the body. Side effects of the vaccine are not severe and have been proven to be mild with such side effects as headaches, fever, and swelling at the site of the injection. People sometimes fear the side-effects or disregard the necessity of taking the vaccine with the thought that, “It will never happen to me… The disease is not widespread… The environment looks fine…” and etc. It is best to take precautions when traveling to be safe and avoid any possibility of becoming infected. Typhoid fever is not to be pondered with and every year there are 16 million new cases of the disease along with 600,000 of those cases becoming fatal according to the World Health Organization.

            The summer is knocking right at our door and if this summer you have travel plans, now would be the time to take into consideration an appointment to check if you can take the vaccination. If you already had a typhoid vaccination but had it done years ago, it would be recommend finding out if you need to take another shot due to the fact that the vaccination’s effectiveness wears off after several years.  It is important to consider this and it only takes a couple of minutes to take the vaccine and go on with your everyday life. If you would like to take the shot or are in need of one, visit us at our website at www.travelclinicny.com or call us at 212-696-5900 to schedule an appointment. Before long, you will be able to enjoy the summer strong, healthy, and with no worries!

Health and Vaccination Information for Travel to Cambodia

From the architectural wonders of the Angkor Wat temple complex to the white sand beaches of Sihanoukville, at the heart of Southeast Asia, Cambodia has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, its affordable travel deals making this exotic destination accessible to a wide range of travelers.  But exposure to such diverse nature and geography involves some health risks as well, and travelers who are thinking about a trip to Cambodia should be sure to consider the proper vaccinations, antimalarial treatment, and other health precautions beforehand, to ensure their trip is a safe and enjoyable one.

The Center for Disease Control recommends that travelers to Cambodia be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B and get typhoid vaccination.  Those who plan to spend a lot of time participating in outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, or working with animals, should also obtain a rabies shot.  And for travelers who plan to visit rural or farming areas, or in periods of increased disease prevalence, the vaccine against Japanese encephalitis is also recommended.  Before any trip abroad, travelers should check that their routine vaccinations against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and polio are current. This is particularly true with regard to the measles vaccine in Cambodia; while the measles is no longer an active disease in the United States, recent cases have been reported in Cambodia and across Southeast Asia, so have your physician check your vaccination records to determine whether you need a booster shot for measles or any of your other routine immunizations.  Remember, most vaccines take four to six weeks to travel through the bloodstream and be fully effective, so plan ahead!

Malaria is present in most areas of Cambodia, excluding the temple complex at Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, and Lake Tonle Sap, so if you plan to visit an area in which you could be exposed, you should check with your family doctor about an antimalarial drug regimen. It is important to share your specific travel itinerary with your provider, as certain strains of malaria in Cambodia may be resistant to some drugs. And, like the vaccinations, antimalarial drugs may need a few weeks to take effect, so be sure to book an appointment with travel clinic in advance.

The CDC recommends procuring enough antimalarial drugs to last your entire trip, as antimalarial drugs manufactured abroad are not measured by FDA standards and may contain contaminants, produce dangerous side-effects, or be altogether ineffective.  The CDC recommends avoiding foreign antimalarial drugs, particularly Halfan, unless you have been diagnosed with malaria and have no other treatment options.  The same holds true for any other routine prescriptions you may need, as well as over-the-counter pain, anti-nausea, and allergy medication; quality and availability may vary, particularly in rural areas, so it’s best to pack what you need for your entire stay.

Other diseases present in Cambodia for which there are no available vaccines include dengue, filariasis and plague, all of which are transmitted by insect bite. The CDC suggests preventative measures like using insect repellent, mosquito netting, and wearing long-sleeve clothing, to protect against infection.  Some cases of avian flu have been reported in both birds and humans in Cambodia and around Southeast Asia, so the CDC recommends avoiding contact with the local bird population, including poultry farms and markets selling live birds.  Waterborne illnesses such as schistosomiasis and leptospirosis are also found in Cambodia.  Travelers can steer clear of these diseases by avoiding swimming in fresh water, and using iodine tablets to purify untreated drinking water.

If you’re planning to travel and need information about Cambodia travel vaccinations in NYC or other treatments, consider making an appointment with a certified professional at the Travel Clinic of New York. Travel clinic NYC offers all the convenience of a downtown NYC location, with evening and weekend office hours during which you can meet with a travel health specialist who can provide you with the vaccines, prescriptions and travel health advice you need based on your personal itinerary. 

Obtaining Travel Vaccinations is an Important Step Prior to Traveling

Traveling is a great way to unwind and everybody needs a vacation every now and then. Of course, you have heard all about how important it is to plan for your holiday and it’s true that you can only enjoy a great holiday with proper planning. Most travelers will take care of the basic travel stuff like air tickets, accommodations, activities, and so on. However, it can be a big mistake if you fail to get the necessary travel vaccination before you depart for your vacation or business trip.

Travel vaccination is very important for people who are going to countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Central America, and South America. According to the International Health Regulations, travelers are required to get yellow fever vaccination if they are going to countries in tropical South America and sub-Saharan Africa. During the Hajj, travelers to Saudi Arabia are also required to get meningococcal vaccination. Generally, travelers are advised to visit a travel clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before the date of travel so that they can get the necessary vaccination for their trip. It should be understood that it takes some time before most vaccines are effective in the body. There are also some vaccines that have to be administered a number of times over a certain period, which can be days or weeks. The specialist at the travel clinic will provide recommendations for pregnant or breast-feeding women as well as infants and children who are traveling. Let’s take a look at the various types of travel vaccination. 
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is one of the most deadly diseases in the world. Found in many countries in South America and Africa such as Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Venezuela, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Zambia, yellow fever can caused death, and intense suffering. The yellow fever virus is carried by infected mosquitoes and it’s transmitted to human beings through the mosquitoes’ bites. It’s estimated that half of the people who are severely affected by yellow fever will die if they are left without treatment. Each year, there are approximately 30,000 deaths out of 200,000 cases of people who contract the disease. Some of the symptoms of yellow fever are headache, nausea, backache, bleeding, fever, loss of appetite, and shivers. The best way to prevent yellow fever infection is to get yellow fever vaccination. It’s an entry requirement in some countries in Africa and South America but generally, it’s highly recommended that travelers get this yellow fever vaccination when they are going to any country in these continents. 
Routine Vaccination
Travelers are highly encouraged to get up to date with routine shots so they can get immunization against such diseases like measles, rubella, pertussis, diphtheria, mumps, tetanus, and so on. If you are behind schedule for MMR vaccine, DPT vaccine, and other routine vaccinations, you should catch up before setting off on your journey. 
Typhoid
Typhoid fever is a febrile, acute illness which can be life-threatening. In a single year, there are approximately 22 million cases of typhoid fever in the world, resulting in 200,000 deaths. Additionally, there are approximately 6 million cases of paratyphoid fever. Travelers who go to countries in Africa, Central and South America, East and Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and especially southern Asia, are at high risk of contracting typhoid fever. The bacteria which causes typhoid fever is transmitted through the consumption of food or water which is contaminated with the urine or feces of people who are infected with the disease. Some of the symptoms of typhoid fever include a dull headache, mental confusion, enlarged liver or spleen, a dry cough, diarrhea or constipation, malaise, abdominal pain, high fever, and loss of appetite. If you are going to a country with increased risk of typhoid fever, it’s highly recommended that you get this typhoid vaccination. 
Hepatitis A
The prevalence of hepatitis A is considered high or intermediate in many countries in Africa, northern and southern Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East, and eastern and southern Europe. A person may contract hepatitis A infection via oral digestion of a substance which is contaminated with the feces of an infected person. The estimated incubation period for hepatitis A is two to six weeks. Symptoms of hepatitis A include jaundice, loss of appetite, aches, nausea, vomiting, fever, headaches, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. For people who are traveling to a country with high risk of hepatitis A, the best way to prevent this disease is to get the hepatitis vaccination.
Travel vaccination is extremely important for travelers because it gives them the peace of mind that they are protected against certain diseases. Vaccination is also recommended for hepatitis B, polio, and rabies. Generally, there are different health risks in different countries so it’s best to consult a specialist at a travel clinic for more information. 
If you live in New York City—or any of its surrounding boroughs—log onto Travel clinic manhattan. It is a certified travel vaccination clinic capable of providing you with just the right protection for your trip. Call 1-212-696-5900 to arrange a convenient appointment and to hear more information. This Travel Vaccinations in NYC is conveniently located just blocks from Grand Central Station. Keep yourself as healthy as possible while travelling overseas.

Travel To Spectacular India and Keep Safe Via a Simple Vaccination

India is a land of wondrous temples, ageless culture, and spectacular sculptures that will boggle the mind—and wildlife that will take your breath away. From wild lions to rhinoceros, these animals are alive and kicking in the great country of India. If one decides to visit this country they should buckle in, for they are about to experience things that they are not prepared for (in a good way!) and to experience a land of such breath-taking beauty and deference that they will speak of it for the rest of their lives! One must always remember to visit a certified travel clinic before heading off anywhere in the world as exotic as India. Visiting this type of facility will help procure protection through a variety of means including the simple vaccination.

When world travelers think about the beginning of human culture they often think of ancient Egypt and the pre-Columbian cultures of Central and South America. Both of these geographical areas are to be visited and experienced, to be sure. But when one wants to experience an ancient culture still alive and even thriving, India is the place to see. Like any country in Asia there are precautions to be taken before visiting. These precautions include the common place travel vaccination.

A travel vaccination in regards to India would be one that protects against several still-dangerous and potentially deadly diseases. These diseases include, but are not limited to:

Hepatitis: This disease has many strains, but is commonly spread through the coming in contact with infectious fecal matter and water-borne virus. In the case of hepatitis, it is possible to catch it and potentially face a life-threatening infection due to a food handler’s neglect of basic hygiene. There is a reason that you see signs in every restroom in the United States that says “Employees Must Wash hands.” This simple act can save lives.

Typhoid Fever: This is a bacterial disease that is spread in very much the same way that hepatitis is spread. Be careful when your travel takes you to the outlying areas of India. A Typhoid vaccination before you travel will take care of the risk, but the consequences are too serious to gamble with. Death rates with typhoid fever can reach the high twenties percentile.

Malaria: Unfortunately, this little insect—that has caused a nightmarish worldwide death toll throughout history—still exists in India. A travel vaccination for Malaria exists and should be received before traveling—not only to India—but to many other countries in Asia, South and Central America and Africa.

Yellow Fever: This disease—once rampant in even the United States—is still very dangerous in countries such as India. The death toll of such a disease is high and the suffering of one infected arguably even worse. Thankfully, Yellow fever vaccination can be used to control the disease before your take-off. Every American should visit a certified travel clinic before they begin their journey—no matter whether they are travelling to India or to Mexico or to their cousin Myrtle in Idaho. It always makes sense to take precautions.

If you happen to be in the New York City area and planning a trip anywhere in India and needing some tips about India travel vaccinations, please log onto TravelClinicNY.com, which contains of plenty of information about Travel clinic nyc. This professionally respected healthcare facility is located conveniently just blocks from Grand Central Station, is discreet and very affordable. Simply call 1-212-696-5900 to make an appointment today.

Get a typhoid vaccination in NYC so next time you travel you can actually drink the water

There are about 400 cases of typhoid found in the United States per year, which is relatively small considering that 75 percent of these cases occurred in Americans who had recently traveled outside of the United States. Further yet, a portion  of the 25 percent of domestic cases can be traced to international products consumed in this country. In August of 2010, for example, Goya and La Nuestra companies were forced to recall all of their frozen mamey pulp products after they were linked to a handful of typhoid cases reported on the West Coast. Their contaminated product, mamey pulp, is a tropical fruit grown mostly in Central and South America, meaning that the bacteria was most likely imported into this country, not formed within. So the US, as with most developed nations, manages to control typhoid pretty well.

Underdeveloped countries, some of which tend to be wonderful vacation spots, do not fare so well. According the Center for Disease control about 21.5 million people in the developing world contract typhoid fever every year. In the past decade, United States residents traveling to Latin American, Asia and Africa have experienced especially high frequencies of typhoid. If you plan on traveling to any of these areas you should avoid this sickness by getting a typhoid vaccination NYC at a certified travel clinic weeks before you take off.

For it is almost impossible to avoid a disease that manifests within the food and water of the country you visit. Tyhpoid fever spreads when humans swallow foods and water that has been contaminated with the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. These microorganisms live in the stool of infected persons, and can in more ways than you’d like to imagine make its way into your mouth.  For example food is often spoiled when handled by someone sick with the disease that works in conditions where proper hand washing procedures are not enforced. Water proves a risk because local drinking water in countries with poorly maintained sewage systems is at times polluted with Salmonella Typhi, leading to the traveler’s common motto: “Whatever you do, don’t drink the water.”

Once ingested the bacteria multiplies and spreads throughout the bloodstream, causing the body to react with fever of 103 to 104 degrees. People also tend to experience severe headaches, abdominal pains and loss of appetite. People who do not get treated with antibiotics can sustain a fever and other symptoms for months, with as many as 20 percent dying due to complications from the bacteria.

If you plan on traveling to an area where typhoid fever is common you should visit a travel center to get a typhoid vaccination to prevent infection. Make sure to make an appointment at least 3 weeks prior to departure to ensure the immunization will take affect before you land in your destination.  Also, just because you’ve received a vaccine for typhoid once before does not mean you are not due for another; the vaccine loses its potency after several years. You can check with your travel doctor to find out if you are due for another shot.

If you live in or nearby New York City, make an appointment with this travel clinic in NYC located in Midtown. Your doctor carefully considers your entire itinerary to make sure you have all the needed medications and vaccines you need. Importantly, this clinic is also affordable, and clearly lists its pricing for vaccinations on its website at TravelClinicNY.com. Check it out to conveniently compare their prices with other clinics.

Log onto oral typhoid vaccination to make an appointment or call their office at 212-696-5900. You shouldn’t have to feel nervous about drinking water and enjoying local cuisine while abroad. Get vaccinated.

Protecting Americans Abroad.The Typhoid Vaccination

A typhoid vaccination is recommended for any American traveler planning on visiting parts of South East Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, and Africa. Although these places aren’t where most American families go to spend their vacation, many of us still to go whether for pleasure or business. Typhoid is a disease that is best left where it is and not brought home with you.

With apologies to those with weak stomachs, typhoid is spread from ingesting food or water that is tainted by infected feces. That’s right, poop. In many of the locations mentioned above, hygiene standards are not very high. Eating food handled from someone who has the disease is an easy way to come down with it yourself. The name of the organism that causes the disease is salmonella typhi.

A vaccination will help keep you healthy, but if you are unlucky enough to travel to one of these hotspots and not be immunized, symptoms include loss of appetite (not to be surprised!), prolonged high fever, headache, coughing and diarrhea. Typhoid is treated with a strong course of antibiotics.

To keep you healthy while abroad visit a certified travel clinic for a typhoid vaccination. There are currently two versions, a live virus that is administered orally, and an inactivated virus form that is administered by mouth. Either way you decide to go, a vaccination is the smart choice.

If you happen to live in the NY area and are in need of a certified travel clinic, log onto Travel Clinic NYC or call 1-212-696-5900 for more info and to set up and appointment. Typhoid is still out there plaguing American travelers. Don’t be one of them.