Putting an Old Wives Tale to Rest & Where to Receive a Tetanus Vaccination in NYC

NYC is not the first place you think of when you think about tetanus. If you’re anything like me you think about moss-covered wooden shacks and rusty nails jutting out from old decrepit floorboards. Since not many people think like me (I’m an American original, you see…) you probably have a better idea than I do regarding the possibility of tetanus infection. And what causes it. I just learned there was a vaccination for it, so that proves I know next to nothing. Well I DID know next to nothing, but I did my research for this article. Travel with me, if you will, through a non-fictitious landscape where tetanus abounds!

Enough with the corny poetry-esque sentences, let’s discuss tetanus, What It Is, Its Symptoms and Its Vaccination, shall we? We shall. As previously stated, I whole-heartedly once believed that tetanus was caused by stepping on a rusted nail. At least that’s what I had heard throughout my long (-ish) life, attending summer camps and being a generally inquisitive-type brat. I am sure I am not the only kid from NYC who believed that tetanus was caught by stepping on a rusted nail. (After briefly questioning a few friends, it would seem my belief in this old wives tale has been confirmed.)

Let’s take a look at why this old wives tale has flourished. Tetanus is a bacterial disease that affects the nervous system. Anyone can catch it, whether from NYC or a small town in Oklahoma. Before this disease ravages the entire body it begins in the facial muscles, thus it has long been referred to as Lockjaw. Tetanus is only spread through an already existing wound where the bacteria can enter the bloodstream. The bacteria are found primarily in agricultural areas such as dirt, soil and animal manure. Herein lays the reason for the rusted nail myth…

Wherever there is dirt, soil and animal manure there’s probably going to be a few rusted nails poking up out of a few boards! The rusted nail does not cause the disease, rather it is the texture of the rusted nail which may harbor the bacteria that already exists in the surrounding dirt (soil and manure). It is recommended that anyone who spends a great deal of time outdoors—whether for fun or employment—should receive a tetanus vaccination. That includes anyone who works outdoors in NYC. Unfortunately, our fellow Americans know not the abundance of the green spaces in NYC. (It really is a shame. We have such lovely parks.)

The vaccination for tetanus is different from many other travel vaccinations in that it is a multi-step process. Most people receive the vaccination when they are children as a step toward entering school. However, booster shots are highly recommended if in a high risk group. Anyone who spends a large amount of time working in or around soil outdoors should contact a certified travel clinic and discuss with a doctor the risks associated with their lifestyle.

Untreated tetanus can cause spasms of the vocal chords and respiratory muscles, fractures of bones, hypertension, coma and even death. Vaccination is the best bet when attempting to safeguard your good health. There are many certified travel clinics in NYC ready and able to administer the vaccination for tetanus.

In fact, if one currently resides in NYC and are in need of a travel clinic for any reason—including a tetanus vaccination NYC—look no further than Travel Clinic NYC. This highly respected medical facility is located in the heart of midtown Manhattan and is easily accessible by both train and bus. Call 1-212-696-5900 to arrange an appointment today. And like mother always said, “Don’t play in the dirt!”

Yellow Fever Vaccine Side Effects: Is It Worth The Risk?

Yellow fever is a devastating disease spread by the bites of mosquitoes (and primates!) and is still prevalent in Africa(Kenya, Zambia,etc), the Caribbean, and Central and South America(Brazil, Peru,etc). The yellow fever virus has probably existed in some form for thousands of years and is believed to have originated in Africa from other, very similar, viruses.

Traveling to these geographical locations where the disease is still rampant is risky without a yellow fever vaccination. Yet anyone who would rush out to get an inoculation without doing his or her homework on the effects and risks would be careless… at best.

Let us weigh the pros and cons of a yellow fever vaccine, shall we? First off, let’s look at what happens to a person who is infected with the virus. Symptoms of yellow fever include high fever, bloodshot eyes, furry tongue, nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, muscle pains, kidney and liver inflammation, jaundice, gastrointestinal bleeding, delirium, convulsion…and vomiting blood. Although most people with yellow fever recover, between fifteen and fifty percent of patients with severe yellow fever disease succumb to it and die.

Now for the vaccination: The yellow fever vaccine has been administered for several decades. It is a live-yet-safe virus vaccine and just a single dose protects for a little over ten years. After the ten-year mark a booster shot is recommended. The vaccine can be administered to most anyone over the age of just nine months. It is recommended that pregnant women or persons suffering from any form of immune system suppression consult with a professional. This physician can help you weigh the risks of exposure against the risks of immunization.

All in all, it seems clear that anyone traveling to the above mentioned areas would benefit from receiving a yellow fever vaccination. For those located in New York City and the surrounding boroughs, the Travel Clinic NYC is a highly respected and professional medical center that is certified to administer the yellow fever vaccine, as well as many other travel related inoculations.

If international travel is in your near future, log onto get yellow fever vaccine in NYC for much more information and enjoy your travels safely.

The Hepatitis Shots—Better Safe Than Sorry

Hepatitis—a sexually transmitted disease once under control and pretty much conquered here in America—has made a bigger comeback than Tony Bennett. Just like the old-time crooner, most people wrote off this disease, figuring times have changes, but a new generation has latched onto this STD much like Tony Bennett after his first Duets record. As Mr. Bennett has proved there’s no stopping him, and like his great career comeback there’s no stopping the potentially deadly disease hepatitis. In fact, only a shots can afford some sort of protection against this old timer made good again.

When speaking of hepatitis it is important to be specific. There are many different types of hepatitis—with a shots available for protection against all of them. Commonly, when people refer to hepatitis they are referring to either Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B. Since there are important differences between the two strains it is important to be tested carefully by a professional certified doctor.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (or HAV). The virus is found in the stool of infected people and can be spread through the ingestion of contaminated food and/or water. Hepatitis A does not cause chronic illness. A hepatitis A shot is the best protection against it.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (or HBV). The virus is found in the stool, and other body secretions that can contain blood (such as urine, semen and the blood itself). A vaccination is the best protection against it. Chronic illness is common with this strain of the disease.

Like with other viruses, once infected always infected. It is only through a shots that one can stop the transmission and avoid a lifetime of care and—in some cases—very serious complications, including liver cancer, and other liver problems later in life. In fact, it is estimated that ten to thirty million people this year alone will become infected with just the hepatitis B virus. To add to this frightening statistic, the World Health Organization estimates that over four hundred million others are infected already with hepatitis B.

In the United States, the numbers are rising and are estimated to include over five thousand deaths out of one hundred thousand new cases a year! Again, receiving a hepatitis B shot is the only way to protect oneself from this virus.

Hepatitis is transmitted most commonly by blood and other infected bodily fluids. This includes through unprotected sex (not that again?! Geez, how many diseases can human beings avoid if only we took the time and effort to use condoms while engaging in sexual relations? The number is sky high!), intravenous drug use, and other even more disturbing blood-to-blood activities. There is a dark underbelly to society where these things take place and if you even skirt the edges of it a shots is urgently needed.

Receiving a shot for hepatitis is only possible through a certified doctor. Travel clinics frequently offer these shots to their patients. They are affordable, easy and relatively painless to administer. If you are in any of the high-risk groups mentioned above, please think carefully about the pros and cons of receiving a shot.

If you are in the NYC area and would like more information on receiving help from a primary care doctor, please log onto Travel Clinic NYC. This professional board-certified, doctor-run facility is located just blocks from Grand Central Station and is therefore easily accessible to most New Yorkers. Call 1-212-696-5900 to arrange an appointment today. Don’t take chances if you don’t have to. They accept most insurance and have affordable rates for those not covered.

From Hotdogs to Hanoi Typhoid Vaccine for Those From NYC

It’s a warm spring day, you’re standing on the corner of 42^nd and Broadway deep in the heart of NYC, when your stomach growls. It’s a ferocious growl and it reminds you that you haven’t eaten anything since your granola-laced yogurt breakfast hours ago. You spot a cart with hotdogs, soggy looking half-salted pretzels and expensive bottles of perspiring water—do you purchase one of these mystery tubes of flesh-colored meat byproduct? Of course not! You rather eat a rat-ka-bob than catch typhoid in midtown Manhattan. You think about dialing the disease vaccine hotline and complain, but instead you stroll along, head held high and healthy.

Some may think the previous paragraph is over-the-top. Is it really? Disease vaccine is up to us. Consuming any sort of standing water is risky. Although the NYC Department of Health is not inundated by cholera cases originating from dirty water hotdog carts, rest assured that numerous cases of food poisoning have been traced back to those rusty metal containers of smelly frankfurter liquid. We have it pretty good by the standards of countries in the emerging world, but that’s not saying much.

Before anyone from NYC goes on an overseas vacation they should visit a certified travel clinic to be protected from diseases such as typhoid, cholera and yellow fever vaccination. Vaccine begins at home. Let’s take a look at typhoid in the emerging world, what it is, and what we should do if we find ourselves in a high risk area.

Typhoid or typhoid fever is a life-threatening disease caused by bacteria. Seventy five percent of all cases in America are from people who have contracted the disease while on vacation outside of the United States. Many of us from NYC have travelled around a bit. We generally consider ourselves a cosmopolitan people with an easy access to a travel clinic. Many of us may have even visited typhoid fever’s high risk areas. These areas include (but are not limited to) parts of Asia, Africa, South and Central America. Vaccine is more likely to be available in America, Canada, western Europe, Australia, and Japan.

Typhoid lives in humans and must be caught from another person or from food and beverages that an infected person has handled. It also can grow in infected water. One form of typhoid vaccine is to not drink the water in any of the high risk areas of the world mentioned above. Or use ice, or eat food handled by anyone exposed to the disease, or…or…or… You can see the problem with this type of vaccine. If you’re in another country’s culture it would be difficult to withdraw as completely as you would have to remain as safe as possible.

Thankfully, there is another type of vaccine in the form of a vaccination. A vaccination—or inoculation—is the quick, easy, safe and affordable way to keep yourself as healthy as possible when overseas. Whether a typhoid vaccination, a cholera vaccination or a yellow fever vaccination anyone travelling abroad should get a professional doctor from a certified travel clinic to go over their itinerary—and take his advice of modes of vaccine. Thankfully NYC has loads of them.

For one of the best in NYC log onto Typhoid Vaccine NYC. Located just several blocks from Grand Central Station, this certified travel clinic offers the best care available at affordable prices. Give them a call before you get a Vietnam travel vaccination and set off on that next overseas vacation at 1-212-696-5900. Stay healthy, stay happy—and remember—vaccine begins at home.

Terror In The Tropics! The Importance of the Hard-To-Pronounce Malaria Medication Prophylaxis

Although it may sound a like a rock record from the hippy days, a Malaria medication prophylaxis is the treatment one receives to keep themselves safe from becoming infected with the dreaded malaria bacterium. Sure, we can make a joke and say that such a difficult to pronounce word like prophylaxis harkens back to the flower child days (Jimmy Hendrix’s record (Prophyl) Axis: Bold As Love would be the first one that comes to mind), but the fact is that receiving one of these inoculations is no laughing matter if one is journeying overseas.

A Malaria medication prophylaxis is another way of saying a malaria vaccination or inoculation. Either way, if you plan on visiting any of the high-risk areas mentioned below, visiting a certified travel clinic to receive one of these shots should be on the top of your list of things-to-do-before-you-travel. Just to confuse you more, specific Malaria medication prophylaxis’ regimens recommended by the World Health Organization, and the Centers For Disease Control include Doxycyclone, Mefloquine, and/or Atovaquone/Progunil (or known by its commonly referred to name: Malrone).

Okay, enough confusing facts, figures, and chemical names. Malaria is a potentially deadly disease virtually wiped out in the Western world but still wreaking havoc in the developing world—or more specifically—the tropics. It is highly recommended that any Westerner planning on traveling to the tropics visit a certified travel clinic before their journey to receive a malaria medication prophylaxis (or a malaria vaccination.) Malaria is a sneaky disease, carried by a tiny mosquito that can cause terrible problems in an otherwise healthy individual.

Before we go any further on the health benefits of a malaria medication prophylaxis, let’s discuss the countries indicated when speaking of the tropics. These countries typically include parts of Mexico, all of Central America, all of the Caribbean, the top half of South America, Northern portions of Chile, and a large portion of the African continent.

Once infected with this awful disease, symptoms shall arise. These symptoms can include high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and a pale or yellowish turn of the skin. These symptoms commonly occur approximately ten to fourteen days after the bite of the infected mosquito. Although these days there are medicines that can help the sick, the best way to treat malaria is through the malaria medication prophylaxis. If this vaccination is received prior to traveling the chances of contracting the disease in the first place is virtually nil.

There are behaviors that can be adopted beside a malaria medicine that can lower the chances of catching the disease. These include sleeping under mosquito nets, screening all windows and doors in the home you are living in, and applying copious amounts of mosquito repellant to your skin. These are secondary precautions. The malaria prophylactic is the primary source of protection when in a high risk area.

Visiting a certified travel clinic for a malaria medication prophylaxis is easier and more affordable than you may think. Take advantage of the medical expertise we have here in the United States before jetting off to anywhere that may put your good health in jeopardy.

If currently in the NYC area, please log onto malaria pills in NYC for more information on the hard-to-pronounce malaria medication prophylaxis. Get travel vaccinations in NYC is conveniently located just several blocks from Grand Central Station (making it easily available by bus and subway) and is discreet and affordable. Just call 1-212-696-5900 to arrange an appointment today. Remember to visit a certified travel clinic before heading off into bacterially hostile territory!

Travel Immunization: Is it Safe?

Anyone who travels has a nightmare story of a great trip going horribly awry by catching a bug of some sort. This author can recall the all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas to cover the Adult Video News awards when food poisoning attacked, rendering me only capable of shivering into my gratis cocktails, which soon morphed into tea with honey and lemon. The after parties were out of the question.

With nightmares like these, one may ask why one wouldn’t actively seek out travel immunization. When one begins to read about them and sees the term “live virus vaccine” a clearer picture may emerge. The fact is that live virus immunizations have been par-for-the course for as long as vaccines have existed. Over all they have been safe and effective.

One of the most popular and currently requested vaccines is the yellow fever vaccine. This vaccine is a live virus vaccine but the virus has been genetically altered so that it cannot infect the recipient of the vaccine with the disease. With these facts stated live yellow fever vaccine still will not be administered to pregnant women and patients with compromised immune systems as a potential side effect-free vaccination does not exist. A non-live virus immunization for yellow fever is currently going through trials in order to be FDA approved.

Live virus vaccines exist in large numbers and are not to be feared as they are being administered every day. Examples include vaccines for—

·       Measles

·       Mumps

·       Rubella

·       Oral polio vaccine

·       Chicken pox

As stated previously, although advances are being made in immunization science, live virus vaccines are not to be avoided. They are crucial to healthy journeys and in the case of the yellow fever vaccine just may be the law-of-the-land depending on where your trip takes you.

To arrange further discussion on the matter of travel immunization NYC or to begin receiving the important shots necessary for safe world-travel, log onto Travel Clinic NYC or dial 1.212.696-5900 to arrange an appointment with a competent and world-wise professional. 

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.