Preparing for your overseas holiday

WITH Healthcare pharmacist Rebecca Miltiadou – DIRECT CHEMIST WAREHOUSE

Travelling overseas to exotic destinations is an exciting experience for many people.

However, with new adventures comes with certain health risks.To ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday, it is important to consider travel vaccines and disease prevention, which can protect you from various infectious diseases that might be prevalent in the regions you plan to visit.

The top three travel vaccines and prevention include Hepatitis A, Malaria and Typhoid, which are available with a valid prescription in Australian pharmacies.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

• Hepatitis A is a viral infection which is commonly spread through contaminated food and water. If you’re planning to visit countries with poor sanitation and hygiene standards such as some parts of Asia, Africa, or South America, the Hepatitis A vaccine is highly recommended.
• · The Hepatitis A vaccine has been extensively studied and proven to be highly effective in preventing infection. It provides long-lasting protection, often for a lifetime. The vaccine provides protection from a single dose after as little as 4 weeks.

Typhoid Vaccine

• Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. It spreads through contaminated food and water and is prevalent in many developing countries. If your travel plans include destinations in Asia, Africa or South America, you should consider the Typhoid vaccine.
• It is recommended to have the injectable vaccine at least 14 days prior to exposure and the oral vaccine to be completed before 1 week of travel.

Malaria Prevention

• Malaria is a significant concern in many of the world’s tropical regions, found in approximately 100 countries. While there is no malaria vaccine available, travellers can take prophylactic medication to reduce the risk of infection. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable medication for your destination and to ensure you start taking the vaccine before your trip. As this disease is transmitted through mosquitos, it is recommended to use insect repellent (containing DEET) to reduce your risk of being bitten.

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Before setting off on your next adventure, it’s crucial to prioritise your health to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Vaccines have been extensively researched and are proven to be effective, making them an essential part of your pre-travel preparations.

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional or travel clinic to determine which vaccines and preventatives are appropriate for your travel plans.

References

amhonline.amh.net.au/chapters/vaccines-chap/vaccines

cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hepa/index.html

who.int/wer/2018/wer9336/en/

cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/typhoid/index.html

Malaria Journal – “The global distribution of clinical episodes of Plasmodium falciparum malaria” (Bhatt, S., et al., 2015).

smartraveller.gov.au/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwsp6pBhCfARIsAD3GZuZ5oJCvAGp4KGurtDsklmxE4icY- 8wUY7PDUL11RR88QRKg92DZpewaAmxTEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccination-for-special-risk-groups/vaccination- for-internationaltravellers

DISCLAIMER: This material contains general information about medical conditions and treatments and is intended for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or professional advice, nor should it be used for the purposes of diagnosing or treating any illness. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your local pharmacist or health provider to obtain professional advice relevant to your specific circumstances.