IF you're travelling to Third World countries, where sanitation and hygiene can be poor, do get yourself vaccinated against water and airborne diseases. A survey shows that some 16 milion people are infected with typhoid annually with 600,000 deaths and 70 per cent of this is in Asia. A jab against typhoid is therefore a shield against a threat to your life.
"Other important vaccinations are those against hepatitis A and B, influenza and cholera," says Dr Quah Say Chuan of BP Healthcare Group in Taman Cheras Makmur, Kuala Lumpur.
BP Healthcare Group (bphealthcare.com) has its headquarters in Ipoh and a chain of diagnostic centres and laboratories as well as a pharmacy in the country. It has come out with a booklet, Travel Health In Your Pocket, which contains valuable health information for travellers.
Quah tells us more about travel health precautions:
When is the best time to get vaccinated before one goes travelling?
Two months. Most vaccinations require two to three weeks to be effective. Some vaccinations, like that for hepatitis B, require more than one jab, done over a period of a few months. Hepatitis A requires a primary dose and a booster dose in six months to a year. Also, some vaccines may not be readily available.
A blood test is also required to ensure previous vaccinations still work and that takes a month or two to get results.
What about vaccinations for children?
Standard vaccination for children here is quite comprehensive so for infants, usually no extra vaccination is needed. But if you are going to a high risk area, vaccination against hepatitis A and B may be needed after checking your immunity status. Typhoid vaccination is also recommended if the risk of infection is high. For typhoid, two types of vaccine are available, one taken orally and the other through injection. For oral typhoid vaccine, it can be given as early as six months of age. Injection vaccine can only be given to children age two and above.
Should every traveller be vaccinated?
Destination is one of the important factors to consider. From the destination, we will have a better idea what type of diseases a traveller may be exposed to. A business traveller visiting only hygienic, air-conditioned premises for a few days cannot be compared to someone travelling extensively to rural areas of the same country where health risks are higher and access to medical facilities inadequate.
How effective are vaccinations?
Vaccines are not 100 per cent effective. One should still keep healthy habits especially when it comes to food and water. Unless you are sure of the cleanliness of the water, don't drink it. This includes ice cubes and water for brushing teeth. Bottled water or mineral water is usually safe, as are hot tea and coffee, fizzy drinks, beer and wine.
Be prudent with with local cheeses and ice-cream. Boil unpasteurised milk. Cook meat and vegetables thoroughly and eat while still hot. Avoid leftovers. Fish and shellfish may be hazardous even if cooked. Peel all fruits, including tomatoes. Avoid salads and food prepared in unhygienic conditions. Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before eating or handling food. Wash all dishes and cutlery in clean, hot water.
