6 Vaccinations to Consider Before Resuming Travel
COVID-19 has the world in shock as we quickly switched from normalcy to a quarantined lifestyle. Many adjusted by creating a virtual social and work life via Zoom, Facetime, and social media. On Mar. 19 the U.S. Department issued a Level 4 travel advisory (the highest level). While canceled vacations and postponed trips have disappointed many, safety became our priority. The world continues to observe the pandemic’s rise and decreasing numbers.
On Aug. 6, the U.S. Department lifted its national travel advisory. While there are still advisories in place for non-essential travel it seems essential travel will carry on. Non-essential travel will inevitably follow as COVID-19-like illness (CLI) seem to be either stabilizing or decreasing in all regions of the U.S according to the CDC. Although the world is still experiencing the effects of COVID-19, those who are optimistic look forward to having the ability to socialize, travel, and return to some form of a resumed life.
However, the results of the virus have created an everlasting effect on the way we now view travel. For one, the public’s perception of being sanitary and staying healthy has permanently changed. While our nation is buzzing over the release of a possible COVID-19 vaccination, there are existing travel vaccinations that are important. If travel is essential to you at this time or you plan on traveling once the outbreak stops (and it will) here’s a list of 6 vaccinations to consider before traveling.
1.Tetanus A bacterial infection that can cause painful muscle spasms. Tetanus is sometimes referred to as lockjaw. Tetanus can be contracted when dirt enters an opening such as a wound or cut.
2. Typhoid A bacterial disease that is spread through contaminated food, water, and close contact. It causes symptoms such as fever and diarrhea.
3. Hepatitis A & B Combo Shot Hepatitis A is usually caused by contaminated food or water. It causes liver disease and may include symptoms such as liver pain, swelling, fever, chills, and nausea.
Hepatitis B is a blood-borne pathogen and is usually spread through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. It can cause joint pain, nausea, fever, weakness, and fatigue.
4. Meningitis A bacteria that enters the bloodstream and travels to the spinal cord and brain. Meningitis can be contracted through sneeze and cough. Symptoms include stiffness of muscles, high fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
5.Cholera A bacterial disease that causes diarrhea and dehydration. Cholera is usually spread in water and can be fatal if not treated right away
6. Rabies A virus contracted through the saliva of infected animals such as dogs, bats, coyotes, raccoons, and skunks. Depending on where you’re visiting there may be a lot or a little of stray and undomesticated animals present. While there have been Rabies cases in the U.S. being in the presence of infected animals anywhere will increase the possibility of contraction.
It’s important to note that vaccination recommendations will vary depending on where you plan on traveling. While these 6 vaccinations cover many parts of the world, for destination-specific recommendations check the CDC’s website for the appropriate vaccinations.
Many vaccinations can be given through your doctor’s office, clinics, and believe it or not even your local pharmacy. Walgreen’s for instance offers Tetanus and Meningitis shots. Be sure to consult with your physician first. Please note some shots need to be ordered beforehand. While vaccinations can be given at any time I recommend getting them 30 - 60 days before traveling to give your body time to adjust to them.
As the world continues to heal from the effects of COVID-19 many of us are looking forward to a new year of possibilities. To ensure safety please take all recommended precautions. I’m looking forward to 2021 being a year of success filled with positivity and so much more travel tips and inspiration to share with you. Until then, be safe!
