Japanese encephalitis transmission is seasonal in temperate areas of Asia and spread by infected mosquitos.  Human disease usually peaks in the summer and fall, so extra precaution should be taken during these times.  Many people have found that the best bug repellant to use when immersed in areas highly infested with bugs and mosquitos is a product called Ultrathon by 3M.  Ultrathon is splash and sweat resistant and has been tested with the military.  Its proven formula contains a time release solution that makes the DEET in it evaporate slower, providing up to 12 hours of protection against mosquitos.  3M’s technology provides longer lasting protection with the use of less DEET.

Ultrathon comes in various forms for personal application safe for your skin and clothing.   For more protection against pests like mosquitos, gnats, flies, and other insects, Ultrathon provides a product specially made for applying to clothing and gear. It sprays on odorless and won’t harm or stain clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or outdoor gear.  One application lasts six weeks and through up to six launderings.

If you’re traveling to an area where illnesses caused by mosquitoes might be a concern, consult with International Travel Care.  We make it convenient by carrying Ultrathon for you to purchase at  our travel clinic.  Now that you know how to keep mosquitos at bay during your trip to Asia, the only thing left is to get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis.  Contact International Travel Care today to schedule your consultation.  Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn so you can share us with the world traveler you know!

Anti-Malaria medications are prescription meds. Before traveling to a foreign country, find out if malaria is a problem. If Malaria is present in the country you are traveling to, prior to your trip, obtain an anti-malaria prescription from a travel clinic or your regular provider. Keep in mind that some anti-malaria medications are taken two to three weeks before your departure, and others are taken two days before departure. Your anti-malaria medication prescribed will depend on which countries you are traveling to, as well as your health history.

According to a story that was posted on the CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website and contributed by Becky Coffman of Oklahoma State Department of Health, refers to an avid missionary, who decided to try a homeopathic malaria prevention drug. Unfortunately, the drug didn’t work which not only cost him thousands in medical bills, but also nearly his life.  The missionary chose to try the natural route after hearing of Malaria strains that are resistant to the anti-malaria medication, mefloquine.  He also failed to use mosquito nets, as his sleeping facility didn’t include them with his accommodations.  The missionary remembers receiving mosquito bites and after he returned home he began experiencing mild flu-like symptoms.  Left untreated for several days, the missionary developed the following conditions:

• Renal insufficiency
• Anemia
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation, which can quickly lead to shock and death
• Encephalopathy (brain dysfunction)

After a blood test, it was determined the missionary had contracted the most severe form of the parasitic disease, Malaria. Doctors began treating with anti-malarial drugs, which were successful.  The homeopathic anti-malaria failed to work as prevention, as well as treatment after the disease was contracted.

When traveling to a country with a high risk of contracting a parasitic disease, such as Malaria, it’s important to take the proper preventive measures to ensure more serious health conditions do not develop during your trip or after you return home.  International Travel Care will consult with you prior to your departure on what preventive measures are needed in order to stay safe and healthy.  Call today to schedule an appointment. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn so you can share International Travel Care with the avid missionary in your life!

Foods to Avoid

• Leafy greens that are likely washed in water
• Fruits and vegetables that don’t require peeling
• Ice
• Tap water
• Boiled fruits & vegetables

Safe Foods

• Bottled water
• Thoroughly cooked food
• Fruits with a rind, such as oranges or mangos
• Vegetables that need peeling before consumption
• Ice that is made from bottled, filtered water

The above precautions are important whether you have been vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Typhoid or not.  Caution should still be used when choosing which foods to consume.  It’s important to get vaccinated before beginning your travels abroad.  The Typhoid vaccine can be either taken orally or be administered by injection.  If taken orally, consult with International Travel Care at least three weeks before your departure date.  If you’re pressed for time, the Typhoid injection can be given as short as one day before you leave for abroad.  Hepatitis A injections should be started at least one month before you leave, although if there isn’t enough time you will still get some protection even if the series can’t be completed.  To schedule your consultation with International Travel Care, contact us today by calling or filling out a request form online.  Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn to make sure you have the protection you need to ensure amazing and safe travels!

It’s challenging to predict which B virus is going to be prevalent each flu season, so adding a second B virus to the vaccination is not only going to increase the chance that the vaccine will protect against circulating B viruses, it’s also going to drive up demand.  Quadrivalent flu vaccines are offered in two forms:

FluMist Quadrivalent

FluMist Quadrivalent is a nasal spray containing live weakened influenza viruses.  It is given as a spray through the nose to healthy people ages 2 through 49 years of age who are not pregnant.  FluMist Quadrivalent is only available as a quadrivalent vaccine.

Fluarix Quadrivalent

Fluarix Quadrivalent is a given by injection with a needle, usually in the arm.  The shot contains inactivated influenza viruses and is given to individuals who are three years of age and older.  Influenza vaccines are also going to be available as a trivalent.

Because of the expected short supply and high demand of quadrivalent influenza vaccines, consider pre-booking  an onsite flu shot clinic with your organization, place of business, school, or church. International Travel Care will help keep your organization flu free in 2013-2014.  Share this blog  and stay connect with International Travel Care on Facebook and LinkedIn for continued important information regarding the 2013-2014 flu season.

When a business traveler consults with International Travel Care, they get the most up-to-date information about their destination.  We provide for our patients information regarding health, along with safety and security, according to our client’s itinerary while traveling abroad. India is a country where several vaccine preventable diseases still exist. The following is a list of medications and vaccines that would be discussed with a patient who would be traveling to India:

• Anti-malaria
• Azithromycin for traveler’s diarrhea
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• Japanese Encephalitis
• MMR
• Polio
• Tetanus (TDaP)
• Typhoid

Other vaccinations to think about while traveling to India include Varicella (chicken pox) and the Rabies vaccine.  During your consultation, International Travel Care will discuss with you your health history and itinerary to help make informed decisions regarding all vaccinations. As you can see based on the list of vaccines, it is very important to make an appointment with a clinic who specializes in travel health. Some vaccines are a series of shots. It is best to make your appointment at least 6 weeks prior to travel.  For more information regarding staying healthy while traveling to India, check out the Center for Disease Control’s website as it contains a wealth of information.  While the CDC is a great place to start, you’ll still want to talk to a professional about your upcoming business trip.  You can find International Travel Care online or by following us on Facebook and LinkedIn.  Who do you know that travels for business?  Share this blog with them to make sure they are safe while conducting business overseas!

When U.S. students and adults choose to go to Haiti through Healing Haiti, they come to International Travel Care to consult with our professionals about staying healthy while traveling.  There are several vaccinations and medications that should be considered so that volunteers can serve to their fullest ability during the duration of their trip:

• Tetanus (TDaP)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• MMR booster
• Anti Malaria Medications
• Azithromycin  (for traveler’s diarrhea)

Working in conditions we aren’t used to, exposes our systems to threats that may not affect locals of impoverished countries in the same way.  It’s the same reason we need to be careful of the water we drink while traveling abroad to developing countries.  The U.S. is blessed to have all that we have.  Thankfully it allows us to give back to less fortunate parts of the world, unfortunately it leaves us vulnerable to certain diseases and infections.  Even if we don’t feel the effects of the disease, we could still become carriers and bring it back to people living here who haven’t been vaccinated.  Protect yourself and others by educating yourself on your destination and take the necessary precautions so you can fully enjoy your time serving others and come back safely to share your experiences with loved ones.  Share this blog with the missionary and volunteer  you know and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for continued travel safety tips!

International Travel Care is different from your regular physician in that we are a travel clinic.  Your regular physician is an expert on what vaccinations you need to stay healthy here at home, but our Travel Medicine Specialists can educate you about health, safety, and security while traveling.  Our Specialists can also administer vaccines and medications and provide for specialty travel health products.  It can get overwhelming to know exactly what precautions you need to take to stay safe.  We’ve done the research; let us help you with your next international vacation.

If we administer vaccinations, you will receive an International Certificate of Immunization, otherwise known as a “yellow card”.  Along with vaccinations and proper documentation, you will also receive a comprehensive individualized destination-specific consultation that covers everything from food and water precautions to how to properly guard against mosquitoes.  If you’ve read some of my previous blogs, you know that vaccinations are necessary in guarding against deadly diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, such as malaria and dengue fever.

If you are going to a country with risks that concern you, call International Travel Care for an appointment.  When you come in for your appointment, bring your complete immunization record such as your “yellow card” or records from your school nurse or primary care physician.  The cost of your appointment is dependent on the vaccinations you choose to receive.  We are also different from your primary care physician in that we don’t take medical insurance, considering most insurance won’t cover vaccinations administered because of foreign travel.  We will, however, provide you with a receipt containing all of the information you need to submit your own claim.  Our services are eligible to be paid for by HSA and flex dollars.  If you have more questions about the benefits of using a travel clinic, give us a call.  Share us with the traveler in your life and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn!

Malaria is a disease transmitted through mosquitos.  Mosquitos acquire the disease by biting an infected person, thus transferring Malaria to the next person it bites.  During the summer months is the opportune time for students to experience amazing adventures and do well in more undeveloped parts of the world by going on mission trips.  Malaria occurs in several part of the world where mission trips are common:

• South America
• Africa
• Southeast Asia
• Central America

There are precautions travelers can take against malaria.  The CDC has a list of all the places in the world where malaria transmission can happen and the medications that are recommended for prevention in each place.  Consulting with a travel clinic or health care provider to determine the best medication for you is the best place to start.  You’ll want to plan ahead as most drugs need to be started several weeks prior to your departure.  Last minute travelers can still benefit, as other malaria drugs only need to be started the day before travel.

If you or someone you know is going on the adventure of a lifetime and you’re wondering if malaria is a concern, be sure to share this information.  Follow International Travel Care on Facebook and LinkedIn to receive information and tips for safe travel!

Typhoid fever is a concern in some countries that travelers should be made aware of prior to departure.  Over the summer students will pack their bags, pack their cameras, hug parents goodbye and will trek off to another part of the world to help make a developing country a better place.  Whether it’s for church, college credit, or just for the great feeling you get from helping out, mission trips are numerous over the summer months.  When traveling to developing countries we may encounter certain bacteria our systems aren’t used to,  Salmonella Typhi  being one of them. Travelers with destinations to Asia, Africa, and Latin America are at particular risk.  Typhoid fever, or Salmonella Typhi lives only in humans and is spread by either people sick with typhoid fever, or carriers of the bacteria.  People become carriers by contracting the disease and then recovering. Generally, people get typhoid from contaminated food or water.

There are two ways to avoid typhoid fever.  The first would be to become vaccinated.  Vaccinations should be completed no less than 1-2 weeks before you travel so there is time for the vaccination to become most effective.  If you have received the vaccination in the past you may want to check with your doctor to see if you need a booster, as the vaccination will become ineffective after several years.  The other way to avoid typhoid fever would be to stay away from food and drink you are unsure of.

• Drink bottled water
• Ask for drinks without ice
• Only eat foods that are cooked thoroughly
• Avoid raw fruits and vegetables that can’t be peeled
• Peel fruits and vegetables yourself after washing your hands and the fruit or vegetables
• Avoid food and drinks from street vendors

Being cautious about what you eat and drink is as important as getting a vaccination against typhoid fever because vaccinations aren’t always 100% effective.  Travelers’ diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis A are some other sicknesses you will avoid by using caution against what you eat and drink.  There are a multitude of illnesses you can avoid while traveling.  If you know someone who is planning a trip to a developing country in the near future, share this blog so they can stay on top of what they need to know to stay safe and healthy.  Be sure to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for regular updates on travel safety tips!

• Avoiding animal bites
• Pre-exposure rabies vaccination
• Wound management

To avoid animal bites, travelers should steer clear of stray animals such as dogs and monkeys, and also avoid situations where they may come in contact with bats.  A pre-exposure rabies vaccine may be right for certain international travelers based on the prevalence of rabies in the country to be visited, the availability of appropriate rabies vaccine, intended itinerary and activities, and length of stay. Pre-exposure rabies vaccines are also recommended for:

• Veterinarians
• Animal handlers
• Field biologists
• Cavers
• Missionaries
• Laboratory workers

Pre-exposure rabies vaccines consist of a series of three injections, which should all be received before travel occurs.  If there isn’t time to get all three doses of the vaccine before leaving for travel, the series shouldn’t be started.  Managing a wound after any animal bite or scratch should be carefully tended to by washing thoroughly with soap and water, taking care of the wound in this way will greatly reduce the risk of rabies. In travelers who received pre-exposure vaccination, 2 boosters post-exposure of an acceptable rabies vaccine are given. In travelers who did not receive pre-exposure vaccination, a series of four injections are administered post-exposure over 14 days. Pre-exposure rabies vaccines are highly recommended if an international traveler will be more than 24 hours away from an appropriate source of rabies vaccine.

Knowing your options and taking precautions against rabies benefits you by helping to make your travel safe and worry free.  For more information on rabies and pre-exposure vaccinations contact International Travel Care or follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for weekly travel tips!