Avoid Yellow Fever, See Your Doctor!

A Mosquito carrying Yellow Fever

     The other day I walked into my doctor's office and announced that I have arrived for my travel vaccinations.  The nurse looked at my chart and said "are you ready for this?"  I confidently replied "sure, what's a couple of shots!"  She exclaimed "sir you and your wife are scheduled for 13 shots!"  And I said to myself, "oh, the joys of traveling abroad."  I know this seems a tad extreme to get this many shots, but when traveling to remote corners of the world, you never can be too careful.

     I am currently preparing for an amazing adventure to East Africa.  A place full of incredible wildlife, diverse cultures, and exceptional beauty.  Yet, their are paroles as well.  Be it yellow fever, Malaria, Rift Valley Disease, Dengue, African Sleep Sickness, Typhoid, Diphtheria, Travelers Sickness and many more deadly illnesses that most people would truly want to avoid.  To do this, you must come prepared.  This means that you should check with your physician at least a month before you begin your memorable adventure.  This way he or she can make sure that you are up to date with your inoculations as well as prepare you for this upcoming journey.  Many medications will take a week or more to take an effect and give you the immunity needed to avoid these deadly maladies.  Also, a good physician can keep you up to speed with the latest information on epidemics that are running rampant in the part of the world that you plan on visiting.  This way you can go on the trip and be quite knowledgeable of the current situation.  You can also consult the CDC for the latest in travel health advisories.  Hopefully, these simple tips can help you stay healthy on your next trip abroad.

Center For Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/

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