Planning a trip to the Bahamas is a thrilling time for most people travelers. Killer beaches, free flowing rum, and lush tropical surroundings whisper of the promise of a great vacation. While you are sure to have a good time, you want to make sure you don’t pick up any unwanted passengers in the way of bacterial infections or viruses.
With a little planning for travel vaccinations, you can ensure your family and you don’t fall ill from exotic illnesses. A good vacation can be cut short or ruined by an unexpected illness, so plan thoroughly for your health needs.
Most of us who were born and raised in the United States were vaccinated for childhood illnesses that could be fatal. That means you probably only need a booster shot for measles, mumps and rubella and diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. Some American children were never inoculated against polio, so be sure that you check your immunization history. If you have not been vaccinated, do so as soon as possible.
Check with your doctor for your immunization history. Your shot records are one item you will need to bring with you when you have your consultation with a travel doctor.
There are other vaccine preventable diseases that you can be inoculated against. If you need any of them, you should plan to have the shots at least six weeks prior to departure. Many of the shots you will be taking need a full six weeks to reach peak effectiveness in your system, so plan ahead. Even if you won’t have enough time to allow your immunizations to come into full effect before you leave, you should get them anyway. A few of the vaccines may be effective in fighting diseases before a full six weeks has passed, so it is better to have a little protection than none at all.
Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated water or food. Even in westernized chain restaurants and hotels, this virus can be spread and contracted. In order to be completely safe, you need to be sure you have had the Hep A vaccine. Speak with Dr. Gafanovich about other ways you can identify the dangers of Hepatitis and avoid getting the virus.
In tandem with Hepatitis A, is Hep B. This form of hepatitis is transmitted through bodily fluids and sexual contact. Even if you have protected sex with a condom, you are not fully safe without the vaccine. Another point that should be made is that if you are injured and require hospitalization in the Bahamas, you could be at risk of catching either strain of the hepatitis virus. Many foreign hospitals don’t employ the same sterilization techniques we do in the U.S., so be sure you are inoculated from both Hepatitis A and B.
Typhoid, or typhus, is almost unheard of in America, but it still thrives in some parts of the world. If you are an unvaccinated traveler headed for the Bahamas, this is a highly recommended shot. This is especially important if you will be spending time in rural areas or visiting with family or friends.
The Hepatitis vaccines are a series. The first shot cannot be given within six months of the second. The third shot must be given 12 months after the second shot. Before leaving the US, you should have your initial doses of both Hep A and Hep B.
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Traveling outside of USA and concerned about your health? Travel vaccinations are recommended for many destinations. Find out about the requirements and talk to a physician.
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Having a rabies vaccine may be helpful to you if you are going to be having outdoor fun in the sun. If you think you may come into contact with any stray or wild animals in your travels, you should get the shot. Camping, mountain climbing, cave exploring, and hiking are all activities that may put you at risk for rabies. Even so called “cute” animals like bunnies and squirrels can be carriers, and it only takes one bite or nip to become infected. Once you begin to show symptoms of the rabies virus, you will most certainly die. If you think you may be at risk, getting the shot can be a potential life saver.
To schedule your vaccinations and a consultation with the doctor, contact us today.
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