A nurse vaccinates a patient. Image created with AI (Gemini).
In less than a week it will be Christmas. A date that is characterized, above all, by the number of trips that are done daily. And many people return home or decide to celebrate the holidays in another country. Although to do this, it is necessary to be cautious and know what diseases reside in each territory to avoid unnecessary infections.
As confirmed to Medical Writing Jose Francisco Gallegospresident of the Spanish Society of Travel Medicine (Semevi), it is very important that in these cases people “consult with an international vaccination centerespecially for tropical countries, or at least to your family doctor so that he can refer you if necessary.” Because yes, prevention is essential when you go to other countries, since you never know what pathologies you are going to find, or yes.
Gallegos explains that “at this time of year, in countries in the northern hemisphere, respiratory diseases predominate, with the gripe “This year the transmission of influenza has advanced and is constituting a public health problem due to its frequency and need for attention in many countries. Vaccination is the most effective weapon to prevent it, although it is true that with the current variant (A, H3N2) the effectiveness seems somewhat lower, but it is still a recommended measure,” he details.
The same happens with coronavirus infection, whose vaccination “is especially indicated in vulnerable people (over 65 years of age and with chronic diseases).” Although, in this case, it is also recommended the use of masks (especially in closed and poorly ventilated spaces) and frequent hand washing.
Rise in measles and whooping cough
But they are not the only diseases that must be taken into account when traveling. Other respiratory pathologies that “are experiencing a resurgence in both Europe and America are measles and whooping cough, with vaccines available in the children’s calendarbut which are reappearing due to failures in these vaccination programs or due to the decrease in immunity, which leads to the need for booster doses (as is the case with whooping cough, with which a booster must be administered along with tetanus in adults, especially to protect babies, who are the most vulnerable).
Added to them are “the gastrointestinal diseases transmitted by contaminated water or food, such as those produced by the Hepatitis A“, which is endemic in many countries in Central and South America. “There is a vaccine available to prevent it and it is important to follow preventive and hygienic measures to avoid contracting it through diet when traveling abroad,” says Gallegos.
Also “vaccination against typhoid fever is essential in some of these countries on the American continent to prevent this disease associated with diet.” Although we must remember that “on any international trip, it is always advisable avoid higher risk foodssuch as eating raw or undercooked meat, fish or vegetables, and drinking safe, bottled beverages.
Prevention of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes
On the other hand, especially in tropical American countries, attention must be paid to the mosquito-borne diseaseswhich can occur throughout the year, although especially after the rainy season. “In recent years, there has been a geographical extension and a significant increase in the number of cases of various diseases such as yellow fever, dengue or chikungunya, to which has been added more recently that caused by the Oropuche virus,” he points out.
For the yellow fever, According to the doctor specializing in Preventive Medicine and Public Health, “we have had a very effective vaccine for almost 100 years, and it is the only one that can be mandatory on certain itineraries.” “For dengue and chikungunya, the availability of vaccination is much more recent and may be indicated in certain destinations and for travelers with a higher risk of serious illness,” he emphasizes.
In any case, for this and other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, the fundamental measure is “protection against bites”. Outdoors, it is always recommended to wear long-sleeved clothing and use effective repellents in uncovered areas. At bedtime, it is necessary to avoid the presence of mosquitoes in the room.
As he indicates, “we must remember that the Nile fevera disease transmitted by mosquitoes, is already circulating in Europe, and there have been cases reported especially in France and Italy but also in Spain and that, although there is less risk at this time of year, in areas where the disease has been detected circulating it is also necessary to avoid bites if mosquitoes are detected.
Finally, Gallegos always recommends that travelers carry a small travel kit and that they have guaranteed assistance through medical insurance (in Europe they can use the European health card).
The information published in Medical Writing contains statements, data and declarations from official institutions and health professionals. However, if you have any questions related to your health, consult your corresponding health specialist.
