Bring Home Happy Vacation Memories Not Serious Sickness

You booked the flight, hotel and packed your bags, but the most important travel plan is getting the proper vaccinations to avoid dangerous diseases. American Family Care (AFC) is alerting tourists about the crucial shots and precautions to take prior to and during a vacation to ensure that the only thing families bring home is happy memories.

“Travel medicine is mainly focused on preventive care and disease treatment for patients traveling abroad,” said Dr. Iftikhar Ali, Medical Director of AFC. “However, due to recent outbreaks of diseases like measles, it is strongly recommended you receive updated vaccinations even if you are just taking a short vacation nearby.”

Dr. Ali explains other countries contain diseases that are not often seen in America, which is why most people are not vaccinated for them. Some common travel vaccinations include:
· Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
· HPV
· Polio
· Shingles
· Tetanus
· Rabies
· Meningococcal
· Measles/Mumps/Rubella
· Yellow fever (subject to location. Call ahead to inquire on specific needs or requirements.)
Recommended travel vaccinations vary depending on the destination. AFC providers are familiar with what vaccinations are important for various countries based on CDC guidelines and can provide a comprehensive list. Patients need to mention if they plan on traveling to multiple countries, as the more places they go, the more vaccinations they may need. Also, plan well in advance to ensure optimum protection.

Zika continues to be a problem in many parts of the world. There is no vaccine to prevent infection. Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected mosquito. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. To prevent Zika, use insect repellent with an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Stay in rooms with air conditioning, or windows with screens. If sleeping outdoors, use a bed net. Zika can also be sexually transmitted, so proper precautions and safety measures are advised.
“People need to be aware of the potential to spread Zika after they return home as many people who have Zika won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms,” said Dr. Ali. “That’s why we recommend using insect repellent for three weeks afteryour trip to prevent passing Zika to mosquitoes that could infect other people. Come to AFC if you develop a fever, rash, headache, joint pain, red eyes, or muscle pain.”

Yellow Fever is also a disease caused by a virus that is spread through mosquito bites. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, backache, and muscle aches. Travelers to certain parts of South America, particularly Brazil, and Africa are at risk for yellow fever. The Yellow Fever vaccine is the best protection.

People going to Africa and the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) need to be aware of Ebola. There is no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved or widely available vaccine or specific treatment for Ebola, and many people who get the disease die.

“Our physicians may also recommend certain medications to take with you for conditions that cannot be prevented through vaccination, like food and water borne diarrhea, illness, and motion sickness,” said Dr. Ali. “Be sure to discuss all of the potential risks to your health abroad with a member of our knowledgeable team.”

Dr. Ali notes that according to the CDC, travelers need to be mindful of what they eat and handle, as well as the souvenirs they bring home, Avoid eating raw or under cooked meat, food from street vendors, unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables, salad, and condiments (such as salsa) made with fresh ingredients. Don’t drink tap or well water, fountain drinks, ice made with tap water. Stick to bottled, canned and pre-packaged foods and drinks.
AFC urgent care centers in West Hartford, New Britain, Vernon, Torrington and Danbury are striving to take the stress out of the process by offering head-to-toe physicals with no appointment needed. Additionally, the center is open nights, weekends and holidays to make the process all the more convenient.

AFC locations are open Monday through Friday from 8 am-8 pm and weekends from 8 am-5 pm. No appointment is required and care is dispensed with the utmost quality and efficiency. The centers are located at 1171 East Main St. Torrington CT; 135 East Main St., New Britain CT; 1030 Boulevard West Hartford, CT; 179 Talcottville Rd., Vernon, CT; Danbury locations 2 Main St., 100 Mill Plain Rd & 76C Newtown Rd). All locations offer convenient, private parking.

For more information visit www.afcurgentcare.com.