HEALTH TRAVEL WARNINGS: THE FIRST STEP TO COMBAT DANGEROUS INFECTIONS ABROAD
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The coronavirus has struck internationally. However, dangerous infections such as Yellow Fever, Malaria, Polio, Ebola and a host of others. State Departments around the world, issue travel warnings regarding physical safety on countries around the world, which gets headlines. But an frequent over looked warnings are health warnings. The levels are range from the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta:
- Warning Level 3 (RED)–Practice usual precautions i.e. the outbreak is of high risk to travelers and no precautions are available to protect against the identified increased risk;
- Alert Level 2 (YELLOW)–Practice enhanced precaution describes additional; precautions added or defines a specific at-risk population;
- Watch Level 1 (GREEN)–Advises travelers to be up-to-date on all vaccines and practicing mosquito avoidance.
CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS
Sneezing within six feet of someone, germs on surfaces are the frequent and main ways the virus can spread. The symptoms are just like the common cold aches, headaches, sore throat. But the biggest concern is the deep respiratory infections that leads to pneumonia when the immune system overreacts producing excess fluid in the lungs.
EUROPE INCLUDED
Africa, The Middle East, Asia gets the first thoughts on when it comes to travelling vaccinations. But in recent years, Europe has seen an increase of mumps and pertussis (a highly infectious bacterial infection that primarily affects children) just to name a couple.
- Hepatitis A and B is recommended for most travelers for all regions of Europe;
- Typhoid is suggested for travelers of certain itineraries.
- Rabies, which is spread by infected animals, is suggested for long time travelers who may come in contact with animals.
HANDWASHING
The CDC has a tutorial on their site about the importance of handwashing. It instructs with warm water and soap to vigorously (including under nails and in seams) wash hands for thirty seconds, (just like a surgeon going into the operating room). This step can’t be replaces with hand sanitizer. The recommended hand sanitizer contains 70% alcohol or above.
https://www.passporthealthusa.com/destination-advice/western-europe/#vaccines
