CeraLyte is a rice-based oral rehydration solution that is key component in travel health kits used by international travelers across the globe, but, for some in the Ebola ravaged regions of Liberia and Sierra Leone, it might become a life-saver.

Cera Products, the producer of CeraLyte, has donated over 17 tons of its product to the humanitarian organization Direct Relief in hopes that it will help keep Ebola patients from suffering from dehydration or shock to give them a better chance at overcoming the deadly disease.

The specific product that was sent, CeraLyte-70 ORS, is designed to be used with vomiting and diarrhea, two of the main symptoms of Ebola. The rice-based product provides many other benefits across all of its variants including: replacing fluid loss, reducing future fluid loss by as much as 30%, and helping in the absorption of oral medicines.

One of the biggest constraints to controlling the Ebola outbreak in the West African region has been the limited number of medical personnel available to assist in treatment of the disease. With this in mind, Cera Products chose to send pre-made solution which could easily be handed out to drink just like Gatorade or any other product.

“We sent ready to drink, as it would be easier to administer than powder,” said Charlene Riikonen, the president and CEO of Cera Products over e-mail. “[Powder] needs to be mixed with water, and we don’t know their water situation there.”

Riikonen says that while the company does not currently have any plans to send more rehydration solutions to Africa through Direct Relief, it is possible that it will get there through other means.

“We may be sending more, but will wait to see what is needed, and the US military may be ordering some to take and some to distribute as well.”

What Cera Products has given is just the latest donation that Direct Relief has received. Since the Ebola outbreak in West Africa began, the organization has sent more than $6 million worth of goods to the region in hopes of treating people already exhibiting symptoms and protecting those that have yet to become infected.

If you’ve ever thought that it seems like you get sick every time you take an airplane somewhere, you might not be mistaken. In recent studies conducted by scientists on the lifespan of different types of germs, results showed that some deadly pathogens are hardy for seven days or longer inside an airplane. Understanding the life span of germs on airplanes can help you take action to stay healthy whether you’re taking a trip across North America or across the world.

Types of Germs and Their Airplane Lifespans

Medical researchers at Auburn University took samples of E. coli and MRSA, germs which cause illnesses ranging from diarrhea to severe skin wound infections, and placed them on common areas in airplanes such as seats, trays, seat belts and handles. The scientists discovered the MRSA germs lasted for up to seven days on the cloth seat pocket with the magazines, and the E. coli persisted for four days on the armrest. The scientists found that the germs were most easily passed to human skin when they were on a plastic surface. Meanwhile, researchers from the University of Arizona found MRSA on the food trays of at least one in every four flights.

Where Germs Lurk on Airplanes

Just like in other environments where people spend time, germs are present on just about every surface in an airplane. While airline staff do their best to sanitize the plane’s cabin between flights, not every germ gets removed. Moreover, during a long or crowded flight as well as during peak cold and flu season, there simply may be more germs to go around. Germs are common on airplane surfaces including the flip-down trays, arm rests, seat back pockets, toilet flushers and window shades.

How to Stay Healthy During Air Travel

As soon as you set foot in the airport, you’ll need to take precautions against germs. Try to touch as few surfaces as possible. Once you’re on the plane, get out your stash of antibacterial wipes and thoroughly swab each surface around your seat. Concentrate on the areas your hands, food and drinks will touch. These include the safety belt, arm rests, tray table, seat pocket, window shade and overhead compartment bin. Bring along a TSA-approved size of personal hand sanitizer to use when accessing the restroom is not convenient for hand washing. If the people seated near you are sneezing or coughing, ask if it’s possible to switch seats to a place where no one is obviously sick. You may also want to avoid having drinks poured by airline staff and instead opt for the bottled water that’s still sealed. Bring your own snacks that don’t have to be placed onto the tray table, and avoid putting personal items into the cloth seat back pockets.

Preparing for a Healthy International Trip

Before boarding an aircraft for an international trip, visit a travel health clinic where a travel health specialist will help you determine whether you need any vaccinations or travel immunizations for your destination. A pre-travel health exam can help determine your overall health and whether you’ll need any medications such as anti-malarial drugs for your trip. Travel health specialists also offer expert guidance on how to pack travel supplies for optimal health. You may need items such as sunscreen, mosquito repellant, a water purification kit, anti-diarrheal medications and first aid supplies for your destination.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control: Infectious Diseases Related to International Travel: E. coli
ABC News: Are Airplane Seats a Ticket to Infection?
Forbes.com: Planes Can Harbor Deadly Infections for 7 Days, Study Shows

A new CDC report on the 2013-2014 flu season shines a surprising light on certain parts of the nation. Last year, 46.2% of the US population were vaccinated against the flu, but some states and demographics fell way below that national average.

One standout was Utah where only 41.5% of the population received a flu shot. At five percent below the national average, Utah’s vaccination rate is nowhere near the worst in the nation, but what is going on with younger individuals in this state is far more surprising. The flu vaccination rate in children ages 6 months to 17 years old was 9% below the national average.

Why are so many children in Utah going unvaccinated? And, why is the same thing happening in Idaho?

Indeed, the state most famous for its potatoes is 13.4% below the national average for child vaccinations, nearly double its deficit for adults which sits at 6.9% below average.

It is troubling that in both states, a large number of adults are deciding not just to forego vaccinations for themselves, but also for their children.

Meanwhile, states such as New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island are far above the national average vaccination rate, and 12 to 19 percent more children living in these areas receive flu vaccines than their counterparts out West.

Although the CDC has not released any reasons for the vaccination gaps among various locales, questions need to be asked. Is this an East vs. West difference? A difference in availability? A difference in culture? Or simply a difference in parenting?

We’d like to hear from you, so please leave a comment on why you decide to get your child a flu vaccination and why you think these differences might exist.

To schedule your own flu vaccination, contact one of Passport Health’s flu specialists at 1-888-499-PASS (7277).

Whether you’re taking an international trip for business or pleasure, the last thing you want to do is risk your health and financial future by being unprepared for a medical emergency. Illnesses, acute conditions and injuries can occur anywhere and happen to anyone at any time. You can help protect yourself by considering health and travel insurance policies specific to your trip.

What Is Travel Health and Medical Evacuation Insurance?

There are three main types of travel-related health insurance to consider for your international trip. These include:

• Travel health insurance. If you have a chronic medical condition, this type of insurance helps to ensure that you’ll receive the same high-quality care you’d expect at home in North America.
• Medical evacuation insurance. If you suffer from an injury or sudden acute event such as a heart attack, medical evacuation insurance covers the cost of transportation to get you to medical facilities with the high standard of care you’d receive at home in the United States or Canada.
• Trip cancellation insurance. Perhaps a hurricane, civil conflict or a personal issue in your life has gotten in the way of your trip. This type of insurance reduces your financial losses from canceling your plane tickets, lodging and other travel-related expenses.

Who Should Get Travel Health and Medical Evacuation Insurance?

Even if you’re healthy, stay active and have no known medical conditions, insurance is still a good way to protect yourself. One fall on a hiking trail and your necessary evacuation on a medical helicopter or private jet to a hospital could set you back tens of thousands of dollars without the right type of insurance. In some places around the world, you may have to pay the cost of your treatment and transportation on the spot before any service is provided. In the event that you are unable to complete the duration of your trip, travel health insurance and medical evacuation insurance may reimburse you for your expenses. Without these insurance policies, you could be taken to a subpar facility without the medical services, diagnostic equipment, supplies and treatment that you require. Obtaining adequate travel and international health insurance coverage helps to ensure that you’ll get the care you need at a place with exemplary standards of care.

Preparing for a Healthy International Trip

Taking a few steps before you depart on an international trip can help ensure you’re ready for the rigors of this type of travel. A pre-travel health consultation with a travel health specialist can ascertain whether you’re in need of any vaccinations. You can also receive preventative medications, such as anti-malarial drugs based upon your travel destination, and tips on packing for a healthy trip. You’ll learn which over the counter medications, first aid supplies, mosquito repellant, sunscreen and water purification kits will help keep you healthy.

With the right travel health steps and proper insurance policies, you keep yourself firmly in charge of your health. Especially if you are traveling on a mission trip, doing medical volunteer work, or engaging in extreme adventure travel, be sure you are prepared for any eventuality!

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control: Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance and Medical Evacuation Insurance
Petergreenberg.com: Why You Need Medical Travel Insurance
Petergreenberg.com: Your Checklist for International Travel

A recent report out of Germany shows that a new polio strain that killed 209 people in the Congo in 2010 might be able to overcome current polio vaccinations.

In a study conducted at the Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, researchers found that this new strain changes its form “at a decisive point,” making it resistant to some of the common polio vaccines.

Researchers isolated the virus from several fatal cases and then tested it on the blood samples of 34 medical students at the University of Bonn. Between 15% and 29% of the test samples were entirely unprotected from the mutant strain, despite being vaccinated against polio previously.

It is estimated that anywhere from 20% to 30% of the students sampled could have been infected by the new strain of the virus. However, it is possible that the vaccine would still have helped their immune systems combat the disease.

This finding comes four years after the initial outbreak of the new polio strain in Pointe Noire, Republic of the Congo, and confirms what initial research stated. Nearly half the victims of the outbreak were immunized at birth.

While no instance of this new strain has been found in the United States (or anywhere in the developed world), it is something to be aware of that could affect future research.

For more information on the polio vaccination and how you can protect yourself and your family, please contact a Passport Health travel medicine specialist.