In the warm seasons, mosquitoes are abundant. This means more itchy, red blotches may appear on your skin due to mosquito bites. But, do mosquitoes bite or sting people? The answer is neither. Mosquitoes stick a needle in your body and suck your blood out. This process is similar to how your blood sample is taken from your arm at a hospital. People refer to this action as a ‘bite’ because of how it feels.

Mosquitoes have to detect you first. They can sense sweat and carbon dioxide you breathe out from as far as 55 yards away (more than half the length of a football field). After they have detected you, they approach you and land on your body.

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Typhoid fever is an illness that is typically contracted through contaminated food or water. Salmonella Typhi is the bacteria that causes it. Typhoid is an illness that is not typically found in developed countries. More instances of it happen in underdeveloped countries. People in the United States who have typhoid, most of the time have contracted it while they were traveling.

Around the world, though, typhoid is a large global threat. Approximately 27 million people are affected. Children are at the greatest risk of contracting it and suffering serious complications from it. The disease itself has been found in various countries like South America, Southeast Asia, and India.

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When you are planning a vacation, you want to make sure that you have everything you need with you, suitcases, passports, toiletries, and most importantly, any prescription medications that you take. If some people miss their medication, it may not be a big deal. But, for others who have more serious conditions, a missed dose can be dangerous. Sometimes, traveling can present some obstacles when it comes to prescription medication, such as running out of your medicine.

The first thing that you should do is to make an appointment with your doctor to speak to them about your upcoming travel plans. They may be able to give you an extended prescription, perhaps a 60 or even a 90 day supply of it, depending on where you are going.

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There is nothing quite like getting out into nature and going on a hike. You can find amazing animals and beautiful plants and flowers along the way. Not to mention some great views depending on where you are hiking. It’s important to be prepared before you embark on a hike. Here are some of the essential items needed when you are hiking abroad.

A Good Fitting Backpack

A backpack is absolutely essential for hiking. This is where you will be storing the bulk of the items that you’ll need while you are on your hike. If you choose a backpack that is too big or too small, you may spend the bulk of your hike being uncomfortable. It is important to consider your body type when you are purchasing a backpack.

One other thing that you want your backpack to have is an abundance of pockets. There are tons of different little items that you may want to bring, from toiletries to snacks, make sure that you have enough room in your backpack for everything that you plan on bringing with you.

A Comfortable Pair Of Hiking Shoes

Hiking is all about walking, and having the right shoes makes all of the difference. To assure that you find the right kind of shoe that fits correctly for you, you may want to visit a local shoe store. They will be knowledgeable about how the shoe should fit your foot, and what kind of shoe to get. You want to make sure that they are comfortable for you, yet can withstand hiking adventures, too. You will want to assure that they are also waterproof, just in case you have to cross small streams and brooks.

Water

The last thing that you want to become while hiking is dehydrated. That is why it is always important to make sure that you have a water bottle with you at all times. Collapsible ones work well for hiking. If you get a water bottle that has a filter built right into it, you can easily take water from any source and be able to drink it. If you’re not comfortable with that though, just make sure you pack extra water, you never know if the hike will take longer than planned.

First Aid Kit

Just in case of any small mishaps, cuts, scraps and bruises, you are covered with a travel first-aid kit. It doesn’t have to be something huge. But, you will want to make sure that you are prepared. The kit should contain items:

• Bandages of varying sizes
• Gauze
• Medical tape
• Knife, or multi-tool
• A splint
• Tweezers
• Antibiotic ointment for scrapes

The list goes on. When you are packing your first aid kit, make sure that it contains at least these items, if not more.

Planning a trip abroad? Make sure you are protected with vaccinations, repellents and more from Passport Health. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.

Jennifer Passmore is a stay-at-home mom, writer and beader. She loves creating art with her words and through her jewelry. She is also a passionate mental health advocate. You can find more writing at her website Positivity In Pain.

The yellow fever vaccination card, also known as the yellow card (Carte Jaune), is a physical vaccine card that is used to show that someone has been vaccinated against yellow fever. Created by the World Health Organization (WHO), it is currently the only official international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. Since the yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong immunity, this card does not expire. It’s validity lasts as long as the immunized individual is still alive. But, that’s not to say you won’t need a new one.

When Does the Yellow Fever Card Become Valid?

The yellow fever card becomes valid 10 days after someone receives the yellow fever vaccine. About 98% of vaccinated populations reach complete immunity against yellow fever 10 days after vaccination. The card is not yet valid immediately after receiving the vaccine because immunity hasn’t yet been reached.

What if I Lose My Card?

Since the yellow fever card never expires, you can continue using the same one for life. What happens, though, if you lose or misplace your card? There’s no need to panic if this happens. Try to get in touch with the healthcare facility where you were vaccinated. If you were vaccinated as part of an endemic response campaign, contact one of the organizations that were involved in putting together the vaccination events. After giving them the necessary details, they should be able to access your vaccination records and issue you a new yellow card.

What if My Card is Soiled or Damaged?

A soiled or damaged vaccine card does not nullify its validity. If the card is soiled or damaged to the point where the vaccinated individual’s name or date of birth are illegible, then a new card may need to be issued. By contacting the correct facilities or organizations, an individual can get a new yellow card. The new card issued will still be valid from 10 days after the person was vaccinated with no date of expiration.

Which Countries Require the Yellow Fever Card?

Many countries require the yellow fever card showing proof of yellow fever immunization. Some of these countries require it because the risk of transmission is high within the country itself.

Other countries require this proof of vaccination for travelers coming in from countries where there are cases or frequent outbreaks of yellow fever. Some of these countries include: Australia, Botswana, Cape Verde and Thailand. A complete list of countries requiring the yellow fever card can be found on the official website of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Will I Need a New Yellow Card in 10 Years?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is, maybe. While the WHO has stated the yellow fever vaccine provides lifetime immunity, some countries still require proof of vaccination within the last ten years. This means if you got your vaccine 11 years ago, you may need to receive it again for entry. Be sure to check with your travel destination on their specific requirements for older yellow fever vaccine administration. If you receive your yellow fever vaccine today, or have in the last few years, it is likely country rules will have caught up with the WHO by the time you may need to be re-vaccinated. Be sure to check with a travel health professional before your trip.

Planning a trip to a region that requires or recommends yellow fever vaccination? Passport Health can help. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.

Ese Agboh is a student nurse who wants to specialize in pediatric nursing and wound care. In her free time, she enjoys reading and writing articles related to medicine and the pathophysiology of communicable diseases. Ese currently lives and studies on the east coast of the United States.