Getting sick during or after traveling is nothing new. Washing hands frequently, wearing a mask, and being careful what you eat and drink can help protect you from illness when in a new place.
Most travelers do not think about protecting their eyes when they travel. Pink eye — also known as conjunctivitis — can be irritating, possibly painful, and will make travel less fun. Knowing how to safeguard your peepers from pink eye can save you from this annoyance while on vacation.
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).
Some areas of the world have been able to get rid of malaria.
Even with decades of outbreaks, the parasite is gone in many countries. However, even if countries eradicate a disease, travelers always pose a risk of bringing it back.
This problem is even plaguing hospitals in the United States. Despite getting rid of the parasite long ago, 1,500 malaria cases can be found in U.S. clinics every year.
With the ease of travel and malaria’s persistence, is it even possible to fully eradicate the parasite around the world?
Alexander The Great remains one of the most infamous and talked about figures in history. We know so much about his conquers around the world, but so little about what caused his death. There are many theories out there as to what brought this man to his downfall, but no one knows for sure. The most realistic theories of his death involve disease and viruses.
Both of these diseases were common and rampant throughout Ancient Babylon, which would have made Alexander easily susceptible.
Transferred by mosquitoes, the symptoms of both malaria and typhoid are consistent with Alexander’s symptoms right before his death.
For individuals suffering from kidney issues, travel is still very possible, and it can be a huge morale booster. In fact, many doctors encourage travel for dialysis patients, as long as their health is stable.
For many people with kidney issues, traveling can appear to be an insurmountable task and more of a pipe dream than a reality. But, it is possible to travel and have fun while getting dialysis treatments. Most patients who receive the treatments can travel safely and continue their treatments while away from home, but it is first necessary that each patient consult with his or her physician before taking a trip.
It is important to begin to make preparations well in advance of your departure date if you are on dialysis. In fact, you should start planning at least six to eight weeks in advance, according to the National Kidney Foundation. This planning includes finding a dialysis center in the location you are be traveling to as well as making arrangements for appointments while you are there. This can be difficult during high traffic periods in certain areas or if you require a specific day or time for your treatments. Work with your primary doctor to help you navigate these hurdles.
Your temporary dialysis location will need some information from you, and this information likely includes:
This information should be sent to the center for review before you arrive. It is important for the center to know as much about you and your situation as possible before your arrival to ensure the highest quality of care.
If you have kidney issues, be careful while you are traveling, and don’t go overboard! Enjoy your trip, but try not to overexert yourself. Be sure to watch what you eat and drink, and make sure that you have received any recommended vaccinations for your destination. Vacations are a time to relax, so try to do so!
Finally, just in case, make plans for backup medical care. If you are working with a dialysis center, a doctor may be assigned to you with whom you should stay in contact overseas.
For more information on dialysis and travel, see the National Kidney Foundation’s page on the subject.
For more information on which vaccinations or other travel health needs you may have, visit Passport Health’s Travel Medicine portal.
Have you traveled with dialysis? Where have you gone and what has your experience been? Comment below, on our Facebook page or via Twitter with your thoughts.
