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As any traveller will attest, the prevalence of infectious disease is well known when travelling to underdeveloped countries. If you are planning on holidaying in an underdeveloped country this year, there are some things that you need to do in order to remain fit and healthy. Avoiding infectious diseases should be your top priority when travelling. Despite medical advances infectious diseases are still prevalent and if not treated correctly can cause serious health implications. It is imperative that you are aware of what infectious diseases are and how they are spread. After all, knowledge is power.
Avoiding Infectious Disease
What is classified as an Infectious Disease?
There are a number of things that are classed as carriers of infectious disease:
- Viruses
- Viroids
- Tapeworms
- Roundworms
- Pinworms
- Ticks
- Mites
- Fleas
- Lice
- Fungi
These carriers of the disease attack the host and cause an infection that can make an individual ill. The following illnesses are classed as infectious diseases, although this list is not exhaustive:
- Urinary tract infection
- Skin infection
- Respiratory tract infection
- Odontogenic infection (an infection that originates within a tooth or in the closely surrounding tissues)
- Vaginal infections
- Intra-amniotic infection
How to Avoid Contracting These Diseases:
When you are travelling, the world seems like a much rosier place. Everyone is friendly and you are having the time of your life. At the risk of sounding like a killjoy, this is when people are most prone to contracting these illnesses. Of course, immersing yourself into the local culture is a part of your holiday, but do be wary of sharing drinks and drinking tap water. Unfortunately, there is very little you can do regarding the way food is prepared and cooked. Due to the lack of health and safety laws and regulations in underdeveloped countries, your food may have been in contact with parasites and viruses. Do be cautious and ensure that food is cooked thoroughly.
Of course, you cannot avoid travellers tummy, but in the event you do contract diarrhoea ensure that you rest until you feel well enough to continue with your travels.
While you want to enjoy your holiday, do be wary of the local wildlife. Naturally, you want to get up, close and personal with the animals, but do be aware that they may be carrying a whole host of infectious diseases. This ranges from rabies to leptospirosis.
In summary, the key is to be cautious to ensure that you remain in full health. However, being cautious shouldn’t impede on your fun. You can still enjoy your holiday while remaining healthy and fit.
Vaccinations and Immunisation:
There are numerous, medicinal ways that you can help prevent contracting infectious diseases while travelling. The vaccinations and immunisations that you will receive will very much depend on your destination. Typically, the following diseases are vaccinated against:
- Yellow fever
- Malaria
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal
- Typhoid
Pharmacology and microbiology solutions are prevalent, so if you do contract an illness while you are travelling do not despair. If you still feel ill when you are home, then seek medical attention immediately. It is better to be safe than sorry.
