Travel Illnesses & Vaccines (including homeopathy for malaria prevention)
Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2011 10:19 pm
Travel Illnesses & Vaccines (including homeopathy for malaria prevention)
All vaccines are dangerous including travel vaccines.
NO vaccines are required for travel, except in rare cases, yellow
fever vaccine when traveling between countries with yellow fever
issues - some S. America, some C. America countries & some African
countries. Just wouldn't go to those countries, or go between
them. Many times it isnt required to go there and come back to the
US or Australia, just depends
Here are some sources of information:
IMMUNIZATIONS: Under the International Health Regulations adopted by
the World Health Organization, a country may require International
Certificates of Vaccination against yellow fever, especially if you
are traveling from an area of the world that is infected with yellow
fever. Check with health care providers or your records to ensure
other immunizations (e.g. tetanus and polio) are up-to-date.
Prophylactic medication for malaria and certain other preventive
measures are advisable for travel to some countries. No immunizations
are required to return to the United States. Detailed health
information is included in Health Information for International
Travel, available from the U.S. Government Printing Office (address
on page 20) for $20 or may be obtained from your local health
department or physician or by contacting the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, telephone 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747),
toll-free autofax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or Internet:
http://www.cdc.gov.
The World Travellers' Manual of Homeopathy - 434 pages
info on diseases, a little on dangers of vaccines, more on each
disease and prevention and treatment - homeopathic and other natural
Amazon.com - US
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN% ... 35-4777555
Amazon.co.ca CANADA
UK amazon.co.uk
************
Homeopathy (it is really hard to say what to do here)
TYPHOID prevention
One reference says take homeopathic Salmonella typhi nosode 30C once weekly
Another sources says Typhoid - Typhoidinum 30, one pill or tablet at
4 hourly intervals for three doses in a day. This may be continued
throughout the epidemic.
http://www.simillimum.com/Thelittlelibr ... laxis.html
Another source says Baptisia 30C once every 2 weeks
http://www.college-of-practical-homeopa ... travel.htm
another source - I don't have a comment
I don' t have experience with this
MALARIA prevention (allopathic treatment is very dangerous - ie.
Lariam and others)
Malaria officinalis 30C, one dose morning and evening one day a week
(same day each week)
every 12 hours
another source
This is the protocol: At the beginning of every three months ,take
malaria nosode as follows....
for four consecutive days.....Day 1 ....malaria nosode 30k
Day 2.....malaria nosode 200k
Day 3....malaria nosode 1000k
Day 4....malaria nosode 10,000k
Then every day take Chinunum arsenicosum 6x every day until 3 weeks
after leaving the malaria area.
This protocol was from Tinus
Smits....http://www.tinussmits.com/english/pus/malaria.htm.
http://www.otherhealth.com/archive/inde ... -3582.html more info here
I don' t have experience with this
General Advice for Travelers
Prevention is better than cure:
Contaminated water
Don't drink it; chill your drinks with ice made of it; brush your
teeth with it; swim in it.Food
Don't eat fruit (unless it can be peeled) or raw food (unless you can
wash it in pure water). Every night and morning: 2 tsp. of cider
vinegar or Honegar in spring water offers good gastrointestinal
protection and helps prevent diarrhea. It's not homoeopathic, but it
works.Insects and Snakes
Don't get bitten! Wear long sleeves / trousers; use a repellant (I
suggest natural); use a net; don't walk bare-foot in high-risk areas.
Take particular care at dusk. Also there are those sound emitters
that can be used (not sure the ultimate safety of those)
Sun
Respect it, particularly if you aren't used to it. Sunburn can make a
miserable start to your trip and sunstroke can be literally fatal.
Dehydration
In hot climates drink plenty of pure water. If you can tolerate it
add half a teaspoon of salt (or commercial dehydration salts) to each
liter of liquid consumed. Dark urine is a warning sign. Increase to
one teaspoon per half liter. Drink every hour for at least six hours.
Urine should be pale yellow. Seek medical assistance immediately if
you are concerned.
**********
More on Malaria prevention and homeopathy
http://d-n-h.org/malaria.php
especially this article
Malaria Treatment and Prophylaxis
http://d-n-h.org/Malaria%20Treatment%20 ... %20ARH.pdf
PS - I don't agree with the other homeopathic immunization info on
the webpage that is routine and when not in the vicinity of an
illness - using remedies same as you would vaccines - don't agree with that.
*****************
http://www.mothering.com/articles/growi ... rseas.html
Far-Off Adventures: Vaccinations And Overseas Travel
By Sherri J. Tenpenny
Issue 120, September/October 2003
The time has finally arrived for the highly anticipated trip out of
the country. The plans began long ago: airplane tickets, hotel
reservations, rental car, sightseeing plans. The bags are being
pulled from the attic to be packed, and the excitement mounts with
each passing day. Everything is a go. But wait-what about vaccines?
Is this one more preparation that needs to be added to the "To Do"
list? Traveling out of the country can feel like a venture to another
planet. Pictures of exotic destinations coupled with new, curious
foods dance off the pages of the travel brochures. Anticipating the
unexpected can be a challenge for even the most seasoned traveler.
However, traveling with children adds an extra dimension to the
anxiety-the thought of your child becoming ill in a foreign country
is extremely frightening. Your doctor is recommending a variety of
vaccines. Are they necessary? How do you evaluate the risks?
VACCINES IN THE US
Currently, eight different vaccines are recommended for children in
the US: Hepatitis B, polio, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP),
measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), chickenpox, HiB, Prevnar, and, most
recently, an annual influenza vaccine. (HiB and Prevnar are given to
prevent bacterial infections caused by H. influenza and Strep.
pneumonia, respectively. Some of these vaccines are also recommended
for international travel. But are the risks of getting these diseases
any greater when traveling than they are at home? Let's take a closer
look at the more worrisome infections that might be encountered while
traveling abroad.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is spread through contact with
blood. In the US, Hepatitis B is primarily found in adults, and is
spread through intimate contact or through sharing needles used with
illicit drugs. Hepatitis B is more common in the general population
in East and Southeast Asia and in Sub-Saharan Africa. Even in these
areas, the risk for contracting the infection is very low, but if you
do, Hepatitis B can make you very ill. Still, the risk of long-term
complications is much less than we are generally led to believe. More
than 95 percent of those who contract Hepatitis B fully recover, and
an infection will result in lifetime immunity for that person. Unless
you plan to spend extended periods in close contact with infected
persons, the risk of contracting Hepatitis B while traveling is
nearly the same as in the US.
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is an infectious disease caused by a virus
that attacks the nervous system. The disease is seen primarily in
children under five years of age; the initial symptoms include fever,
fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the
limbs. Paralysis results in approximately 1 to 2 percent of children
who contract the viral infection, though the vast majority recovers
completely from this paralysis. A few, however, go on to have
permanent, lifetime disability.
While polio was once common throughout the undeveloped world, today
only seven countries continue to have polio-endemic rural areas:
Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Somalia. The
disease is no longer a threat and will soon be completely eradicated.
Although the Western Hemisphere was certified "polio-free" by the
World Health Organization in 1994 and there have been no cases of
wild polio in this region since 1991, the US vaccination schedule
still includes four doses of the polio vaccine. 1 The reason given
for this is that, until polio is eradicated entirely, the risk of
reintroducing polio into this country is "only a plane ride away."
However, an examination of the data reveals only six cases of
imported polio documented between 1980 and 1998, the last in New York
City in 1993.2 The risk for contracting polio is negligible, even at home.
Tetanus is an acute, spastic paralytic illness caused by a toxin
released from the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The bacterium is
found in soils and animal feces throughout the world.
There are several forms of tetanus: neonatal, cephalic, localized,
and generalized. In infants, neonatal tetanus is the most common and
most deadly. However, the vast majority of these cases occur
following childbirth, as a result of using nonsterile equipment to
cut the umbilical cord. Cephalic tetanus, the least common, causes
muscle spasms in the face, leading to the classic case of "lockjaw."
Localized tetanus is recurring muscle contraction near the original
site of the infection; recovery can take many weeks.
Generalized tetanus, the most common, is the slowest to develop. The
disease is characterized by a gradual increase in skeletal muscle
rigidity and muscle spasm. Deep, dirty punctures are at greatest risk
for developing the infection because the bacterium thrives only in
areas that are deprived of oxygen.
The symptoms of any type of tetanus infection develop slowly. The
incubation period-the time between when the injury occurred and the
development of a full-blown infection-can range from five days to two
months, but the initial symptoms most commonly begin to appear within
14 days. Early symptoms of infection include restlessness, headache,
and localized itching or pain at the site of the injury. It is
generally believed that tetanus is a highly fatal disease, but an
examination of the data proves otherwise. In the most recent
evaluation of tetanus data by the CDC, it was found that the death
rate associated with tetanus was 11 percent, nowhere near the "nearly
100 percent fatal" so widely believed.3 It is also commonly accepted
that a tetanus shot will prevent the onset of tetanus. Again, the
data show that, even if a person has three or more tetanus shots, it
is still possible to contract the disease.4 A recent issue of the
British Medical Journal reported that tetanus can occur "despite
adequate immunization and [adequate] levels of neutralizing antibodies."5
Frequent tetanus shots may give a false sense of security; the best
way to protect from the disease is to thoroughly clean the wound with
copious amounts of warm, soapy water, and to encourage the injury to
bleed profusely. Prophylactic antibiotics, such as metronidazole and
penicillin, are effective against the bacterium that releases tetanus
toxin into the bloodstream. It might be a good idea to carry these
with you in your travel kit if you are going to off-beat places. If
you have access to medical care when traveling, a shot of tetanus
immune globulin (TIG) can be given for severe injuries. Equivalent to
a "dose of antibodies," TIG continues to circulate in the body for up
to three weeks, and can effectively neutralize any toxin that might
be released by the tetanus-causing bacterium.
WHAT ABOUT EXOTIC DISEASES?
When traveling overseas, it is possible to encounter some illnesses
not generally seen in the US. The Centers for Disease Control lists
the following infections as possible concerns for anyone traveling to
any destination around the globe:6
Typhoid Fever, an acute, febrile illness caused by the bacterium
Salmonella typhi, is characterized by fever, headache, and
enlargement of the spleen. The greatest risk is for travelers to the
Indian subcontinent and to developing countries in Asia, Africa, and
Central and South America who will have prolonged exposure to
potentially contaminated food and drink.
Yellow Fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can vary in
severity from a flu-like syndrome to severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic
fever. The disease occurs only in sub-Saharan Africa and rural,
tropical South America.
Japanese Encephalitis, another mosquito-borne viral infection, is
found throughout Asia, particularly in rural or agricultural areas of
the temperate regions of China, Japan, Korea, and eastern Russia. The
risk to short-term travelers and those who confine their travel to
urban centers is very low.
Tick-borne Encephalitis, also known as spring-summer encephalitis, is
a tick-borne viral infection that causes inflammation of the central
nervous system. Although the disease is common throughout Europe,
travelers are at low risk unless they visit forested areas and/or eat
nonpasteurized dairy products.
Hepatitis A is a viral disease that has an onset of fever, malaise,
nausea, and diarrhea, followed within a few days by jaundice. The
disease ranges in clinical severity from no symptoms at all to a mild
illness lasting one to two weeks. Although endemic throughout the
world, Hepatitis A can be prevented by carefully following the
hygiene and food recommendations listed in the sidebar "Minimizing Risks."
WHAT'S RECOMMENDED? WHAT'S REQUIRED?
Although the CDC recommends that all travelers obtain vaccines when
traveling abroad, it is important to realize that, with one
exception, no vaccine is required before you travel anywhere in the
world: they are only "recommended." You will not be required to have
a vaccination record to enter a country, nor will you be required to
obtain vaccines to return home.
The sole exception is the Yellow Fever vaccine, which may be required
if you travel to or from a South American or African country infected
with Yellow Fever. The recommendations can vary from country to
country; if such a destination is part of your travel plans, you
should look up the Yellow Fever requirements for that specific
country. The CDC's Comprehensive Yellow Fever Vaccination
Requirements are available at www.cdc.gov/travel/yelfever.htm#yfcert.
I have been a globe-trotter for most of my adult life. In the past 25
years, I have traveled to more than 40 countries. I have never been
asked for a vaccine record, nor have I ever felt the need for any
vaccines, even when traveling to remote, exotic destinations.
ARE THERE OTHER HEALTH RISKS TO CONSIDER?
Vaccines are available for all diseases mentioned above, should you
choose to vaccinate. Infections that are a concern worldwide, and for
which there are no vaccines, include malaria and Traveler's Diarrhea.
Malaria is a serious, sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite
that is injected into the body by an infected mosquito. The parasite
grows in the liver, then infects circulating red blood cells.
Symptoms of malaria include fever, shaking chills, headache, muscle
aches, vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme fatigue. If untreated, death
from malaria can occur due to dehydration and kidney failure.
For most people, the symptoms of malaria begin ten days to four weeks
after they become infected, although the symptoms may not develop
until as much as a year later. Anyone who begins to have recurring,
shaking chills up to one year after returning home should seek
professional medical care. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider
that you have visited a malaria-risk area.
Prescription drugs for the prevention of malaria are sometimes
recommended for those traveling to malaria-endemic countries. Some
antimalarial drugs are more effective in some parts of the world than
others, but all of them have side effects and potential
complications. In addition, a medical condition may prevent your
child from taking certain drugs.
An alternative to taking drugs is to use mosquito precautions (see
sidebar). It is important to obtain a natural mosquito repellant, one
that is free of DEET, the toxic additive found in most insect
repellants. My favorite is Natural Mosquito Repellant, made by Royal
Neem. It is free of chemicals and contains many natural ingredients:
aloe vera; the oils of coconut, neem, lemongrass, citronella,
cedarwood, and rhodiumwood; and extracts of myrrh, barberry, thyme,
goldenseal, and chamomile. Further suggestions for additional natural
insect repellents can be found at www.mercola.com.
If you contract malaria, a natural treatment is available that is
perhaps even more effective than pharmaceuticals, and is certainly
less toxic. During an archeological dig in the 1970s, instructions
for treating malaria with an herb called wormwood, or artemisia, were
found in a 2000-year-old Chinese tomb. Shortly thereafter, Western
scientists isolated the herb's active component and called it
"artemisinin." Studies in China and Vietnam have confirmed that
artemisinin is a highly effective compound, with a close to 100
percent response rate in the treatment of malaria. Outside the US,
artemisinin is the No. 1 natural herb used to treat malaria. The
World Health Organization is investigating the use of this herb
worldwide for malaria treatments. Because there can be a wide
variation in quality, it is important that artemisinin be purchased
from a reputable source, such as Allergy Research Group,
www.allergyresearchgroup.com. It should be noted that this company
only sells to licensed healthcare practitioners.
Traveler's Diarrhea This is, by far, the most common illness
affecting those traveling outside the US. It is estimated that
between 20 and 50 percent of travelers-nearly 10 million people each
year-develop diarrhea. Although a variety of viral and parasitic
pathogens can be the cause, by far the most common source of
Traveler's Diarrhea is the bacteria E. coli.
Symptoms usually begin abruptly and increase over several days. The
typical experience includes four or more watery bowel movements each
day, associated with nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, fever, and
malaise. Most cases are benign and resolve in one to two days without
treatment. Although rarely life-threatening, Traveler's Diarrhea can
bring a sudden halt to the fun and mystique of international travel.
The best way to avoid Traveler's Diarrhea is by strict adherence to
food and water precautions (see sidebar, "Minimizing Risks"). In
addition, studies have shown that taking two tablespoons of
Pepto-Bismol four times a day (for adults) can decrease the incidence
of Traveler's Diarrhea. The dosage for children nine to 12 is one
tablespoon four times a day, children six to nine, two teaspoonfuls;
three to six, one teaspoonful; under three, consult a physician
before taking. (People allergic to aspirin, pregnant women, and those
on the blood thinner Coumadin should not take Pepto-Bismol. Also,
large doses of Pepto-Bismol can temporarily blacken the tongue and stool.)
The most important treatment for Traveler's Diarrhea is oral
rehydration to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Clear liquids
are routinely recommended for adults, and, for children,
electrolyte-based liquids such as Gatorade. On rare occasions,
antibiotics may be required if the symptoms persist for more than a few days.
The Best Medicine
The best medicine for any type of infectious disease is always
prevention. For most diseases around the world, common-sense
precautions are the best way to stay healthy. Since for nearly every
destination in the world vaccinations are only recommended, not
required, a trip to your doctor for vaccines is one item you can
cross off your pre-trip "To Do" list. Go and have fun!
MINIMIZING RISKS
1. Eat only cooked foods hot to the touch. Avoid eating food from
street vendors.
2. Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you peel them yourself.
3. Drink only "safe" beverages: sealed bottled water, carbonated
beverages, hot tea, coffee, beer, wine, and boiled water.
4. Don't drink beverages with ice.
5. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and seafood.
6. Avoid all tap water, and be careful of getting shower water in
your mouth. When dining in restaurants, ask whether the salad greens
have been washed in boiled or distilled or bottled water.
7. Avoid nonpasteurized milk and dairy products.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO BITES
o Pay special attention to mosquito protection between dusk and dawn.
o Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
o Frequently apply natural insect repellant.
NOTES
1. CDC, "Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication-The Americas,"
MMWR 43 (1994): 720-722
2. CDC, "Poliomyelitis Prevention in the United States Update," MMWR
49 (2000, RR05): 1-22
3. CDC, "Tetanus Surveillance," MMWR 47 (July 1998, 55-2): 13.
4. Ibid.
5. Letter to the Editor, British Medical Journal 320 (5 February 2000): 383.
6. CDC Travelers' Health, www.cdc.gov/travel/destinat.htm.
Sherri J. Tenpenny, DO, is board-certified in Emergency Medicine. She
is CEO of OsteoMed II, located in Strongsville, Ohio, an Integrative
Medicine clinic that treats ADD/ADHD, autism, and a wide variety of
autoimmune disorders seen in children and adults. An advocate for
healthcare choice, including the right to refuse vaccination, Dr.
Tenpenny speaks nationally and internationally on the unspoken health
risks of vaccines.
For more information on vaccines see the Mothering Reprint: Vaccines:
Mercury, Autism and Chronic Disease
All vaccines are dangerous including travel vaccines.
NO vaccines are required for travel, except in rare cases, yellow
fever vaccine when traveling between countries with yellow fever
issues - some S. America, some C. America countries & some African
countries. Just wouldn't go to those countries, or go between
them. Many times it isnt required to go there and come back to the
US or Australia, just depends
Here are some sources of information:
IMMUNIZATIONS: Under the International Health Regulations adopted by
the World Health Organization, a country may require International
Certificates of Vaccination against yellow fever, especially if you
are traveling from an area of the world that is infected with yellow
fever. Check with health care providers or your records to ensure
other immunizations (e.g. tetanus and polio) are up-to-date.
Prophylactic medication for malaria and certain other preventive
measures are advisable for travel to some countries. No immunizations
are required to return to the United States. Detailed health
information is included in Health Information for International
Travel, available from the U.S. Government Printing Office (address
on page 20) for $20 or may be obtained from your local health
department or physician or by contacting the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, telephone 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747),
toll-free autofax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or Internet:
http://www.cdc.gov.
The World Travellers' Manual of Homeopathy - 434 pages
info on diseases, a little on dangers of vaccines, more on each
disease and prevention and treatment - homeopathic and other natural
Amazon.com - US
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN% ... 35-4777555
Amazon.co.ca CANADA
UK amazon.co.uk
************
Homeopathy (it is really hard to say what to do here)
TYPHOID prevention
One reference says take homeopathic Salmonella typhi nosode 30C once weekly
Another sources says Typhoid - Typhoidinum 30, one pill or tablet at
4 hourly intervals for three doses in a day. This may be continued
throughout the epidemic.
http://www.simillimum.com/Thelittlelibr ... laxis.html
Another source says Baptisia 30C once every 2 weeks
http://www.college-of-practical-homeopa ... travel.htm
another source - I don't have a comment
I don' t have experience with this
MALARIA prevention (allopathic treatment is very dangerous - ie.
Lariam and others)
Malaria officinalis 30C, one dose morning and evening one day a week
(same day each week)
every 12 hours
another source
This is the protocol: At the beginning of every three months ,take
malaria nosode as follows....
for four consecutive days.....Day 1 ....malaria nosode 30k
Day 2.....malaria nosode 200k
Day 3....malaria nosode 1000k
Day 4....malaria nosode 10,000k
Then every day take Chinunum arsenicosum 6x every day until 3 weeks
after leaving the malaria area.
This protocol was from Tinus
Smits....http://www.tinussmits.com/english/pus/malaria.htm.
http://www.otherhealth.com/archive/inde ... -3582.html more info here
I don' t have experience with this
General Advice for Travelers
Prevention is better than cure:
Contaminated water
Don't drink it; chill your drinks with ice made of it; brush your
teeth with it; swim in it.Food
Don't eat fruit (unless it can be peeled) or raw food (unless you can
wash it in pure water). Every night and morning: 2 tsp. of cider
vinegar or Honegar in spring water offers good gastrointestinal
protection and helps prevent diarrhea. It's not homoeopathic, but it
works.Insects and Snakes
Don't get bitten! Wear long sleeves / trousers; use a repellant (I
suggest natural); use a net; don't walk bare-foot in high-risk areas.
Take particular care at dusk. Also there are those sound emitters
that can be used (not sure the ultimate safety of those)
Sun
Respect it, particularly if you aren't used to it. Sunburn can make a
miserable start to your trip and sunstroke can be literally fatal.
Dehydration
In hot climates drink plenty of pure water. If you can tolerate it
add half a teaspoon of salt (or commercial dehydration salts) to each
liter of liquid consumed. Dark urine is a warning sign. Increase to
one teaspoon per half liter. Drink every hour for at least six hours.
Urine should be pale yellow. Seek medical assistance immediately if
you are concerned.
**********
More on Malaria prevention and homeopathy
http://d-n-h.org/malaria.php
especially this article
Malaria Treatment and Prophylaxis
http://d-n-h.org/Malaria%20Treatment%20 ... %20ARH.pdf
PS - I don't agree with the other homeopathic immunization info on
the webpage that is routine and when not in the vicinity of an
illness - using remedies same as you would vaccines - don't agree with that.
*****************
http://www.mothering.com/articles/growi ... rseas.html
Far-Off Adventures: Vaccinations And Overseas Travel
By Sherri J. Tenpenny
Issue 120, September/October 2003
The time has finally arrived for the highly anticipated trip out of
the country. The plans began long ago: airplane tickets, hotel
reservations, rental car, sightseeing plans. The bags are being
pulled from the attic to be packed, and the excitement mounts with
each passing day. Everything is a go. But wait-what about vaccines?
Is this one more preparation that needs to be added to the "To Do"
list? Traveling out of the country can feel like a venture to another
planet. Pictures of exotic destinations coupled with new, curious
foods dance off the pages of the travel brochures. Anticipating the
unexpected can be a challenge for even the most seasoned traveler.
However, traveling with children adds an extra dimension to the
anxiety-the thought of your child becoming ill in a foreign country
is extremely frightening. Your doctor is recommending a variety of
vaccines. Are they necessary? How do you evaluate the risks?
VACCINES IN THE US
Currently, eight different vaccines are recommended for children in
the US: Hepatitis B, polio, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP),
measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), chickenpox, HiB, Prevnar, and, most
recently, an annual influenza vaccine. (HiB and Prevnar are given to
prevent bacterial infections caused by H. influenza and Strep.
pneumonia, respectively. Some of these vaccines are also recommended
for international travel. But are the risks of getting these diseases
any greater when traveling than they are at home? Let's take a closer
look at the more worrisome infections that might be encountered while
traveling abroad.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is spread through contact with
blood. In the US, Hepatitis B is primarily found in adults, and is
spread through intimate contact or through sharing needles used with
illicit drugs. Hepatitis B is more common in the general population
in East and Southeast Asia and in Sub-Saharan Africa. Even in these
areas, the risk for contracting the infection is very low, but if you
do, Hepatitis B can make you very ill. Still, the risk of long-term
complications is much less than we are generally led to believe. More
than 95 percent of those who contract Hepatitis B fully recover, and
an infection will result in lifetime immunity for that person. Unless
you plan to spend extended periods in close contact with infected
persons, the risk of contracting Hepatitis B while traveling is
nearly the same as in the US.
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is an infectious disease caused by a virus
that attacks the nervous system. The disease is seen primarily in
children under five years of age; the initial symptoms include fever,
fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the
limbs. Paralysis results in approximately 1 to 2 percent of children
who contract the viral infection, though the vast majority recovers
completely from this paralysis. A few, however, go on to have
permanent, lifetime disability.
While polio was once common throughout the undeveloped world, today
only seven countries continue to have polio-endemic rural areas:
Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Somalia. The
disease is no longer a threat and will soon be completely eradicated.
Although the Western Hemisphere was certified "polio-free" by the
World Health Organization in 1994 and there have been no cases of
wild polio in this region since 1991, the US vaccination schedule
still includes four doses of the polio vaccine. 1 The reason given
for this is that, until polio is eradicated entirely, the risk of
reintroducing polio into this country is "only a plane ride away."
However, an examination of the data reveals only six cases of
imported polio documented between 1980 and 1998, the last in New York
City in 1993.2 The risk for contracting polio is negligible, even at home.
Tetanus is an acute, spastic paralytic illness caused by a toxin
released from the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The bacterium is
found in soils and animal feces throughout the world.
There are several forms of tetanus: neonatal, cephalic, localized,
and generalized. In infants, neonatal tetanus is the most common and
most deadly. However, the vast majority of these cases occur
following childbirth, as a result of using nonsterile equipment to
cut the umbilical cord. Cephalic tetanus, the least common, causes
muscle spasms in the face, leading to the classic case of "lockjaw."
Localized tetanus is recurring muscle contraction near the original
site of the infection; recovery can take many weeks.
Generalized tetanus, the most common, is the slowest to develop. The
disease is characterized by a gradual increase in skeletal muscle
rigidity and muscle spasm. Deep, dirty punctures are at greatest risk
for developing the infection because the bacterium thrives only in
areas that are deprived of oxygen.
The symptoms of any type of tetanus infection develop slowly. The
incubation period-the time between when the injury occurred and the
development of a full-blown infection-can range from five days to two
months, but the initial symptoms most commonly begin to appear within
14 days. Early symptoms of infection include restlessness, headache,
and localized itching or pain at the site of the injury. It is
generally believed that tetanus is a highly fatal disease, but an
examination of the data proves otherwise. In the most recent
evaluation of tetanus data by the CDC, it was found that the death
rate associated with tetanus was 11 percent, nowhere near the "nearly
100 percent fatal" so widely believed.3 It is also commonly accepted
that a tetanus shot will prevent the onset of tetanus. Again, the
data show that, even if a person has three or more tetanus shots, it
is still possible to contract the disease.4 A recent issue of the
British Medical Journal reported that tetanus can occur "despite
adequate immunization and [adequate] levels of neutralizing antibodies."5
Frequent tetanus shots may give a false sense of security; the best
way to protect from the disease is to thoroughly clean the wound with
copious amounts of warm, soapy water, and to encourage the injury to
bleed profusely. Prophylactic antibiotics, such as metronidazole and
penicillin, are effective against the bacterium that releases tetanus
toxin into the bloodstream. It might be a good idea to carry these
with you in your travel kit if you are going to off-beat places. If
you have access to medical care when traveling, a shot of tetanus
immune globulin (TIG) can be given for severe injuries. Equivalent to
a "dose of antibodies," TIG continues to circulate in the body for up
to three weeks, and can effectively neutralize any toxin that might
be released by the tetanus-causing bacterium.
WHAT ABOUT EXOTIC DISEASES?
When traveling overseas, it is possible to encounter some illnesses
not generally seen in the US. The Centers for Disease Control lists
the following infections as possible concerns for anyone traveling to
any destination around the globe:6
Typhoid Fever, an acute, febrile illness caused by the bacterium
Salmonella typhi, is characterized by fever, headache, and
enlargement of the spleen. The greatest risk is for travelers to the
Indian subcontinent and to developing countries in Asia, Africa, and
Central and South America who will have prolonged exposure to
potentially contaminated food and drink.
Yellow Fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can vary in
severity from a flu-like syndrome to severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic
fever. The disease occurs only in sub-Saharan Africa and rural,
tropical South America.
Japanese Encephalitis, another mosquito-borne viral infection, is
found throughout Asia, particularly in rural or agricultural areas of
the temperate regions of China, Japan, Korea, and eastern Russia. The
risk to short-term travelers and those who confine their travel to
urban centers is very low.
Tick-borne Encephalitis, also known as spring-summer encephalitis, is
a tick-borne viral infection that causes inflammation of the central
nervous system. Although the disease is common throughout Europe,
travelers are at low risk unless they visit forested areas and/or eat
nonpasteurized dairy products.
Hepatitis A is a viral disease that has an onset of fever, malaise,
nausea, and diarrhea, followed within a few days by jaundice. The
disease ranges in clinical severity from no symptoms at all to a mild
illness lasting one to two weeks. Although endemic throughout the
world, Hepatitis A can be prevented by carefully following the
hygiene and food recommendations listed in the sidebar "Minimizing Risks."
WHAT'S RECOMMENDED? WHAT'S REQUIRED?
Although the CDC recommends that all travelers obtain vaccines when
traveling abroad, it is important to realize that, with one
exception, no vaccine is required before you travel anywhere in the
world: they are only "recommended." You will not be required to have
a vaccination record to enter a country, nor will you be required to
obtain vaccines to return home.
The sole exception is the Yellow Fever vaccine, which may be required
if you travel to or from a South American or African country infected
with Yellow Fever. The recommendations can vary from country to
country; if such a destination is part of your travel plans, you
should look up the Yellow Fever requirements for that specific
country. The CDC's Comprehensive Yellow Fever Vaccination
Requirements are available at www.cdc.gov/travel/yelfever.htm#yfcert.
I have been a globe-trotter for most of my adult life. In the past 25
years, I have traveled to more than 40 countries. I have never been
asked for a vaccine record, nor have I ever felt the need for any
vaccines, even when traveling to remote, exotic destinations.
ARE THERE OTHER HEALTH RISKS TO CONSIDER?
Vaccines are available for all diseases mentioned above, should you
choose to vaccinate. Infections that are a concern worldwide, and for
which there are no vaccines, include malaria and Traveler's Diarrhea.
Malaria is a serious, sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite
that is injected into the body by an infected mosquito. The parasite
grows in the liver, then infects circulating red blood cells.
Symptoms of malaria include fever, shaking chills, headache, muscle
aches, vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme fatigue. If untreated, death
from malaria can occur due to dehydration and kidney failure.
For most people, the symptoms of malaria begin ten days to four weeks
after they become infected, although the symptoms may not develop
until as much as a year later. Anyone who begins to have recurring,
shaking chills up to one year after returning home should seek
professional medical care. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider
that you have visited a malaria-risk area.
Prescription drugs for the prevention of malaria are sometimes
recommended for those traveling to malaria-endemic countries. Some
antimalarial drugs are more effective in some parts of the world than
others, but all of them have side effects and potential
complications. In addition, a medical condition may prevent your
child from taking certain drugs.
An alternative to taking drugs is to use mosquito precautions (see
sidebar). It is important to obtain a natural mosquito repellant, one
that is free of DEET, the toxic additive found in most insect
repellants. My favorite is Natural Mosquito Repellant, made by Royal
Neem. It is free of chemicals and contains many natural ingredients:
aloe vera; the oils of coconut, neem, lemongrass, citronella,
cedarwood, and rhodiumwood; and extracts of myrrh, barberry, thyme,
goldenseal, and chamomile. Further suggestions for additional natural
insect repellents can be found at www.mercola.com.
If you contract malaria, a natural treatment is available that is
perhaps even more effective than pharmaceuticals, and is certainly
less toxic. During an archeological dig in the 1970s, instructions
for treating malaria with an herb called wormwood, or artemisia, were
found in a 2000-year-old Chinese tomb. Shortly thereafter, Western
scientists isolated the herb's active component and called it
"artemisinin." Studies in China and Vietnam have confirmed that
artemisinin is a highly effective compound, with a close to 100
percent response rate in the treatment of malaria. Outside the US,
artemisinin is the No. 1 natural herb used to treat malaria. The
World Health Organization is investigating the use of this herb
worldwide for malaria treatments. Because there can be a wide
variation in quality, it is important that artemisinin be purchased
from a reputable source, such as Allergy Research Group,
www.allergyresearchgroup.com. It should be noted that this company
only sells to licensed healthcare practitioners.
Traveler's Diarrhea This is, by far, the most common illness
affecting those traveling outside the US. It is estimated that
between 20 and 50 percent of travelers-nearly 10 million people each
year-develop diarrhea. Although a variety of viral and parasitic
pathogens can be the cause, by far the most common source of
Traveler's Diarrhea is the bacteria E. coli.
Symptoms usually begin abruptly and increase over several days. The
typical experience includes four or more watery bowel movements each
day, associated with nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, fever, and
malaise. Most cases are benign and resolve in one to two days without
treatment. Although rarely life-threatening, Traveler's Diarrhea can
bring a sudden halt to the fun and mystique of international travel.
The best way to avoid Traveler's Diarrhea is by strict adherence to
food and water precautions (see sidebar, "Minimizing Risks"). In
addition, studies have shown that taking two tablespoons of
Pepto-Bismol four times a day (for adults) can decrease the incidence
of Traveler's Diarrhea. The dosage for children nine to 12 is one
tablespoon four times a day, children six to nine, two teaspoonfuls;
three to six, one teaspoonful; under three, consult a physician
before taking. (People allergic to aspirin, pregnant women, and those
on the blood thinner Coumadin should not take Pepto-Bismol. Also,
large doses of Pepto-Bismol can temporarily blacken the tongue and stool.)
The most important treatment for Traveler's Diarrhea is oral
rehydration to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Clear liquids
are routinely recommended for adults, and, for children,
electrolyte-based liquids such as Gatorade. On rare occasions,
antibiotics may be required if the symptoms persist for more than a few days.
The Best Medicine
The best medicine for any type of infectious disease is always
prevention. For most diseases around the world, common-sense
precautions are the best way to stay healthy. Since for nearly every
destination in the world vaccinations are only recommended, not
required, a trip to your doctor for vaccines is one item you can
cross off your pre-trip "To Do" list. Go and have fun!
MINIMIZING RISKS
1. Eat only cooked foods hot to the touch. Avoid eating food from
street vendors.
2. Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you peel them yourself.
3. Drink only "safe" beverages: sealed bottled water, carbonated
beverages, hot tea, coffee, beer, wine, and boiled water.
4. Don't drink beverages with ice.
5. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and seafood.
6. Avoid all tap water, and be careful of getting shower water in
your mouth. When dining in restaurants, ask whether the salad greens
have been washed in boiled or distilled or bottled water.
7. Avoid nonpasteurized milk and dairy products.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO BITES
o Pay special attention to mosquito protection between dusk and dawn.
o Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
o Frequently apply natural insect repellant.
NOTES
1. CDC, "Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication-The Americas,"
MMWR 43 (1994): 720-722
2. CDC, "Poliomyelitis Prevention in the United States Update," MMWR
49 (2000, RR05): 1-22
3. CDC, "Tetanus Surveillance," MMWR 47 (July 1998, 55-2): 13.
4. Ibid.
5. Letter to the Editor, British Medical Journal 320 (5 February 2000): 383.
6. CDC Travelers' Health, www.cdc.gov/travel/destinat.htm.
Sherri J. Tenpenny, DO, is board-certified in Emergency Medicine. She
is CEO of OsteoMed II, located in Strongsville, Ohio, an Integrative
Medicine clinic that treats ADD/ADHD, autism, and a wide variety of
autoimmune disorders seen in children and adults. An advocate for
healthcare choice, including the right to refuse vaccination, Dr.
Tenpenny speaks nationally and internationally on the unspoken health
risks of vaccines.
For more information on vaccines see the Mothering Reprint: Vaccines:
Mercury, Autism and Chronic Disease