According to the World Health Organization, more than 900 million people undertake international journeys every year. While global travel exposes many people to a range of health risks, many of these risks can be minimized when precautions are taken before and after traveling. Travel medicine, or emporiatrics, deals with the prevention and management of health problems commonly experienced by international travelers.
An unfortunate downside to the rapid globalization of recent decades has been the spread of diseases across borders. To combat this risk, and to protect travelers who will be exposed to different health environments, family physicians, consultants, and specialists at a reputable urgent care in Eagle River, AK, like Primary Care Associates, can provide vaccinations, pre- and post-travel counseling, and malarial prevention, among other services, to safeguard the health and wellness of international travelers.
Diseases which have high global and regional prevalence include amoebiasis; anthrax; cholera; dengue; Hepatitis A, B, C, and E; diphtheria; influenza (avian influenza/seasonal influenza and influenza A (H1N1); malaria; and SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome). All travelers should be vaccinated according to their country’s health department recommendations. Vaccination against diphtheria, for example, usually involves a triple vaccine of DTP or DTaP (diphtheria/tetanus/acellular pertussis).
Other health risks international travelers should be aware of include environmental risks, exposure to blood and bodily fluids, and infectious diseases. As more than 80 million people travel from the developed to the developing world every year, travel medicine and its encompassing sub-disciplines have become more vital than ever. Aside from providing vaccinations and travel advice, family physicians at trusted urgent care in Anchorage, AK can also help travelers prepare medication kits, and treat travel-related injuries and illnesses.
(Article Information and Image from Travel Medicine; MedicineNet, Inc)
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