Taking a trip to see family is one of the most popular reasons to visit another country. It’s so common that there’s even an acronym for these travelers: VFR’s.
You may not recognize the acronym, but it stands for Visiting Friends and Relatives. These frequent travellers might be heading back to their native country or just spending time with relatives that live far away.
What these travellers might not know is that they pose a much higher risk at catching a disease.
This coming winter millions of athletes, sports fans, and tourists from around the world descend upon Pyeongchang, South Korea, host of the 2018 Winter Olympics. From culture exchange to epic athletic flare, there will be plenty for travelers to do.
But, when traveling abroad the risk of becoming ill or hurt rises. Here are some ways to stay health and safe during the upcoming Olympic Games.
It never hurts to make a list of things you need to do before you travel to South Korea. Make sure you include key items like vaccinations, travel plans and backup plans.
You may have heard the phrase “herd immunity” when told why vaccinations are important. Not only does the method help those that are vaccinated, but can also keep diseases away from people without immunizations. The concept of herd immunity can be the best solution to prevent disease outbreaks.
But, what is it?
Herd immunity is the concept of protecting an entire community against a disease. This is done when the vast majority of the community is immune to a pathogen. As a result, the chance of a disease outbreak in the area decreases dramatically.
Every day, Michelle Reesman, RN (Executive Director – Passport Health Colorado) and Linda Leisegang, RN, BSN (Travel Nurse Specialist – Passport Health Colorado) meet with Passport Health clients. The nurses provide important pre-travel medical advice, immunizations and other preventive care.
This year, they decided to use their experience and provide urgently needed medical care. They wanted to help residents of one of the smallest and poorest countries in the world: Suriname.
The opportunity was not far out of reach thanks to Newmont Mining Corporation’s commitment to support Project C.U.R.E. The project provides medical supplies, equipment and services to developing countries.
Warm days, barbecues, and – most importantly – vacation: the jewels of summer are plenty, and it can be discouraging to watch them slip away. Though the days of summer are fading, it doesn’t mean your adventurous spirit has to.
The winter holidays are a fantastic time to escape the drudge of the everyday. It’s a chance to explore the world around you with more to offer than expensive ski resorts or overcrowded beaches.
Need ideas for that winter getaway? Check out these unique destinations:
After nine months and thousands of potential cases, Brazil’s yellow fever outbreak is over.
Brazilian officials confirmed the news on Sept. 6 after reporting no new cases of the mosquito-borne disease since June. The outbreak began in Dec. 2016, with 777 people infected with yellow fever, leading to 261 deaths.
“Today’s situation is under control,” said Brazilian Health Minister Ricardo Barros, translated from Portuguese. Barros stressed the need for Brazilian states to use campaigns and active searches to increase vaccination for yellow fever.
Many diseases in the world are considered ancient history. Feared centuries ago, many assume that these illnesses are long gone. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for all ancient diseases.
Take leprosy.
The contagious disease is often associated with biblical times. In the modern age, leprosy probably isn’t even on your radar when it comes to realistic health risks.
The devastating aftermath of a hurricane is impossible to miss.
Building and homes are leveled while streets fill with floodwater. Affected regions can deal with power outages, dangerous animals and a lack of clean water.
But, there is another dangerous risk that’s often forgotten, posing a risk for years after the storm.
Along with the flooding and destruction, hurricanes can bring new bacteria. Collecting and spreading with the storm, the risk of disease rises in the aftermath.
Although only a few countries make up Central America, the food is as interesting and diverse as the area’s history. Due to it’s location, Central America has been influenced by different cultures which makes its cuisine unlike any other in the world.
El Salvador’s traditional breakfast dish makes us of a Central American favorite: plantains.
Natural disasters do far more than immediate damage. The effects of these disasters can be long lasting and creates a need for volunteers to help with the recovery.
Earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, the list is long when it comes to disasters requiring volunteer response. For foreign volunteers and locals effected by the disaster, disease is just one more risk that comes from the event. In every area of the world, a natural disaster increases the chances of disease.
The World Health Organization started a campaign in 2013 to monitor vaccines and diseases during natural disasters. Along with the Center for Disease Control, the WHO hopes this plan will be implemented as a part of aid efforts in response to disasters.
