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Which Vaccines Do I Need for South Africa?

December 21, 2016 by Caitlin Hartwyk

South Africa is a popular vacation spot. Visit Passport Health before your trip.

You could be heading to South Africa for business.

Johannesburg is a bustling metropolis with an economy that attracts many for international business.

You could head to South Africa for a vacation.

Cape Town and Durban are some of the most popular vacation spots in the southern hemisphere. The coasts are lined with beaches and locals that immigrated from all over the world.

You could head to South Africa to see some wildlife.

Kruger National Park stretches across the north of the country, boasting over 150 different species.

It’s not that hard to find a reason to visit South Africa. Upon a trip to the African country, it also doesn’t take much effort to get sick. You can catch something from a mosquito or a local’s random cough. So, here’s some tips to stay healthy during a visit to South Africa.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: General Posts

Four Common Myths About Sunscreen

December 20, 2016 by Caitlin Hartwyk

Keeping you from getting dry and burnt, there are still many misconceptions about sunscreen use.

It may seem premature to worry about sunscreen during the winter.

Snow is falling and many people are bundled up in heavy clothing or staying indoors. This has led to a myth that sunscreen isn’t necessary during the winter.

But months of cold air doesn’t make the sun go away, along with its dangerous ultraviolet rays.

The cold temperature may actually cause some to increase sun exposure, while many are opting to protect themselves.

It may seem unnecessary to use sunscreen in the winter, but you’re no less exposed to dangerous rays.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: General Posts

Which Vaccines Do I Need for India?

December 14, 2016 by Caitlin Hartwyk

An enticing country for travel, India also requires some health preparation months in advance.

Whether it’s a sightseeing trip to the Taj Mahal or business dealings in Mumbai, India isn’t short on reasons for a visit. The world-renowned food, locals and landmarks make up a country that’s rich in culture.

Unfortunately, India is also wealthy in opportunities to get sick. Mosquito-borne diseases and foodborne bacteria are just some of the dangers in visiting the Asian country. Take a look at our tips to stay healthy during your trek to India.

Which Vaccines Do I Need For India?

The most reliable solution for avoiding a virus when travelling to India is with vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization recommend the following vaccines:

[Read more…]

Filed Under: General Posts

Will Winter Spell the End of the Zika Virus?

December 7, 2016 by Caitlin Hartwyk

A mosquito carrying Zika may be tough enough to keep the virus alive well after winter.

The Zika virus and its terrifying legacy continue to build.

The epidemic can travel via mosquitoes, sexual contact and apparently even physical touch.

The one reprieve from Zika was on the horizon, with winter spelling doom for many mosquitoes.

The cold weather makes the insects either die off or hibernate until the spring. If the history of diseases like dengue fever and malaria taught us anything, cases of mosquito-borne diseases also plummet during this stretch.

But, even winter may not be able to stop Zika, as the virus is showing signs of surviving the cold weather.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: General Posts

How Does a Virus Evolve?

December 2, 2016 by Caitlin Hartwyk

Viruses are evolving to beat our health precautions.

Unless you are superhuman or one of the X-Men mutants, you’ve been to the doctor with flu or cold-like symptoms.

“There’s a lot of that going around this season,” your doctor probably said at one point, sticking to the usual doctor’s script.

An antibiotic may not work, and there was no magic pill to make it go away. So your doctor sent you home with a few medications and instructions to drink lots of fluid and stay in bed.

Cold viruses are common, especially this time of year. Though hard to treat, they are generally easy to understand. Up until recently, viruses infected in much the same way. Even most of the less common and potentially more dangerous viruses work similarly.

But, recent findings show that viruses are evolving, which could make them much more difficult to treat.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: General Posts

What Foreign Places Did Canadians Visit Most in 2016?

November 30, 2016 by Caitlin Hartwyk

Adventurers and entrepreneurs chose the most popular locations with their frequent visits.

Want to trek halfway across the world to roam through foreign hostels?

How about climb a mountain days after seeing a cheetah in the wild?

Well, it’s likely too late in the year to make that trip. It seems like many other Canadians did though. Growing economies and adventure paradises topped the list of most visited places this year.

But it’s never too early to start planning for next year’s unforgettable trip. Here’s some of the most popular foreign places that Canadians visited in 2016:

[Read more…]

Filed Under: General Posts

How Smallpox Led to America’s First Independent Newspaper

November 22, 2016 by Caitlin Hartwyk

William Franklin made the New England Courant to voice his stance against inoculation.
Image courtesy of Magnus Manske on Wikimedia.

It seems we have smallpox to thank for freedom of the press and some other innovations.

In 1721, a smallpox epidemic swept through the streets of Boston – the worst in the city’s history. Fatality rates rose to as high as 30 percent or worse. Native American populations were hit even harder, with rates up to 90 percent. How could anything good come from such a devastating disease?

In his book, “The Fever of 1721,” Stephen Coss claims that the Boston smallpox epidemic actually played a major role in stopping the spread of the disease, starting America’s first independent newspaper, and preparing the way for the American Revolution.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: General Posts

What Effect Does the Zika Virus Have on Children?

November 21, 2016 by Caitlin Hartwyk

Although rare, effects from Zika can have detrimental effects on children and adults.

The Zika virus is active in over 60 countries around the world.

Many of the disease’s dangerous effects on pregnant women are well known.

The mosquito-borne disease spreads from a pregnant mother to her fetus. While Zika virus can cause many severe brain defects, the most common is microcephaly.

Microcephaly causes a stunted growth for the baby’s brain and in turn, a much smaller head. Although microcephaly does not guarantee birth defects, it can be the source of an intellectual disability, seizures and loss of hearing or vision.

There is still much to learn about Zika’s consequences for newborns. But, we’ve barely scratched the surface when it comes to the effect on toddlers.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: General Posts

Which Flu Vaccine Is Right For You?

November 15, 2016 by Caitlin Hartwyk

Every year there are more and more options for flu vaccines.

Flu season is upon us and you only have to find a time and place to get your vaccine.

But, those are no longer the only things to consider with your annual flu shot.

Over the last five years there has been a flurry of new vaccines, giving you choices on how you want to fight influenza.

You can go with a run of the mill vaccine, but will that cover all of this year’s flu strains? The new flu shot covers all the strains, but what if you really hate needles? What if you want to avoid the egg protein that’s used to make the vaccine?

[Read more…]

Filed Under: General Posts

Is Fire to Blame for the Birth of Tuberculosis?

November 10, 2016 by Caitlin Hartwyk

The tuberculosis bacteria may have used fire to evolve into such a deadly and contagious disease.

Considered a landmark moment for mankind, the discovery of fire was the first step out of a primitive world. It lit the world, cooked our food and kept us warm at night.

It’s not all praise for fire though, as it may have also given the world tuberculosis.

Or at least born out of smoke, according to a recent study at the University of New South Wales.

The bacteria’s history traces back for millennia. Mummies from over 4,000 years ago showing signs of the infection in their chests. Tuberculosis spreads from person to person through the air. The mycobacterium that makes up the disease is inhaled and the infection infiltrates the lungs.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: General Posts

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Passport Health's blog provides travelers and travel enthusiasts with a variety of news and features. We focus on bringing the most interesting and relevant stories right to our readers. Topics range from the vaccines needed for a destination to updates on recent outbreaks, travel advice and much more. Feel free to check out some of our most popular posts, linked in the sidebar, or our most recent posts below

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