Everything you should know about travelling to North America
If you’re travelling to the Caribbean, Central America, or North America for the first time, there are some things you should keep in mind before you travel. Whether you’re going for leisure or business, being prepared is key so you can plan your trip accordingly. We recommend booking your virtual consultation approximately 6-8 weeks before your intended departure to ensure that you have the required vaccinations and medications you’ll need before you hop onto your plane. In addition to your health, make sure you research the regions you plan to travel to and learn about crime rates and potential diseases. The length of your stay will impact your risk of exposure.
Below you will find a general list of the vaccinations you should consider getting before you travel anywhere in North or Central America:
Hepatitis A
This is a highly communicable disease found in many South American and North American countries, especially developing ones. Hepatitis A is often contracted through contaminated food and water but can also be transmitted through physical contact. Some of the symptoms of Hepatitis A include fever, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and loss of appetite. While Hepatitis A is one of the most easily contracted diseases, the good news is that it is among the most preventable. By taking the Hepatitis A vaccine, you can eliminate the risk of contracting the disease during your trip.
Hepatitis B
People who travel as missionaries, volunteers, and military personnel are at risk of contracting the disease. Transmitted through blood, contaminated medical instruments, or unprotected sex, Hepatitis B is a viral disease that comes with a host of symptoms that include sudden fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, joint pain, and jaundice. Hepatitis B can become chronic in some individuals and lead to liver disease and cancer.
Cholera
Cholera is a disease transmitted through ingesting contaminated water or food. It is very rare in developed countries but is present in many parts of the developing world like Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and parts of Asia and Africa. Cholera causes diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. If the disease is untreated, severe dehydration may occur and lead to death.
Rabies
The Rabies virus is found everywhere in the world and can be transmitted to humans from the saliva of infected animals. Being licked, scratched, or bitten by an infected animal can cause serious health problems. Rabies affects the central nervous system and can lead to brain disease and death. Medical attention should be sought immediately after coming into contact with the disease, even if you are vaccinated against rabies.
Typhoid fever
Spread through contaminated food and water, typhoid is present in developing countries, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Travellers to these regions should take note of this and take a typhoid vaccination to prevent this serious disease. Symptoms associated with typhoid include high fever, weakness, stomach pain, headache, and loss of appetite. Internal bleeding and death can occur; however, this is rare.
Yellow fever
Yellow fever can develop into a serious illness that causes bleeding, shock, organ failure, and death. It is caused by a virus spread through mosquitoes found in South America and Africa. Many countries in these areas require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry or re-entry.
Royal Travel Clinic offers excellent and comprehensive virtual travel health consultations so you can take the necessary steps to safeguard your health. We take into account your medical history, past vaccination history, your planned destination (itinerary), and the other details of your trip to ensure we provide accurate vaccination and medication advice to keep you safe during your trip.
Disclaimer:
All of the materials presented on this website are intended for information purposes only. It is in no way intended to replace professional medical travel consultation by a qualified medical practitioner.
