Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)

What is Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) and How does it spread?

Tetanus is an illness. Unlike other infections, this can occur after an injury with a contaminated object. It can easily enter the body through often cuts or wounds made by contaminated objects. Diphtheria is a bacterial disease spreads from person-to-person through droplets from coughing or sneezing which can stay on a surface for a long period of time. Pertussis Is Also known as whooping cough, which is a highly contagious bacterial infection. This happens to damage the airway when the bacteria enter the body through the respiratory system and release toxins.

What is Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine and Why should Travelers get the vaccine?

The tetanus vaccine comes in three forms, Tdap (both for adults), and DTaP (for children).DTaP – protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, designed for children. Tdap – A booster immunization designed for preteens, teens, and adults. Td – Protects against only tetanus and diphtheria. It is a popular booster for those needing protection against just one type of infection. Tetanus is very dangerous. It can lead to paralysis and sometimes creates difficulty to breathe. Even with intensive care, 10%–20% of people with tetanus die.

Who should get Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine

Everybody should be vaccinated, especially if you are a frequent traveler, you should get a tetanus booster every ten years’ time, as these are serious infections which can easily make complications in children, seniors, and everyone. And everyone should get vaccinated up to date on all tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccinations and boosters. People who have never been vaccinated against tetanus need the full course of three shots given a month apart. People who are doing construction work or demolishing buildings should get vaccinated

Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) Symptoms

1. Tetanus- Headache, painful muscle stiffness, trouble swallowing, seizures, fever, and high blood pressure.
2. Diptheria-weakness, sore throat, fever, and swollen neck glands
3. Pertussis –Early symptoms are most dangerous for babies under one year. They get runny nose, fever, cough and pauses in breathing.
   

What can travelers do to prevent the disease?

1. Get medical attention for any wound if it is larger than 5cm, has a jagged edge, has dirt on the surface or if it is caused by a human or animal bite.
2. If you get a wound, you need to have a bit of extra care and vigilance because they can easily become infected.

What is Chickenpox (Varicella)? 

Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. “A blister-like rash comes across the body and it is common for those infected to have between 250 and 500 itchy, annoying blisters. Babies, adults, and those with a weakened immune system are at high risk. Getting the vaccination done is the best prevention. “

What is Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine and why Should Travellers get the Vaccine ?

The Chickenpox vaccine is safe and effective. The Chickenpox vaccine is safe and effective. Getting the Chickenpox vaccine can protect you against the Varicella-zoster virus. In Canada, Passport health offers the Varivax vaccine. This provides protection against Chickenpox and is approved for use in children 12 to 15 months and four to six years old.

Who Should get Chickenpox ( Varicella) Vaccine ?

Usually, children receive two doses. One is at 12 to 15 months and another is at four to six years old. The second dose can be given after at least three months, if necessary. Usually, children receive two doses. Anyone over the age of 13 who has never had chickenpox should get two doses at least 28 days apart. Individuals who had an allergic reaction to a previous dose, pregnant women and immune-compromised persons should not get the vaccine.

Chickenpox (Varicella) Symptoms

1. Itchy, fluid-filled blisters
2. Rash (especially on face, chest, and back)
3. Fever, tiredness, loss of appetite

What can Travellers do to Prevent the Disease?

1. Get the Varicella vaccine
2. One dose of the vaccine should be given to ages 12 months through to 3 years of age.
3. Children (4 years of age and above), adolescents and adults should get 2 doses of the vaccine.

Cholera

What is Cholera and how Does it Spread?

Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the toxigenic bacterium Vibrio Cholerae serogroup O1 or O139. The Cholera bacterium is usually found in water or food sources that have been contaminated by faeces from a person infected with Cholera. Cholera is most likely to be found and spread in places with inadequate water treatment, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene. The disease can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water. The disease is not likely to spread directly from one person to another; therefore, casual contact with an infected person is not a risk of becoming ill.

What is Cholera Vaccine and Why Should Travellers get the Vaccine?

Cholera vaccination is called Dukoral and is currently recommended for Canadian travellers. The vaccine is administered orally in two doses one taken up to six weeks prior to departure and the second taken at least one week before the trip. The vaccination protects against travellers’ diarrhoea for up to three months and from Cholera infection for up to two years. A single booster dose is recommended every three months for those travellers staying in an at-risk destination for a longer time period.

Who Should get Cholera Vaccine

Travellers to countries where cholera is a risk, travellers who visit friends and family in an outbreak area or working in high-risk settings, travelers who work at higher risk areas such as refugee or cholera treatment centers, travelers who stay longer or have less access to safe food and water. Extra precaution should be taken when travelling to the following locations: Haiti / Dominican republic / Cuba / Tanzania

Cholera Symptoms

1. Watery diarrhea
2. Vomiting
3. Rapid dehydration
   
4. Nausea

What can Travellers do to Prevent the Disease?

1. Safe eating and drinking practices.
2. Eat raw vegetables, peel them and wash them properly before consuming.
3. Use safe drinking water.
4. Avoid salads or raw foods made with fresh produce.
5. Have drinks without ice as the water used in the cubes may be contaminated.
   
6. Eat properly cooked foods only when they are served hot.
7. Brush your teeth with drinking safe water.
8. Boil water or use a chemical disinfectant or treat your water with ultraviolet light.

What is Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) and How does it Spread?

This is called German measles or Rubella, which is a disease spread through the air by breathing, coughing and sneezing. Should avoid sharing items, like cups or drink cans. The virus can also live on items and surfaces for several hours touched by an infected person.

Why Should Travellers get the Vaccine ?

MMR vaccine is safe for use with very few, mild side effects. Travelers going outside the United States are at risk for Rubella. Travellers may be unaware that they have been in contact with an infected person since symptoms are not visible and common.

Who should get Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine?

There are some groups with an increased risk of infection. These include students at post-high school centers, all adults without evidence of immunity; international travelers; especially if going to a region with active infection, healthcare professionals or people who live/work with the immunocompromised.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella  (MMR) Symptoms

Rubella has generally mild symptoms: headache, pink eye, cough and fever are common. Mumps is a virus known for its symptoms of puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw. Rubella has generally mild symptoms. Headache, pink eye, cough and fever are common. As symptoms, you can get a rash and fever for 2 to 3 days. Some people do not feel sick. If a pregnant woman gets Rubella virus, her baby could have birth defects such as deafness, cataracts, heart defects, mental disabilities, and even organ damage.

What can travellers do to Prevent the Disease?

1.  Make sure you are fully vaccinated or otherwise protected against measles.
2. Infants 6-11 months of age should have 1 dose of measles vaccine if travelling internationally.
3. Children 12 months of age or older should have 2 doses, separated by at least 28 days.
4. Adolescents and adults who have not had Rubella or have not been vaccinated with MMR should get 2 doses, separated by at least 28 days.
5.  Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) has been used safely and effectively since the 1970s. But a few people experience mild, temporary, adverse reactions from the vaccine, such as joint pain; but serious side effects are extremely rare. There is no link between MMR and autism.
6. Practice hygiene and cleanliness. Wash your hands often if soap and water are not available, and clean your hands with hand sanitiser (containing at least 60% alcohol).
7. Prevent touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to connect your face, ensure your hands are clean.
8. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
9. Try to avoid close contact, such as kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils or cups with people who are sick.

Japanese Encephalitis

What is Japanese Encephalitis and How does it Spread?

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a flavivirus related to dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile viruses, and is spread by mosquitoes. There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving severe clinical signs and supporting the patient to overcome the infection. Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent JE. WHO recommends that JE vaccination be integrated into national immunization schedules in all areas where JE disease is recognized as a public health issue.

What is Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine and why should Travelers get the vaccine?

Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is a vaccine that protects against Japanese Encephalitis. The vaccines are more than 90% effective. The duration of protection with the vaccine is not clear but its effectiveness appears to decrease over time. Doses are given either by injection into a muscle or just under the skin. Travellers who go to Asia are at risk of getting Japanese encephalitis. You are at higher risk if you are traveling to rural areas; will be outside frequently, or will be traveling for a long period of time. In mild climates in northern Asia, the risk for JE is greater in the summer and fall. In tropical and subtropical areas, there is a risk year-round.

Who Should get the Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine?

Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is approved for people 2 months of age and older. It is recommended for travellers to Asia who:
Plan to spend at least a month in areas where JE occurs. Plan to travel for less than a month, but will visit rural areas and spend a lot of time outdoors, travel to areas where there is a JE outbreak. Laboratory workers at risk for exposure to the JE virus should also be vaccinated. The vaccine is given as a 2-dose series, with the doses spaced 28 days apart. The second dose should be given at least a week before travel. Children younger than 3 years of age should get a smaller dose than patients who are 3 or older.

NOTE: The best way to prevent JE is to avoid mosquito bites. Your travel health provider can advise you.

Japanese Encephalitis Symptoms

1. Initial symptoms often include fever, headache, and vomiting.
   
2. Mental status changes, neurologic symptoms, weakness, and movement disorders might develop over the next few days.
   
3. Seizures are common, especially among children.

What can Travellers do to Prevent the Disease?

1. Travellers can protect themselves from JE by getting JE vaccine.
   
2. Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
   
3. Use an appropriate insect repellent as directed.
   
4. Stay and sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms.
   
5. Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.