Thailand is a country whose unique features attract over 19 million Americans and a lot of New Yorkers as well every year. Lush tropical rain forests, stunning white sand beaches, exotic religious sites, ancient battle grounds, and quaint farms utilizing ancient farming methods near and breathtaking mountainous countryside give travelers a trip so beautiful it almost makes the eyes ache. Many retired veterans and their families who travel to Thailand and surrounding countries can have the chance to gain a new or renewed appreciation for our brave soldiers’ sacrifices.
Travel Shots for Thailand
As many veterans can tell you, the jungles of Southeast Asia are full of exotic diseases not known to NY. Before visiting Thailand or any of the surrounding countries, it is a good idea to get vaccination boosters and other inoculations in order to combat the spread of these diseases to travelers.
Yellow Fever kills many native Southeast Asians every year. A quick and easy preventative vaccine can be taken to avoid falling ill. If you become ill in this region, know that hospitals and clinics are nowhere nearly as sterile or well-equipped or technologically advanced as their American counterparts. Medications produced in this region may not meet New York standards.
If an accident resulting in injury or an illness is contracted that requires hospitalization, having the right vaccinations and preventative medications in full effect is a huge advantage that could save your life. Before leaving the United States, know that it takes 4 to 6 weeks for vaccinations to be fully effective. Even if your departure date is looming more quickly than this timeline allows, it is still extremely important to get your vaccinations. A little protection is a lot better than none at all, especially in the rain forest.
It is common in Thailand for locals to offer tourists expeditions into the jungle to see lost temples or ancient ruins of cities that have been overcome by the jungle’s growth. Many of these sites are sacred and thousands of years old. The chance to view them is understandably irresistible to most. Before entering the lush Thai jungle, make sure you are wearing some sort of protective clothing. If you plan on an overnight camping trip, bring a mosquito net and stock up on insect repellant. Malaria infected mosquitos are all over the jungle, as this is their ideal habitat. Dr. Gafanovich can prescribe an anti-Malarial course of medication that will prevent Malaria in the event that you are bitten by in infected insect.
Of course, you should be current on your adult vaccination schedule before leaving the states. Remember that your booster shots for MMR, DTP, polio and varicella can help save your life in the event of an outbreak in Asia.
There is a danger from drinking contaminated water or eating tainted food that could lead to a Hepatitis infection. Hepatitis can also be spread sexually or in an exchange of body fluids. Hepatitis A and B vaccines should be taken in a series of shots. Be sure these are completed before entering Asia.
Typhoid and Japanese Encephalitis are also diseases common to this jungle nation. Both of these shots are simple, quick and easy. Neither vaccine’s side effects are commonly overwhelming, so it if you plan on traveling into infected areas, get inoculated.
To learn about how you can avoid illness or injury or to set up your vaccination appointment with Dr. Gafanovich, contact us today.