Poland is a place that supports millions of visitors each and every year. It is a place that can never be forgotten in stories of heroism during the War, but it is a place that is fertile with humanity. Many claim Poland to be one of the best locales along the Baltic Sea, sharing common borders with Russia, Germany, the Ukraine, and Lithuania, with Slovakia being southernmost.
If you are planning to travel to Poland in the next couple of months, you will want to research your vaccination history to see if you need a vaccine or booster. Vaccines typically need 4-6 weeks to become fully effective, so be sure to plan to give yourself plenty of time to get it done. Even if you are unable to adhere to that time frame, DO go get the vaccines anyway. It is better to have some protection than none at all
If you plan to venture outside of Poland, let your healthcare provider know. There may be some other treatments available to you that will have some benefit. You should research each country you plan to visit so you can better understand what you may be facing.
The first line of defense against disease and illness is to be sure you are current on any and all of the common diseases. These can be common in other countries where routine inoculations are not given. Measles, mumps, and rubella are still very common abroad, so make sure you are current. In addition, tetanus, pertussis and diphtheria can all be prevented with another shot. Polio is another of the basic diseases that you should already be vaccinated for, so check your records.
Hepatitis A and B are both easily prevented, and vaccines are readily available at Dr. Marina Gafanovich’s Upper East Side office. Hep A is transmitted through food and drink in some countries –including the U.S.– and can be life threatening. Don’t assume the “Americanized” hotel you are in is safe. You should be certain you are safe. Hep B, on the other hand, is transmitted by human contact through bodily fluids and secretions. If you are going to have unprotected sex, you will be at risk of exposure. Even a condom is no guarantee against this liver debilitating illness.
For certain travelers, you may need or want to get a rabies vaccine. Perhaps you are a spelunker, or a mountain climber, or nature enthusiast. If you are, this may bring you into contact with wild animals, such as squirrels, raccoons, or even rabbits. Rabies is commonly spread by seemingly safe looking animals like dogs and cats, so don’t take a chance if you may be near or dealing with animals. The animals in tiny villages can be carriers, so take care.
The Centers for Disease Control in the United States strongly encourages all travels to consult with a doctor who specializes in travel medicine. Dr. Marina Gafanovich of New York City is a top rated doctor of internal medicine and also specializes in travel medicine. Make an appointment for a travel consultation and to begin courses of medications and vaccination series when you contact us today!