Before the Full-Fledged Vacation Season, Prevent Infectious Diseases with Vaccinations Before Traveling Abroad

[Financial News] As the summer vacation season approaches, more people are planning trips abroad.
However, behind the joy of traveling abroad lurks the risk of infectious diseases arising from unfamiliar climates and hygiene environments. Especially if you plan to visit tropical and subtropical regions such as Southeast Asia and Africa, preparation is essential.
On the 11th, Professor Jeong Hee-jin from the Department of Infectious Diseases at Korea University Guro Hospital said, "The representative infectious diseases that can be contracted abroad include waterborne diseases such as hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and cholera, as well as mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever," emphasizing the need for vaccination and understanding of preventive measures in advance.
Cholera spreads through contaminated water or food, and contact with the feces or vomit of an infected person. Symptoms include sudden watery diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to shock from dehydration if severe. Typhoid fever is accompanied by high fever, chills, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain, and if left untreated, can lead to fatal complications.
Both diseases have vaccines developed, and especially cholera is spreading mainly in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, so caution is needed. Food should be thoroughly cooked, and water other than bottled water should be avoided. Hepatitis A is also a common waterborne infectious disease, and vaccination is recommended when visiting areas with uncertain hygiene conditions.
Malaria is one of the deadly tropical infectious diseases. It starts with high fever, chills, and fatigue, and if not treated, can lead to liver and kidney failure and decreased consciousness. The risk of infection is particularly high when visiting rural areas in Southeast Asia and Africa. Malaria prophylaxis should be prescribed and started two weeks before departure, and since there is no preventive vaccine, taking prophylactic medication is important.
Yellow fever is a viral infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination, and some countries may restrict entry without a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Vaccination should be completed 10 days before departure.
Chikungunya fever, Zika virus, and others are also mosquito-borne infectious diseases, and since there are no vaccines, it is necessary to wear protective clothing, use repellents, and avoid going out at night to prevent mosquito bites.
'Traveler's diarrhea,' experienced by 3 to 4 out of 10 travelers to Southeast Asia, should also be noted. It occurs when consuming food or water contaminated with E. coli or norovirus and can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and dehydration. Most recover with fluid replacement and antibiotics, but it can lead to serious complications for the elderly or immunocompromised.
Avoid street food or raw food, drink only bottled water, and make handwashing a habit.
Infectious diseases may not show symptoms immediately. If you experience fever, diarrhea, jaundice, or skin rash after returning home, you must visit a medical institution and inform them of your 'travel history' for diagnosis.
Especially for chronic patients with diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory diseases, it is good to check for any health abnormalities after returning home, even if there are no symptoms.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has also provided health guidelines to prepare for heatwaves and tropical nights. Simple practices in daily life, such as avoiding overeating and caffeine before bed, taking lukewarm showers, staying hydrated, and wearing well-ventilated clothing, help ensure a healthy summer trip. The elderly, infants, and chronic patients are more vulnerable to heat, so careful attention from those around them is needed.
The 'Overseas Infectious Disease NOW' by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency allows easy access to information on prevalent infectious diseases and vaccinations by country. For those traveling to high-risk areas, it is recommended to visit a travel clinic at least 2-3 weeks in advance for expert consultation and vaccination.
Professor Jeong advised, "Traveling abroad is a joyful experience, but ignorance of local infectious diseases can lead to irreversible health threats," urging travelers to "be sure to understand the necessary vaccinations and infectious disease information and travel safely."

vrdw88@fnnews.com Kang Jung-mo Reporter