Traveling abroad can expose individuals to new environments and climates, increasing the risk of respiratory and digestive diseases. Dr. Nguyen Van Quang, Medical Manager at VNVC Vaccination System, emphasizes that summer is a peak season for travel, both domestically and internationally. When traveling abroad, the body may struggle to adapt to the new environment and climate, making individuals more susceptible to illness. Crowded tourist areas and unfamiliar locations can also harbor pathogens that can infect travelers if proper preventive measures are not taken.
Dr. Quang highlights four groups of diseases with a high risk of infection that should be vaccinated against before traveling abroad, in addition to any mandatory vaccines required by the host country. Respiratory diseases are common when traveling to different climates, with illnesses like flu, pneumonia, and upper respiratory tract infections being prevalent. Vaccines for influenza, whooping cough, and pneumococcus can help prevent these illnesses, as well as vaccines for diseases like measles, meningococcus, rubella, and chickenpox.
Travelers may also be at risk for digestive diseases when trying local foods and adapting to new climates. Vaccines for diseases like cholera and typhoid can help prevent gastrointestinal illnesses. Additionally, accidents while exploring forests and mountains abroad can lead to wounds that increase the risk of tetanus infection. Hepatitis B vaccination is also recommended for travelers, as the disease is prevalent in many regions worldwide.
Insect and animal-borne diseases like rabies, yellow fever
