TELL US WHERE YOU’RE GOING & WE’LL TELL YOU WHAT YOU NEED
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to travel vaccinations or medications. Every country poses different risks. The meds you need depend on where you go in the world.
Again this is the TMVC advantage. We are experienced, knowledgeable, and understand what you will confront on your trip.
Our client profile form will help identify the exact travel vaccines and meds you need when travelling to Central America, and only those.
TRAVEL VACCINES TO CONSIDER
Yellow Fever
WHAT IS IT?
A virus found in South America and Africa.
HOW DO I GET IT?
From the bite of a mosquito.
WHAT HAPPENS?
Yellow Fever affects multiple organs; heart, lung, and bowel and can result in uncontrolled bleeding in around 15% of people.
At this stage, up to 20-50% of people will die.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
There is no treatment for Yellow Fever.
Vaccination is the only effective way to prevent the disease.
*Some countries will deny entry without proof of vaccination.
Hepatitis A
WHAT IS IT?
A virus that infects the liver.
HOW DO I GET IT?
From foods and drinks that have been handled by people that carry the virus.
WHAT HAPPENS?
Hepatitis A varies in severity from a flu-like illness to requiring hospitalization.
It is rarely fatal.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
There is no treatment for hepatitis A.
Vaccination is safe and effective at preventing hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B
WHAT IS IT?
A virus that infects the liver.
HOW DO I GET IT?
You can catch it from unsterilized needles, sexual intercourse, unscreened blood transfusions, and other equipment like spa and tattooing tools that have not been sterilized effectively.
IS IT SERIOUS?
There is an immediate illness which can be serious and sometimes fatal.
But even after recovery, some people will carry the virus for life.
Cirrhosis (permanent liver damage) and liver failure can develop over years.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Hepatitis B can be treated with a course of drugs that often lasts months.
The treatment itself can result in unpleasant side effects and is not always effective.
Some people do not respond to the treatment.
Vaccination is safe and effective in preventing hepatitis B.
Typhoid
WHAT IS IT?
Typhoid is a disease caused by a bacteria called Salmonella.
HOW DO I GET IT?
From eating food contaminated with the bacteria.
IS IT SERIOUS?
Typhoid causes fever, abdominal pain, and intestinal bleeding which can lead to perforation of the bowel as well as neurological symptoms and joint pains.
Unsupported it can be fatal in vulnerable individuals.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Typhoid can be treated with antibiotics, sometimes requiring weeks of treatment.
There is increasing resistance to antibiotics which is an ongoing concern.
Avoid undercooked foods to reduce the risk of catching it.
Vaccination effectiveness varies but can prevent up to 65% of cases.
Rabies
WHAT IS IT?
Rabies is a virus, a Lyssavirus.
HOW DO I GET IT?
90% of human infections are from infected dog bites.
WHAT HAPPENS?
The virus causes fever, headache, vomiting, and infects the nervous system and brain leading to involuntary muscle movement and a fear of water and sometimes air.
There is an incubation period before symptoms start, which can be from days to months, sometimes years.
It is 100% fatal once symptoms begin.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Treatment for rabies is available after a bite but can be hard to find in remote areas or developing countries.
Rabies vaccination is available.
Treatment after a bite is still required however it is much less complicated and easier to find.
Travellers Diarrhea (Dukoral)
WHAT IS IT?
Travellers diarrhea is caused by a change of environment and differing sanitation standards.
HOW DO I GET IT?
From food and water.
WHAT HAPPENS?
Symptoms vary from mild loose stool to fever to blood in the stool and abdominal cramps with frequent diarrhea.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Travellers diarrhea can be treated with over the counter treatments like Pepto-Bismol, Imodium and oral rehydration.
Antibiotics can be used for severe cases.
Dukoral is an oral vaccine that protects against a specific bacteria that is responsible for up to 30% of cases.
BELIZE
Scuba diving and snorkelling the Mesoamerican reef is the go-to travel experience in scorching Belize. Load up on sunscreen, a bad burn will make the Gorgonian coral gardens a little less amazing.
DID YOU KNOW?
GUATEMALA ALLOWS “TOURIST VOLUNTEERS” TO HELP EXCAVATE MAYAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
Sounds too much like work? How about rainforest conservation, teaching English or mentoring children in Costa Rica, Honduras or El Salvador? VAX for Travellers Diarrhea before you go.
"The Burnaby location has very nice staff that makes your less than fun stay much better (who likes being stuck by one or more needles). They give vaccinations for basically anything that you could need wile out travelling the world. "
Mike. G - Yelp
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