
Are you planning to visit Brazil for
the Paralympics and Olympics or any other reason? If so then you should know
what to avoid as well as what to do so that you remain healthy during your visit and after you return.
The dates for the Olympics are 5-21 August, 2016 while the Paralympics will follow on 7-18
September, 2016. The summer
events promise to be spectacular and will see many thousands of participants and fans travel to Rio de Janeiro
in Brazil from all over the world. If you are among those who are going to enjoy the summer games then
a healthy and safe stay should be your top priority.
It is recommended that you check with
your local travel agencies and government sources to inquire about health
dynamics in Brazil. Furthermore, the internet is another reliable source of
this critical information so this article examines some of the most vital
considerations for you as a visitor to this vibrant, exciting city.
Essential vaccinations
There are a number of routine
vaccinations that you should know before booking your plane. It is advisable
that you get all relevant travel medicines and vaccines based on your doctor's
recommendations. This will help you to avoid particular diseases in Brazil.
Additionally, consider what you will be
involved in and the duration of your trip. This is a basic safety tip for all
of you. Some of the vaccines that you should not ignore include: Polio vaccine,
diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and
chickenpox vaccine. The annual flu shot is another valuable precautionary
measure.
Typhoid
and hepatitis A vaccines
You should avoid contaminated water and
food while in Brazil. In case this might be more difficult than it sounds, you
should be vaccinated against typhoid. Furthermore, this will be handy as you
visit smaller cities, eat heavily, tour villages and stay with family and
friends. In addition, there is a risk of contracting hepatitis A regardless of
your food joint via contaminated water and food. This makes hepatitis A
vaccination a necessary requirement for you.
Hepatitis
B
This is another health hazard that will
compel you to do avoid certain activities. Blood products and contaminated
needles are some of the major causes of this disease in Brazil. To add to this,
sexual adventures will increase your chances of getting hepatitis B.
Malaria
Malaria is a deadly disease. Your
Brazil visit should be free from any mosquito bites. You are advised to take
precautionary measures depending on travel time and destination not forgetting
the time you spend outdoors. Some medical professionals will advise you to take
medication during the stay, before and after the Brazil tour.
Yellow
fever and rabies
Some parts of this fabulous country have
the potential of exposing you to yellow fever. Everyone who is nine months
onwards should be vaccinated to prevent yellow fever infection.
More so, mammals especially bats and
dogs are the main source of rabies. This is not a great concern but you should
be vaccinated if you fall in any of the following categories of people:
• Those working with animals or
involved with animals in any way
• Remote area outdoor activities where
you can easily be bitten by animals
• Children because of their playful
nature
The Zika Virus
This virus has been in the
news consistently in recent weeks and advice continues to develop but you need
to be aware that Brazil is one of the 58 countries and territories which
to-date report continuing transmission of Zika virus by mosquitoes. While
mosquitoes are the primary vectors, a person infected with Zika virus can also
transmit the virus to another person through unprotected sex.
Zika virus disease usually
causes mild symptoms, and most people will not develop any symptoms. However,
there is scientific consensus that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly
(children being born with unusually small heads) and other brain malformations
and disorders in babies born to women who were infected with Zika virus during
pregnancy.
This virus will be the subject
of a later blog in July when we will relay the most up to date advice but it is
certainly something to be aware if you are planning to go to the Olympic Games
in Rio de Janeiro this summer.
In Conclusion
The Olympics will only be a lifetime
experience if you are safe and healthy. Speak with your doctor, take all the
necessary precautions and you will enjoy the trip of a lifetime at the world’s
greatest athletic event in one of the world’s most exciting places.
With acknowledgements to https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel and https://www.passporthealthusa.com as well as https://www.who.int