CENTRAL AMERICA
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, 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 to prevent 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, that 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 🙂
DYK?
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