Re: Travel and vaccination

[Guest guest]

I would get him to look at getting him interested in homoeopathic protection and having a first aid kit with him.

I treated a vet one day she had been struck down only a day after she'd had vaccine's to go abroad and she never made that trip and she is still trying to get back to full health 3 years later. this is also a client who had the answer in her hand but wants to go every where else to get well, but then she is a vet. on her own journey.

We have to let go. It's there experience.

tricia

no-forced-vaccination From: tgeorge1@...Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:28:06 -0400Subject: Travel and vaccination

Dear Folks:Here's a new one. I have very dear friends whose son (who is now 18/19 and has never had vaccines) wants to travel outside the US in a service roll. I don't know the details, but most likely as part of a peace organization.He wants very much to do this and is seriously considering getting vaccinated.I would like to furnish them with info about folks traveling to third world countries with either no vaccines or minimal ones.Please offer your experience and knowledge about "requirements" and folks who have traveled vaccine free to these kinds of destinations. I know they're out there!Thanks!Theresa Try Facebook in Windows Live Messenger! Try it Now!

[Guest guest]

I would get him to look at getting him interested in homoeopathic protection and having a first aid kit with him.

I treated a vet one day she had been struck down only a day after she'd had vaccine's to go abroad and she never made that trip and she is still trying to get back to full health 3 years later. this is also a client who had the answer in her hand but wants to go every where else to get well, but then she is a vet. on her own journey.

We have to let go. It's there experience.

tricia

no-forced-vaccination From: tgeorge1@...Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:28:06 -0400Subject: Travel and vaccination

Dear Folks:Here's a new one. I have very dear friends whose son (who is now 18/19 and has never had vaccines) wants to travel outside the US in a service roll. I don't know the details, but most likely as part of a peace organization.He wants very much to do this and is seriously considering getting vaccinated.I would like to furnish them with info about folks traveling to third world countries with either no vaccines or minimal ones.Please offer your experience and knowledge about "requirements" and folks who have traveled vaccine free to these kinds of destinations. I know they're out there!Thanks!Theresa Try Facebook in Windows Live Messenger! Try it Now!

[Guest guest]

http://www.mothering.com/articles/growing_child/vaccines/overseas.html

Far-Off Adventures: Vaccinations And Overseas Travel

By Sherri J. Tenpenny

Issue 120, September/October 2003

The time has finally arrived for the highly anticipated trip out of

the country. The plans began long ago: airplane tickets, hotel

reservations, rental car, sightseeing plans. The bags are being pulled

from the attic to be packed, and the excitement mounts with each

passing day. Everything is a go. But wait-what about vaccines? Is this

one more preparation that needs to be added to the " To Do " list?

Traveling out of the country can feel like a venture to another

planet. Pictures of exotic destinations coupled with new, curious

foods dance off the pages of the travel brochures. Anticipating the

unexpected can be a challenge for even the most seasoned traveler.

However, traveling with children adds an extra dimension to the

anxiety-the thought of your child becoming ill in a foreign country is

extremely frightening. Your doctor is recommending a variety of

vaccines. Are they necessary? How do you evaluate the risks?

VACCINES IN THE US

Currently, eight different vaccines are recommended for children in

the US: Hepatitis B, polio, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP),

measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), chickenpox, HiB, Prevnar, and, most

recently, an annual influenza vaccine. (HiB and Prevnar are given to

prevent bacterial infections caused by H. influenza and Strep.

pneumonia, respectively. Some of these vaccines are also recommended

for international travel. But are the risks of getting these diseases

any greater when traveling than they are at home? Let's take a closer

look at the more worrisome infections that might be encountered while

traveling abroad.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is spread through contact with

blood. In the US, Hepatitis B is primarily found in adults, and is

spread through intimate contact or through sharing needles used with

illicit drugs. Hepatitis B is more common in the general population in

East and Southeast Asia and in Sub-Saharan Africa. Even in these

areas, the risk for contracting the infection is very low, but if you

do, Hepatitis B can make you very ill. Still, the risk of long-term

complications is much less than we are generally led to believe. More

than 95 percent of those who contract Hepatitis B fully recover, and

an infection will result in lifetime immunity for that person. Unless

you plan to spend extended periods in close contact with infected

persons, the risk of contracting Hepatitis B while traveling is nearly

the same as in the US.

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is an infectious disease caused by a virus

that attacks the nervous system. The disease is seen primarily in

children under five years of age; the initial symptoms include fever,

fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the

limbs. Paralysis results in approximately 1 to 2 percent of children

who contract the viral infection, though the vast majority recovers

completely from this paralysis. A few, however, go on to have

permanent, lifetime disability.

While polio was once common throughout the undeveloped world, today

only seven countries continue to have polio-endemic rural areas:

Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Somalia. The

disease is no longer a threat and will soon be completely eradicated.

Although the Western Hemisphere was certified " polio-free " by the

World Health Organization in 1994 and there have been no cases of wild

polio in this region since 1991, the US vaccination schedule still

includes four doses of the polio vaccine. 1 The reason given for this

is that, until polio is eradicated entirely, the risk of reintroducing

polio into this country is " only a plane ride away. " However, an

examination of the data reveals only six cases of imported polio

documented between 1980 and 1998, the last in New York City in 1993.2

The risk for contracting polio is negligible, even at home.

Tetanus is an acute, spastic paralytic illness caused by a toxin

released from the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The bacterium is found

in soils and animal feces throughout the world.

There are several forms of tetanus: neonatal, cephalic, localized, and

generalized. In infants, neonatal tetanus is the most common and most

deadly. However, the vast majority of these cases occur following

childbirth, as a result of using nonsterile equipment to cut the

umbilical cord. Cephalic tetanus, the least common, causes muscle

spasms in the face, leading to the classic case of " lockjaw. "

Localized tetanus is recurring muscle contraction near the original

site of the infection; recovery can take many weeks.

Generalized tetanus, the most common, is the slowest to develop. The

disease is characterized by a gradual increase in skeletal muscle

rigidity and muscle spasm. Deep, dirty punctures are at greatest risk

for developing the infection because the bacterium thrives only in

areas that are deprived of oxygen.

The symptoms of any type of tetanus infection develop slowly. The

incubation period-the time between when the injury occurred and the

development of a full-blown infection-can range from five days to two

months, but the initial symptoms most commonly begin to appear within

14 days. Early symptoms of infection include restlessness, headache,

and localized itching or pain at the site of the injury. It is

generally believed that tetanus is a highly fatal disease, but an

examination of the data proves otherwise. In the most recent

evaluation of tetanus data by the CDC, it was found that the death

rate associated with tetanus was 11 percent, nowhere near the " nearly

100 percent fatal " so widely believed.3 It is also commonly accepted

that a tetanus shot will prevent the onset of tetanus. Again, the data

show that, even if a person has three or more tetanus shots, it is

still possible to contract the disease.4 A recent issue of the British

Medical Journal reported that tetanus can occur " despite adequate

immunization and [adequate] levels of neutralizing antibodies. " 5

Frequent tetanus shots may give a false sense of security; the best

way to protect from the disease is to thoroughly clean the wound with

copious amounts of warm, soapy water, and to encourage the injury to

bleed profusely. Prophylactic antibiotics, such as metronidazole and

penicillin, are effective against the bacterium that releases tetanus

toxin into the bloodstream. It might be a good idea to carry these

with you in your travel kit if you are going to off-beat places. If

you have access to medical care when traveling, a shot of tetanus

immune globulin (TIG) can be given for severe injuries. Equivalent to

a " dose of antibodies, " TIG continues to circulate in the body for up

to three weeks, and can effectively neutralize any toxin that might be

released by the tetanus-causing bacterium.

WHAT ABOUT EXOTIC DISEASES?

When traveling overseas, it is possible to encounter some illnesses

not generally seen in the US. The Centers for Disease Control lists

the following infections as possible concerns for anyone traveling to

any destination around the globe:6

Typhoid Fever, an acute, febrile illness caused by the bacterium

Salmonella typhi, is characterized by fever, headache, and enlargement

of the spleen. The greatest risk is for travelers to the Indian

subcontinent and to developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Central

and South America who will have prolonged exposure to potentially

contaminated food and drink.

Yellow Fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can vary in

severity from a flu-like syndrome to severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic

fever. The disease occurs only in sub-Saharan Africa and rural,

tropical South America.

Japanese Encephalitis, another mosquito-borne viral infection, is

found throughout Asia, particularly in rural or agricultural areas of

the temperate regions of China, Japan, Korea, and eastern Russia. The

risk to short-term travelers and those who confine their travel to

urban centers is very low.

Tick-borne Encephalitis, also known as spring-summer encephalitis, is

a tick-borne viral infection that causes inflammation of the central

nervous system. Although the disease is common throughout Europe,

travelers are at low risk unless they visit forested areas and/or eat

nonpasteurized dairy products.

Hepatitis A is a viral disease that has an onset of fever, malaise,

nausea, and diarrhea, followed within a few days by jaundice. The

disease ranges in clinical severity from no symptoms at all to a mild

illness lasting one to two weeks. Although endemic throughout the

world, Hepatitis A can be prevented by carefully following the hygiene

and food recommendations listed in the sidebar " Minimizing Risks. "

WHAT'S RECOMMENDED? WHAT'S REQUIRED?

Although the CDC recommends that all travelers obtain vaccines when

traveling abroad, it is important to realize that, with one exception,

no vaccine is required before you travel anywhere in the world: they

are only " recommended. " You will not be required to have a vaccination

record to enter a country, nor will you be required to obtain vaccines

to return home.

The sole exception is the Yellow Fever vaccine, which may be required

if you travel to or from a South American or African country infected

with Yellow Fever. The recommendations can vary from country to

country; if such a destination is part of your travel plans, you

should look up the Yellow Fever requirements for that specific

country. The CDC's Comprehensive Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements

are available at www.cdc.gov/travel/yelfever.htm#yfcert.

I have been a globe-trotter for most of my adult life. In the past 25

years, I have traveled to more than 40 countries. I have never been

asked for a vaccine record, nor have I ever felt the need for any

vaccines, even when traveling to remote, exotic destinations.

ARE THERE OTHER HEALTH RISKS TO CONSIDER?

Vaccines are available for all diseases mentioned above, should you

choose to vaccinate. Infections that are a concern worldwide, and for

which there are no vaccines, include malaria and Traveler's Diarrhea.

Malaria is a serious, sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite

that is injected into the body by an infected mosquito. The parasite

grows in the liver, then infects circulating red blood cells. Symptoms

of malaria include fever, shaking chills, headache, muscle aches,

vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme fatigue. If untreated, death from

malaria can occur due to dehydration and kidney failure.

For most people, the symptoms of malaria begin ten days to four weeks

after they become infected, although the symptoms may not develop

until as much as a year later. Anyone who begins to have recurring,

shaking chills up to one year after returning home should seek

professional medical care. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider

that you have visited a malaria-risk area.

Prescription drugs for the prevention of malaria are sometimes

recommended for those traveling to malaria-endemic countries. Some

antimalarial drugs are more effective in some parts of the world than

others, but all of them have side effects and potential complications.

In addition, a medical condition may prevent your child from taking

certain drugs.

An alternative to taking drugs is to use mosquito precautions (see

sidebar). It is important to obtain a natural mosquito repellant, one

that is free of DEET, the toxic additive found in most insect

repellants. My favorite is Natural Mosquito Repellant, made by Royal

Neem. It is free of chemicals and contains many natural ingredients:

aloe vera; the oils of coconut, neem, lemongrass, citronella,

cedarwood, and rhodiumwood; and extracts of myrrh, barberry, thyme,

goldenseal, and chamomile. Further suggestions for additional natural

insect repellents can be found at www.mercola.com.

If you contract malaria, a natural treatment is available that is

perhaps even more effective than pharmaceuticals, and is certainly

less toxic. During an archeological dig in the 1970s, instructions for

treating malaria with an herb called wormwood, or artemisia, were

found in a 2000-year-old Chinese tomb. Shortly thereafter, Western

scientists isolated the herb's active component and called it

" artemisinin. " Studies in China and Vietnam have confirmed that

artemisinin is a highly effective compound, with a close to 100

percent response rate in the treatment of malaria. Outside the US,

artemisinin is the No. 1 natural herb used to treat malaria. The World

Health Organization is investigating the use of this herb worldwide

for malaria treatments. Because there can be a wide variation in

quality, it is important that artemisinin be purchased from a

reputable source, such as Allergy Research Group,

www.allergyresearchgroup.com. It should be noted that this company

only sells to licensed healthcare practitioners.

Traveler's Diarrhea This is, by far, the most common illness affecting

those traveling outside the US. It is estimated that between 20 and 50

percent of travelers-nearly 10 million people each year-develop

diarrhea. Although a variety of viral and parasitic pathogens can be

the cause, by far the most common source of Traveler's Diarrhea is the

bacteria E. coli.

Symptoms usually begin abruptly and increase over several days. The

typical experience includes four or more watery bowel movements each

day, associated with nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, fever, and

malaise. Most cases are benign and resolve in one to two days without

treatment. Although rarely life-threatening, Traveler's Diarrhea can

bring a sudden halt to the fun and mystique of international travel.

The best way to avoid Traveler's Diarrhea is by strict adherence to

food and water precautions (see sidebar, " Minimizing Risks " ). In

addition, studies have shown that taking two tablespoons of

Pepto-Bismol four times a day (for adults) can decrease the incidence

of Traveler's Diarrhea. The dosage for children nine to 12 is one

tablespoon four times a day, children six to nine, two teaspoonfuls;

three to six, one teaspoonful; under three, consult a physician before

taking. (People allergic to aspirin, pregnant women, and those on the

blood thinner Coumadin should not take Pepto-Bismol. Also, large doses

of Pepto-Bismol can temporarily blacken the tongue and stool.)

The most important treatment for Traveler's Diarrhea is oral

rehydration to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Clear liquids are

routinely recommended for adults, and, for children, electrolyte-based

liquids such as Gatorade. On rare occasions, antibiotics may be

required if the symptoms persist for more than a few days.

The Best Medicine

The best medicine for any type of infectious disease is always

prevention. For most diseases around the world, common-sense

precautions are the best way to stay healthy. Since for nearly every

destination in the world vaccinations are only recommended, not

required, a trip to your doctor for vaccines is one item you can cross

off your pre-trip " To Do " list. Go and have fun!

MINIMIZING RISKS

1. Eat only cooked foods hot to the touch. Avoid eating food from

street vendors.

2. Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you peel them yourself.

3. Drink only " safe " beverages: sealed bottled water, carbonated

beverages, hot tea, coffee, beer, wine, and boiled water.

4. Don't drink beverages with ice.

5. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and seafood.

6. Avoid all tap water, and be careful of getting shower water in your

mouth. When dining in restaurants, ask whether the salad greens have

been washed in boiled or distilled or bottled water.

7. Avoid nonpasteurized milk and dairy products.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO BITES

o Pay special attention to mosquito protection between dusk and dawn.

o Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.

o Frequently apply natural insect repellant.

NOTES

1. CDC, " Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication-The Americas, "

MMWR 43 (1994): 720-722

2. CDC, " Poliomyelitis Prevention in the United States Update, " MMWR

49 (2000, RR05): 1-22

3. CDC, " Tetanus Surveillance, " MMWR 47 (July 1998, 55-2): 13.

4. Ibid.

5. Letter to the Editor, British Medical Journal 320 (5 February

2000): 383.

6. CDC Travelers' Health, www.cdc.gov/travel/destinat.htm.

Sherri J. Tenpenny, DO, is board-certified in Emergency Medicine. She

is CEO of OsteoMed II, located in Strongsville, Ohio, an Integrative

Medicine clinic that treats ADD/ADHD, autism, and a wide variety of

autoimmune disorders seen in children and adults. An advocate for

healthcare choice, including the right to refuse vaccination, Dr.

Tenpenny speaks nationally and internationally on the unspoken health

risks of vaccines.

[Guest guest]

http://www.mothering.com/articles/growing_child/vaccines/overseas.html

Far-Off Adventures: Vaccinations And Overseas Travel

By Sherri J. Tenpenny

Issue 120, September/October 2003

The time has finally arrived for the highly anticipated trip out of

the country. The plans began long ago: airplane tickets, hotel

reservations, rental car, sightseeing plans. The bags are being pulled

from the attic to be packed, and the excitement mounts with each

passing day. Everything is a go. But wait-what about vaccines? Is this

one more preparation that needs to be added to the " To Do " list?

Traveling out of the country can feel like a venture to another

planet. Pictures of exotic destinations coupled with new, curious

foods dance off the pages of the travel brochures. Anticipating the

unexpected can be a challenge for even the most seasoned traveler.

However, traveling with children adds an extra dimension to the

anxiety-the thought of your child becoming ill in a foreign country is

extremely frightening. Your doctor is recommending a variety of

vaccines. Are they necessary? How do you evaluate the risks?

VACCINES IN THE US

Currently, eight different vaccines are recommended for children in

the US: Hepatitis B, polio, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP),

measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), chickenpox, HiB, Prevnar, and, most

recently, an annual influenza vaccine. (HiB and Prevnar are given to

prevent bacterial infections caused by H. influenza and Strep.

pneumonia, respectively. Some of these vaccines are also recommended

for international travel. But are the risks of getting these diseases

any greater when traveling than they are at home? Let's take a closer

look at the more worrisome infections that might be encountered while

traveling abroad.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is spread through contact with

blood. In the US, Hepatitis B is primarily found in adults, and is

spread through intimate contact or through sharing needles used with

illicit drugs. Hepatitis B is more common in the general population in

East and Southeast Asia and in Sub-Saharan Africa. Even in these

areas, the risk for contracting the infection is very low, but if you

do, Hepatitis B can make you very ill. Still, the risk of long-term

complications is much less than we are generally led to believe. More

than 95 percent of those who contract Hepatitis B fully recover, and

an infection will result in lifetime immunity for that person. Unless

you plan to spend extended periods in close contact with infected

persons, the risk of contracting Hepatitis B while traveling is nearly

the same as in the US.

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is an infectious disease caused by a virus

that attacks the nervous system. The disease is seen primarily in

children under five years of age; the initial symptoms include fever,

fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the

limbs. Paralysis results in approximately 1 to 2 percent of children

who contract the viral infection, though the vast majority recovers

completely from this paralysis. A few, however, go on to have

permanent, lifetime disability.

While polio was once common throughout the undeveloped world, today

only seven countries continue to have polio-endemic rural areas:

Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Somalia. The

disease is no longer a threat and will soon be completely eradicated.

Although the Western Hemisphere was certified " polio-free " by the

World Health Organization in 1994 and there have been no cases of wild

polio in this region since 1991, the US vaccination schedule still

includes four doses of the polio vaccine. 1 The reason given for this

is that, until polio is eradicated entirely, the risk of reintroducing

polio into this country is " only a plane ride away. " However, an

examination of the data reveals only six cases of imported polio

documented between 1980 and 1998, the last in New York City in 1993.2

The risk for contracting polio is negligible, even at home.

Tetanus is an acute, spastic paralytic illness caused by a toxin

released from the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The bacterium is found

in soils and animal feces throughout the world.

There are several forms of tetanus: neonatal, cephalic, localized, and

generalized. In infants, neonatal tetanus is the most common and most

deadly. However, the vast majority of these cases occur following

childbirth, as a result of using nonsterile equipment to cut the

umbilical cord. Cephalic tetanus, the least common, causes muscle

spasms in the face, leading to the classic case of " lockjaw. "

Localized tetanus is recurring muscle contraction near the original

site of the infection; recovery can take many weeks.

Generalized tetanus, the most common, is the slowest to develop. The

disease is characterized by a gradual increase in skeletal muscle

rigidity and muscle spasm. Deep, dirty punctures are at greatest risk

for developing the infection because the bacterium thrives only in

areas that are deprived of oxygen.

The symptoms of any type of tetanus infection develop slowly. The

incubation period-the time between when the injury occurred and the

development of a full-blown infection-can range from five days to two

months, but the initial symptoms most commonly begin to appear within

14 days. Early symptoms of infection include restlessness, headache,

and localized itching or pain at the site of the injury. It is

generally believed that tetanus is a highly fatal disease, but an

examination of the data proves otherwise. In the most recent

evaluation of tetanus data by the CDC, it was found that the death

rate associated with tetanus was 11 percent, nowhere near the " nearly

100 percent fatal " so widely believed.3 It is also commonly accepted

that a tetanus shot will prevent the onset of tetanus. Again, the data

show that, even if a person has three or more tetanus shots, it is

still possible to contract the disease.4 A recent issue of the British

Medical Journal reported that tetanus can occur " despite adequate

immunization and [adequate] levels of neutralizing antibodies. " 5

Frequent tetanus shots may give a false sense of security; the best

way to protect from the disease is to thoroughly clean the wound with

copious amounts of warm, soapy water, and to encourage the injury to

bleed profusely. Prophylactic antibiotics, such as metronidazole and

penicillin, are effective against the bacterium that releases tetanus

toxin into the bloodstream. It might be a good idea to carry these

with you in your travel kit if you are going to off-beat places. If

you have access to medical care when traveling, a shot of tetanus

immune globulin (TIG) can be given for severe injuries. Equivalent to

a " dose of antibodies, " TIG continues to circulate in the body for up

to three weeks, and can effectively neutralize any toxin that might be

released by the tetanus-causing bacterium.

WHAT ABOUT EXOTIC DISEASES?

When traveling overseas, it is possible to encounter some illnesses

not generally seen in the US. The Centers for Disease Control lists

the following infections as possible concerns for anyone traveling to

any destination around the globe:6

Typhoid Fever, an acute, febrile illness caused by the bacterium

Salmonella typhi, is characterized by fever, headache, and enlargement

of the spleen. The greatest risk is for travelers to the Indian

subcontinent and to developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Central

and South America who will have prolonged exposure to potentially

contaminated food and drink.

Yellow Fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can vary in

severity from a flu-like syndrome to severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic

fever. The disease occurs only in sub-Saharan Africa and rural,

tropical South America.

Japanese Encephalitis, another mosquito-borne viral infection, is

found throughout Asia, particularly in rural or agricultural areas of

the temperate regions of China, Japan, Korea, and eastern Russia. The

risk to short-term travelers and those who confine their travel to

urban centers is very low.

Tick-borne Encephalitis, also known as spring-summer encephalitis, is

a tick-borne viral infection that causes inflammation of the central

nervous system. Although the disease is common throughout Europe,

travelers are at low risk unless they visit forested areas and/or eat

nonpasteurized dairy products.

Hepatitis A is a viral disease that has an onset of fever, malaise,

nausea, and diarrhea, followed within a few days by jaundice. The

disease ranges in clinical severity from no symptoms at all to a mild

illness lasting one to two weeks. Although endemic throughout the

world, Hepatitis A can be prevented by carefully following the hygiene

and food recommendations listed in the sidebar " Minimizing Risks. "

WHAT'S RECOMMENDED? WHAT'S REQUIRED?

Although the CDC recommends that all travelers obtain vaccines when

traveling abroad, it is important to realize that, with one exception,

no vaccine is required before you travel anywhere in the world: they

are only " recommended. " You will not be required to have a vaccination

record to enter a country, nor will you be required to obtain vaccines

to return home.

The sole exception is the Yellow Fever vaccine, which may be required

if you travel to or from a South American or African country infected

with Yellow Fever. The recommendations can vary from country to

country; if such a destination is part of your travel plans, you

should look up the Yellow Fever requirements for that specific

country. The CDC's Comprehensive Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements

are available at www.cdc.gov/travel/yelfever.htm#yfcert.

I have been a globe-trotter for most of my adult life. In the past 25

years, I have traveled to more than 40 countries. I have never been

asked for a vaccine record, nor have I ever felt the need for any

vaccines, even when traveling to remote, exotic destinations.

ARE THERE OTHER HEALTH RISKS TO CONSIDER?

Vaccines are available for all diseases mentioned above, should you

choose to vaccinate. Infections that are a concern worldwide, and for

which there are no vaccines, include malaria and Traveler's Diarrhea.

Malaria is a serious, sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite

that is injected into the body by an infected mosquito. The parasite

grows in the liver, then infects circulating red blood cells. Symptoms

of malaria include fever, shaking chills, headache, muscle aches,

vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme fatigue. If untreated, death from

malaria can occur due to dehydration and kidney failure.

For most people, the symptoms of malaria begin ten days to four weeks

after they become infected, although the symptoms may not develop

until as much as a year later. Anyone who begins to have recurring,

shaking chills up to one year after returning home should seek

professional medical care. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider

that you have visited a malaria-risk area.

Prescription drugs for the prevention of malaria are sometimes

recommended for those traveling to malaria-endemic countries. Some

antimalarial drugs are more effective in some parts of the world than

others, but all of them have side effects and potential complications.

In addition, a medical condition may prevent your child from taking

certain drugs.

An alternative to taking drugs is to use mosquito precautions (see

sidebar). It is important to obtain a natural mosquito repellant, one

that is free of DEET, the toxic additive found in most insect

repellants. My favorite is Natural Mosquito Repellant, made by Royal

Neem. It is free of chemicals and contains many natural ingredients:

aloe vera; the oils of coconut, neem, lemongrass, citronella,

cedarwood, and rhodiumwood; and extracts of myrrh, barberry, thyme,

goldenseal, and chamomile. Further suggestions for additional natural

insect repellents can be found at www.mercola.com.

If you contract malaria, a natural treatment is available that is

perhaps even more effective than pharmaceuticals, and is certainly

less toxic. During an archeological dig in the 1970s, instructions for

treating malaria with an herb called wormwood, or artemisia, were

found in a 2000-year-old Chinese tomb. Shortly thereafter, Western

scientists isolated the herb's active component and called it

" artemisinin. " Studies in China and Vietnam have confirmed that

artemisinin is a highly effective compound, with a close to 100

percent response rate in the treatment of malaria. Outside the US,

artemisinin is the No. 1 natural herb used to treat malaria. The World

Health Organization is investigating the use of this herb worldwide

for malaria treatments. Because there can be a wide variation in

quality, it is important that artemisinin be purchased from a

reputable source, such as Allergy Research Group,

www.allergyresearchgroup.com. It should be noted that this company

only sells to licensed healthcare practitioners.

Traveler's Diarrhea This is, by far, the most common illness affecting

those traveling outside the US. It is estimated that between 20 and 50

percent of travelers-nearly 10 million people each year-develop

diarrhea. Although a variety of viral and parasitic pathogens can be

the cause, by far the most common source of Traveler's Diarrhea is the

bacteria E. coli.

Symptoms usually begin abruptly and increase over several days. The

typical experience includes four or more watery bowel movements each

day, associated with nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, fever, and

malaise. Most cases are benign and resolve in one to two days without

treatment. Although rarely life-threatening, Traveler's Diarrhea can

bring a sudden halt to the fun and mystique of international travel.

The best way to avoid Traveler's Diarrhea is by strict adherence to

food and water precautions (see sidebar, " Minimizing Risks " ). In

addition, studies have shown that taking two tablespoons of

Pepto-Bismol four times a day (for adults) can decrease the incidence

of Traveler's Diarrhea. The dosage for children nine to 12 is one

tablespoon four times a day, children six to nine, two teaspoonfuls;

three to six, one teaspoonful; under three, consult a physician before

taking. (People allergic to aspirin, pregnant women, and those on the

blood thinner Coumadin should not take Pepto-Bismol. Also, large doses

of Pepto-Bismol can temporarily blacken the tongue and stool.)

The most important treatment for Traveler's Diarrhea is oral

rehydration to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Clear liquids are

routinely recommended for adults, and, for children, electrolyte-based

liquids such as Gatorade. On rare occasions, antibiotics may be

required if the symptoms persist for more than a few days.

The Best Medicine

The best medicine for any type of infectious disease is always

prevention. For most diseases around the world, common-sense

precautions are the best way to stay healthy. Since for nearly every

destination in the world vaccinations are only recommended, not

required, a trip to your doctor for vaccines is one item you can cross

off your pre-trip " To Do " list. Go and have fun!

MINIMIZING RISKS

1. Eat only cooked foods hot to the touch. Avoid eating food from

street vendors.

2. Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you peel them yourself.

3. Drink only " safe " beverages: sealed bottled water, carbonated

beverages, hot tea, coffee, beer, wine, and boiled water.

4. Don't drink beverages with ice.

5. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and seafood.

6. Avoid all tap water, and be careful of getting shower water in your

mouth. When dining in restaurants, ask whether the salad greens have

been washed in boiled or distilled or bottled water.

7. Avoid nonpasteurized milk and dairy products.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO BITES

o Pay special attention to mosquito protection between dusk and dawn.

o Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.

o Frequently apply natural insect repellant.

NOTES

1. CDC, " Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication-The Americas, "

MMWR 43 (1994): 720-722

2. CDC, " Poliomyelitis Prevention in the United States Update, " MMWR

49 (2000, RR05): 1-22

3. CDC, " Tetanus Surveillance, " MMWR 47 (July 1998, 55-2): 13.

4. Ibid.

5. Letter to the Editor, British Medical Journal 320 (5 February

2000): 383.

6. CDC Travelers' Health, www.cdc.gov/travel/destinat.htm.

Sherri J. Tenpenny, DO, is board-certified in Emergency Medicine. She

is CEO of OsteoMed II, located in Strongsville, Ohio, an Integrative

Medicine clinic that treats ADD/ADHD, autism, and a wide variety of

autoimmune disorders seen in children and adults. An advocate for

healthcare choice, including the right to refuse vaccination, Dr.

Tenpenny speaks nationally and internationally on the unspoken health

risks of vaccines.

[Guest guest]

Absolutely no vaccines are required for travel anywhere in the

world...

with the exception of one or two countries which require Yellow Fever vaccine

before

traveling there. Uganda, I think, and another African country.

It is totally his decision.

We live in China and do not vax at all, for anything, parents or kids, for the

past 4.5 years.

[Guest guest]

Absolutely no vaccines are required for travel anywhere in the

world...

with the exception of one or two countries which require Yellow Fever vaccine

before

traveling there. Uganda, I think, and another African country.

It is totally his decision.

We live in China and do not vax at all, for anything, parents or kids, for the

past 4.5 years.

[Guest guest]

Absolutely no vaccines are required for travel anywhere in the

world...

with the exception of one or two countries which require Yellow Fever vaccine

before

traveling there. Uganda, I think, and another African country.

It is totally his decision.

We live in China and do not vax at all, for anything, parents or kids, for the

past 4.5 years.

[Guest guest]

Absolutely no vaccines are required for travel anywhere in the

world...

with the exception of one or two countries which require Yellow Fever vaccine

before

traveling there. Uganda, I think, and another African country.

It is totally his decision.

We live in China and do not vax at all, for anything, parents or kids, for the

past 4.5 years.

[Guest guest]

Great information from Sherri I would add to her 'minimizing

risks' section to have a homeopathic remedy kit with you, and certain

brand fruit & veggie rinse. Everyone I know using the rinse in their

water were the only ones who didn't get the intestinal horrors in

certain parts of the world. Then if you do get something the right

remedies can greatly help.

I've been creating a list to have on hand for travelers organized by

illness - - let me know if you'd like it emailed to you when completed

Best wishes,

Liz

>

> http://www.mothering.com/articles/growing_child/vaccines/overseas.html

>

> Far-Off Adventures: Vaccinations And Overseas Travel

> By Sherri J. Tenpenny

> Issue 120, September/October 2003

>

> The time has finally arrived for the highly anticipated trip out of

> the country. The plans began long ago: airplane tickets, hotel

> reservations, rental car, sightseeing plans. The bags are being pulled

> from the attic to be packed, and the excitement mounts with each

> passing day. Everything is a go. But wait-what about vaccines? Is this

> one more preparation that needs to be added to the " To Do " list?

> Traveling out of the country can feel like a venture to another

> planet. Pictures of exotic destinations coupled with new, curious

> foods dance off the pages of the travel brochures. Anticipating the

> unexpected can be a challenge for even the most seasoned traveler.

> However, traveling with children adds an extra dimension to the

> anxiety-the thought of your child becoming ill in a foreign country is

> extremely frightening. Your doctor is recommending a variety of

> vaccines. Are they necessary? How do you evaluate the risks?

>

> VACCINES IN THE US

> Currently, eight different vaccines are recommended for children in

> the US: Hepatitis B, polio, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP),

> measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), chickenpox, HiB, Prevnar, and, most

> recently, an annual influenza vaccine. (HiB and Prevnar are given to

> prevent bacterial infections caused by H. influenza and Strep.

> pneumonia, respectively. Some of these vaccines are also recommended

> for international travel. But are the risks of getting these diseases

> any greater when traveling than they are at home? Let's take a closer

> look at the more worrisome infections that might be encountered while

> traveling abroad.

>

> Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is spread through contact with

> blood. In the US, Hepatitis B is primarily found in adults, and is

> spread through intimate contact or through sharing needles used with

> illicit drugs. Hepatitis B is more common in the general population in

> East and Southeast Asia and in Sub-Saharan Africa. Even in these

> areas, the risk for contracting the infection is very low, but if you

> do, Hepatitis B can make you very ill. Still, the risk of long-term

> complications is much less than we are generally led to believe. More

> than 95 percent of those who contract Hepatitis B fully recover, and

> an infection will result in lifetime immunity for that person. Unless

> you plan to spend extended periods in close contact with infected

> persons, the risk of contracting Hepatitis B while traveling is nearly

> the same as in the US.

>

> Polio, or poliomyelitis, is an infectious disease caused by a virus

> that attacks the nervous system. The disease is seen primarily in

> children under five years of age; the initial symptoms include fever,

> fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the

> limbs. Paralysis results in approximately 1 to 2 percent of children

> who contract the viral infection, though the vast majority recovers

> completely from this paralysis. A few, however, go on to have

> permanent, lifetime disability.

>

> While polio was once common throughout the undeveloped world, today

> only seven countries continue to have polio-endemic rural areas:

> Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Somalia. The

> disease is no longer a threat and will soon be completely eradicated.

> Although the Western Hemisphere was certified " polio-free " by the

> World Health Organization in 1994 and there have been no cases of wild

> polio in this region since 1991, the US vaccination schedule still

> includes four doses of the polio vaccine. 1 The reason given for this

> is that, until polio is eradicated entirely, the risk of reintroducing

> polio into this country is " only a plane ride away. " However, an

> examination of the data reveals only six cases of imported polio

> documented between 1980 and 1998, the last in New York City in 1993.2

> The risk for contracting polio is negligible, even at home.

>

> Tetanus is an acute, spastic paralytic illness caused by a toxin

> released from the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The bacterium is found

> in soils and animal feces throughout the world.

>

> There are several forms of tetanus: neonatal, cephalic, localized, and

> generalized. In infants, neonatal tetanus is the most common and most

> deadly. However, the vast majority of these cases occur following

> childbirth, as a result of using nonsterile equipment to cut the

> umbilical cord. Cephalic tetanus, the least common, causes muscle

> spasms in the face, leading to the classic case of " lockjaw. "

> Localized tetanus is recurring muscle contraction near the original

> site of the infection; recovery can take many weeks.

>

> Generalized tetanus, the most common, is the slowest to develop. The

> disease is characterized by a gradual increase in skeletal muscle

> rigidity and muscle spasm. Deep, dirty punctures are at greatest risk

> for developing the infection because the bacterium thrives only in

> areas that are deprived of oxygen.

>

> The symptoms of any type of tetanus infection develop slowly. The

> incubation period-the time between when the injury occurred and the

> development of a full-blown infection-can range from five days to two

> months, but the initial symptoms most commonly begin to appear within

> 14 days. Early symptoms of infection include restlessness, headache,

> and localized itching or pain at the site of the injury. It is

> generally believed that tetanus is a highly fatal disease, but an

> examination of the data proves otherwise. In the most recent

> evaluation of tetanus data by the CDC, it was found that the death

> rate associated with tetanus was 11 percent, nowhere near the " nearly

> 100 percent fatal " so widely believed.3 It is also commonly accepted

> that a tetanus shot will prevent the onset of tetanus. Again, the data

> show that, even if a person has three or more tetanus shots, it is

> still possible to contract the disease.4 A recent issue of the British

> Medical Journal reported that tetanus can occur " despite adequate

> immunization and [adequate] levels of neutralizing antibodies. " 5

>

> Frequent tetanus shots may give a false sense of security; the best

> way to protect from the disease is to thoroughly clean the wound with

> copious amounts of warm, soapy water, and to encourage the injury to

> bleed profusely. Prophylactic antibiotics, such as metronidazole and

> penicillin, are effective against the bacterium that releases tetanus

> toxin into the bloodstream. It might be a good idea to carry these

> with you in your travel kit if you are going to off-beat places. If

> you have access to medical care when traveling, a shot of tetanus

> immune globulin (TIG) can be given for severe injuries. Equivalent to

> a " dose of antibodies, " TIG continues to circulate in the body for up

> to three weeks, and can effectively neutralize any toxin that might be

> released by the tetanus-causing bacterium.

>

> WHAT ABOUT EXOTIC DISEASES?

> When traveling overseas, it is possible to encounter some illnesses

> not generally seen in the US. The Centers for Disease Control lists

> the following infections as possible concerns for anyone traveling to

> any destination around the globe:6

>

> Typhoid Fever, an acute, febrile illness caused by the bacterium

> Salmonella typhi, is characterized by fever, headache, and enlargement

> of the spleen. The greatest risk is for travelers to the Indian

> subcontinent and to developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Central

> and South America who will have prolonged exposure to potentially

> contaminated food and drink.

>

> Yellow Fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can vary in

> severity from a flu-like syndrome to severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic

> fever. The disease occurs only in sub-Saharan Africa and rural,

> tropical South America.

>

> Japanese Encephalitis, another mosquito-borne viral infection, is

> found throughout Asia, particularly in rural or agricultural areas of

> the temperate regions of China, Japan, Korea, and eastern Russia. The

> risk to short-term travelers and those who confine their travel to

> urban centers is very low.

>

> Tick-borne Encephalitis, also known as spring-summer encephalitis, is

> a tick-borne viral infection that causes inflammation of the central

> nervous system. Although the disease is common throughout Europe,

> travelers are at low risk unless they visit forested areas and/or eat

> nonpasteurized dairy products.

>

> Hepatitis A is a viral disease that has an onset of fever, malaise,

> nausea, and diarrhea, followed within a few days by jaundice. The

> disease ranges in clinical severity from no symptoms at all to a mild

> illness lasting one to two weeks. Although endemic throughout the

> world, Hepatitis A can be prevented by carefully following the hygiene

> and food recommendations listed in the sidebar " Minimizing Risks. "

>

> WHAT'S RECOMMENDED? WHAT'S REQUIRED?

> Although the CDC recommends that all travelers obtain vaccines when

> traveling abroad, it is important to realize that, with one exception,

> no vaccine is required before you travel anywhere in the world: they

> are only " recommended. " You will not be required to have a vaccination

> record to enter a country, nor will you be required to obtain vaccines

> to return home.

>

> The sole exception is the Yellow Fever vaccine, which may be required

> if you travel to or from a South American or African country infected

> with Yellow Fever. The recommendations can vary from country to

> country; if such a destination is part of your travel plans, you

> should look up the Yellow Fever requirements for that specific

> country. The CDC's Comprehensive Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements

> are available at www.cdc.gov/travel/yelfever.htm#yfcert.

>

> I have been a globe-trotter for most of my adult life. In the past 25

> years, I have traveled to more than 40 countries. I have never been

> asked for a vaccine record, nor have I ever felt the need for any

> vaccines, even when traveling to remote, exotic destinations.

>

> ARE THERE OTHER HEALTH RISKS TO CONSIDER?

> Vaccines are available for all diseases mentioned above, should you

> choose to vaccinate. Infections that are a concern worldwide, and for

> which there are no vaccines, include malaria and Traveler's Diarrhea.

>

> Malaria is a serious, sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite

> that is injected into the body by an infected mosquito. The parasite

> grows in the liver, then infects circulating red blood cells. Symptoms

> of malaria include fever, shaking chills, headache, muscle aches,

> vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme fatigue. If untreated, death from

> malaria can occur due to dehydration and kidney failure.

>

> For most people, the symptoms of malaria begin ten days to four weeks

> after they become infected, although the symptoms may not develop

> until as much as a year later. Anyone who begins to have recurring,

> shaking chills up to one year after returning home should seek

> professional medical care. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider

> that you have visited a malaria-risk area.

>

> Prescription drugs for the prevention of malaria are sometimes

> recommended for those traveling to malaria-endemic countries. Some

> antimalarial drugs are more effective in some parts of the world than

> others, but all of them have side effects and potential complications.

> In addition, a medical condition may prevent your child from taking

> certain drugs.

>

> An alternative to taking drugs is to use mosquito precautions (see

> sidebar). It is important to obtain a natural mosquito repellant, one

> that is free of DEET, the toxic additive found in most insect

> repellants. My favorite is Natural Mosquito Repellant, made by Royal

> Neem. It is free of chemicals and contains many natural ingredients:

> aloe vera; the oils of coconut, neem, lemongrass, citronella,

> cedarwood, and rhodiumwood; and extracts of myrrh, barberry, thyme,

> goldenseal, and chamomile. Further suggestions for additional natural

> insect repellents can be found at www.mercola.com.

>

> If you contract malaria, a natural treatment is available that is

> perhaps even more effective than pharmaceuticals, and is certainly

> less toxic. During an archeological dig in the 1970s, instructions for

> treating malaria with an herb called wormwood, or artemisia, were

> found in a 2000-year-old Chinese tomb. Shortly thereafter, Western

> scientists isolated the herb's active component and called it

> " artemisinin. " Studies in China and Vietnam have confirmed that

> artemisinin is a highly effective compound, with a close to 100

> percent response rate in the treatment of malaria. Outside the US,

> artemisinin is the No. 1 natural herb used to treat malaria. The World

> Health Organization is investigating the use of this herb worldwide

> for malaria treatments. Because there can be a wide variation in

> quality, it is important that artemisinin be purchased from a

> reputable source, such as Allergy Research Group,

> www.allergyresearchgroup.com. It should be noted that this company

> only sells to licensed healthcare practitioners.

>

> Traveler's Diarrhea This is, by far, the most common illness affecting

> those traveling outside the US. It is estimated that between 20 and 50

> percent of travelers-nearly 10 million people each year-develop

> diarrhea. Although a variety of viral and parasitic pathogens can be

> the cause, by far the most common source of Traveler's Diarrhea is the

> bacteria E. coli.

>

> Symptoms usually begin abruptly and increase over several days. The

> typical experience includes four or more watery bowel movements each

> day, associated with nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, fever, and

> malaise. Most cases are benign and resolve in one to two days without

> treatment. Although rarely life-threatening, Traveler's Diarrhea can

> bring a sudden halt to the fun and mystique of international travel.

>

> The best way to avoid Traveler's Diarrhea is by strict adherence to

> food and water precautions (see sidebar, " Minimizing Risks " ). In

> addition, studies have shown that taking two tablespoons of

> Pepto-Bismol four times a day (for adults) can decrease the incidence

> of Traveler's Diarrhea. The dosage for children nine to 12 is one

> tablespoon four times a day, children six to nine, two teaspoonfuls;

> three to six, one teaspoonful; under three, consult a physician before

> taking. (People allergic to aspirin, pregnant women, and those on the

> blood thinner Coumadin should not take Pepto-Bismol. Also, large doses

> of Pepto-Bismol can temporarily blacken the tongue and stool.)

>

> The most important treatment for Traveler's Diarrhea is oral

> rehydration to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Clear liquids are

> routinely recommended for adults, and, for children, electrolyte-based

> liquids such as Gatorade. On rare occasions, antibiotics may be

> required if the symptoms persist for more than a few days.

>

> The Best Medicine

> The best medicine for any type of infectious disease is always

> prevention. For most diseases around the world, common-sense

> precautions are the best way to stay healthy. Since for nearly every

> destination in the world vaccinations are only recommended, not

> required, a trip to your doctor for vaccines is one item you can cross

> off your pre-trip " To Do " list. Go and have fun!

>

> MINIMIZING RISKS

> 1. Eat only cooked foods hot to the touch. Avoid eating food from

> street vendors.

> 2. Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you peel them yourself.

> 3. Drink only " safe " beverages: sealed bottled water, carbonated

> beverages, hot tea, coffee, beer, wine, and boiled water.

> 4. Don't drink beverages with ice.

> 5. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and seafood.

> 6. Avoid all tap water, and be careful of getting shower water in your

> mouth. When dining in restaurants, ask whether the salad greens have

> been washed in boiled or distilled or bottled water.

> 7. Avoid nonpasteurized milk and dairy products.

>

> PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO BITES

> o Pay special attention to mosquito protection between dusk and dawn.

> o Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.

> o Frequently apply natural insect repellant.

>

> NOTES

> 1. CDC, " Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication-The Americas, "

> MMWR 43 (1994): 720-722

> 2. CDC, " Poliomyelitis Prevention in the United States Update, " MMWR

> 49 (2000, RR05): 1-22

> 3. CDC, " Tetanus Surveillance, " MMWR 47 (July 1998, 55-2): 13.

> 4. Ibid.

> 5. Letter to the Editor, British Medical Journal 320 (5 February

> 2000): 383.

> 6. CDC Travelers' Health, www.cdc.gov/travel/destinat.htm.

>

> Sherri J. Tenpenny, DO, is board-certified in Emergency Medicine. She

> is CEO of OsteoMed II, located in Strongsville, Ohio, an Integrative

> Medicine clinic that treats ADD/ADHD, autism, and a wide variety of

> autoimmune disorders seen in children and adults. An advocate for

> healthcare choice, including the right to refuse vaccination, Dr.

> Tenpenny speaks nationally and internationally on the unspoken health

> risks of vaccines.

>