Travel consultation

Travel Consultation, Immunizations

Vacations, nowadays, are not only for recreation and relaxation. We may, oftentimes, be sent to far-off exotic countries as part of our work or our studies for which it is important to prepare properly in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Studies show that, on average, four persons per month appear at their family doctor with travel-related problems and questions. The family doctor, in turn, refers patients with questions regarding vaccinations on to the specialist concerned. Recently there has been an increased interest in this special so-called travel medicine dealing with travel-related disease prevention through consultations, recommendations and the vaccinations required at their destinations.

What contagious diseases are preventable with vaccination?

Thanks to the Hungarian mandatory vaccination system, we have become immune to many diseases (i.e., measles, mumps, polio) during childhood and all pertinent information is recorded in our vaccination booklet. Even though these diseases, for all effects and purposes, are no longer found in Hungary, they still are a source of major problems in many countries making. If you plan to visit such countries, it may be necessary to get booster shots.

Certain diseases (i.e., hepatitis B, tick encephalitis) do at times appear in Hungary. You would be well advised to get these vaccinations, in any case, even if you are not traveling.

Many diseases that are seldom found in Hungary do appear in other countries. These are due to climactic reasons or as the result of poor hygiene. Hepatitis A and typhus are found in some Mediterranean countries, such as Turkey, Tunisia, and Egypt and in tropical countries such as Central and South America, Africa, India and South East Asia, malaria, yellow fever and suppurative meningitis, cholera, tetanus and rabies are found. Vaccines offer very effective protection against these.

The vaccines should be given 6 weeks before departure and in the case of malaria medication should be taken ahead of time. Some countries such as Nigeria will not let you enter without proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Who should you turn to for help?

You will be well advised to get well informed regarding health care and the epidemic conditions in the country you intend to visit and prepare your system for possible disease. Zsuzsanna Jelenik, MD, our epidemiologist, experienced in travel medicine, is available to help you prepare properly for your travels, offer valuable recommendations and give you the vaccinations you should need.