Staying Healthy While Travelling: A Holiday Season Guide
As we embrace the festive season, it's crucial to prioritize our health, especially when travelling. The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) has some timely advice for all travellers, and we're here to break it down for you.
Vaccinations: Your First Line of Defence
Prof. Lim Poh Lian, an expert at CDA, highlights the importance of vaccinations. In 2024 alone, Singaporeans faced health issues like malaria and typhoid, often linked to overseas travel. These diseases are preventable with the right vaccines and medications.
But here's where it gets controversial... Should you get vaccinated just before travelling? Prof. Lim assures us that some protection is better than none, even if it's last-minute. So, don't panic if you're running late on your travel preparations!
Vaccine Recommendations for Travellers
- Northern Hemisphere Flu Vaccine: Prof. Lim recommends this for all travellers, especially with cold climates and crowded airports ahead.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine: Essential for adults aged 65 and above, and those under 65 with chronic medical conditions.
Aging and Immunity: Why It Matters
As we age, our immunity takes a hit. What might be a mild flu for a 40-year-old could be a serious health risk for someone older. Prof. Lim warns that respiratory infections can worsen existing medical conditions, leading to potential complications.
Mask Up: Protecting Against Respiratory Infections
With respiratory infections prevalent, wearing a mask is a simple yet effective measure. It can shield you from common cold viruses, for which vaccines are not available.
Vaccinations for Developing Countries
Travelling to developing nations? Ensure you're vaccinated against food- and water-borne diseases like Hepatitis A and typhoid fever. Certain vaccines, like Hepatitis A, require two doses for long-term immunity. Remember, the first dose provides immediate protection for your trip.
Global Concerns: MERS and Avian Influenza
MERS and avian influenza are still global concerns. Prof. Lim advises avoiding contact with live animals and poultry. If contact occurs, thorough handwashing is a must.
Yellow Fever: A Mandatory Vaccination
Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne disease, and vaccination is mandatory for certain high-risk countries. Currently, African nations like Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda, and Latin American countries like Brazil and Columbia are classified as high-risk.
Pre-Travel Consultations: When to Schedule
Prof. Lim recommends scheduling pre-travel consultations 4-6 weeks in advance. This allows time for vaccines to take effect and ensures you're fully protected.
Multiple Vaccines: Is It Safe?
Absolutely! Prof. Lim assures us that receiving multiple vaccines simultaneously is perfectly fine.
Food Safety: Avoiding Food Poisoning
To minimize food poisoning risks, Prof. Lim suggests avoiding high-risk items like ice and raw food. She emphasizes, "If you don't dare to drink the tap water, you shouldn't drink frozen tap water either."
Dehydration: A Primary Concern
Prof. Lim highlights dehydration as a key concern when travelling. She recommends drinking fluids with a bit of salt or sugar to combat diarrhoea. Chicken soup, fruit juice, or oral rehydration salts can be helpful.
Food Temperature Control: A Crucial Factor
Ms. Lalitha Kurupatham, CDA's food and vector-borne division director, emphasizes the rapid bacterial growth in temperatures between 5 and 60 deg C. Keep cold food below 5 deg C and hot food above 60 deg C. If reheating, ensure it's chilled below 5 deg C within four hours.
Reheating Food: A Common Mistake
Reheating food that has been in the temperature danger zone for an extended period may not eliminate all bacteria. Some toxins produced by bacteria are heat-stable and won't be destroyed, Ms. Lalitha warns.
Safe Defrosting Practices
Defrosting food at room temperature in Singapore can expose it to the temperature danger zone for too long. Ms. Lalitha recommends defrosting in the chiller, microwave (using the defrost setting), or in a sealed leakproof bag placed in an ice bath in the sink.
Food Preparation: A Word of Caution
If you're unwell, avoid preparing food for others to reduce the risk of spreading diseases. Also, steer clear of serving raw food like oysters, as shellfish can absorb harmful pathogens and other substances.
So, are you ready to travel and feast this holiday season? Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a healthy and enjoyable trip! Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
