People spend months planning a Southeast Asia trip and about ten minutes thinking about their health before they go. That's understandable it's not the fun part of planning. But a quick visit to a GP clinic in Bendigo before you fly can prevent you from spending a week of your holiday sick in a hotel room, or worse. Here's what you actually need to know.
Southeast Asia isn't home
The diseases common in Southeast Asia aren't ones most Australians have any immunity to. We don't grow up exposed to typhoid or hepatitis A the way people in endemic countries do. Our immune systems don't know what to do with them. Throw in tropical heat, food and water that's handled differently to here, mosquitoes carrying things our local ones don't, and close contact with animals and the risk profile of a trip to Vietnam or Cambodia looks nothing like a trip to Queensland. The other practical thing: some vaccines need multiple doses spaced weeks apart. If you're sitting in the waiting room five days before departure, it's too late for full protection. Book eight weeks out if you can. Six at a minimum.
The vaccines worth talking to your doctor about
Your doctor can tailor vaccines to your trip and your medical history. But these are the ones that come up most often.
Hepatitis A. Spreads through food and water. Doesn't matter where you're staying the risk exists across the region. Recommended for almost everyone travelling to Southeast Asia.
Typhoid. Same route of transmission. One vaccine, three years of cover.
Hepatitis B. Transmitted through blood and bodily fluids the risks can be mitigated by checking your vaccine records are current with your Bendigo GP Clinic.
Japanese Encephalitis. Mosquito-borne. Higher risk in rural areas during and after wet season. Two doses, at least a week apart. If you're going anywhere outside major cities even briefly ask about this one.
Rabies. Found throughout the region. The pre-exposure course isn't necessary for every traveller, but if you're going somewhere remote, spending time in nature, or you intend to interact with animals, the conversation is worth having. Getting bitten abroad and needing post-exposure treatment is stressful, expensive, and not always straightforward to access.
Check your routine vaccinations while you're at it
Pre-travel vaccination appointments are a good time to ask what other vaccinations may require a booster shot. Tetanus boosters are recommended every 10 years something commonly overlooked by young adults and become quickly overdue. Your Bendigo Doctor can check your vaccination record and advise what is needed for a safe trip abroad.
Ready to book an appointment? Please request a travel medicine consultation so sufficient time is allocated and be sure to bring your travel itinerary, vaccination records and details of any medication you are taking.
Learn more about travel vaccines at Golden City Medical Clinic.