Beijing Olympics & Health Part II

Shanghai–Essential vaccinations for Shanghai living (http://www.worldlink-shanghai.com/vaccinations.php) include: Influenza, Hep A & B, Varicella(chicken pox), Typhoid fever, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Japanese Encephalitis. Hepatitis A is a liver disease contracted from contaminated food and water with symptoms including fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, upset stomach, stomach pain, dark urine, as well as yellowing of the skin and eyes. The CDC recommends getting the Hep A vaccine, which consists of 2 shots, as well as eating foods that are well cooked and drinking bottled beverages. Hepatitis B is a liver disease contracted by contact with blood or other bodily fluids from an infected person. The virus called Hepatitis B virus (HBV), can cause life long infection, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, failure or in worst cases, death. The CDC recommends getting your Hepatitis B vaccine which is available for all ages in the United States.

Qinhuangdao – Mosquitoes are a problem in this city. A survey was conducted at Qinhuangdao Port to determine if the mosquitoes in the country were coming via ship and the majority were found positive for mosquitoes at 57% (417/734) *. Precautions should be taken using repellant containing DEET applied to the skin, as well as spraying clothing with permethrin.

Tianjin – Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreaks reported. If infected, the CDC recommends the same treatment that would be given to a patient that was diagnosed with a community- acquired atypical pneumonia as mentioned previously.

Shenyang – Air pollution is a serious concern for Shenyang residents, the poor air quality results in respiratory diseases such as bronchial asthma and wheeze. Ways to avoid respiratory problems include avoiding heavy activity during the hottest times of the day, and wearing a particle mask if you feel like you are at risk and unable to get indoors. HPV is also fairly common in Shenyang, with a study conducted in the city on 685 females aged 15-59 years old finding HPV in 16.8% overall, and 13.6% in women without cervical abnormalities. HPV is the most common STI (sexually transmitted infection) and infects the skin and mucous membranes for both males and females. The majority of people who have HPV are unaware they have it. HPV can cause genital warts as well as some forms of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer does not have symptoms until it is at advanced stages, so it is important for women to get checked regularly by their physicians. Condoms are one way to decrease the risk of HPV when used during sexual intercourse. The best way to prevent HPV is through vaccination which consists of three injections over a six month period.

For more information on preparing for travel overseas travelers can contact Passport Health, a company dedicated and specializing in travel medicine and health with locations throughout the continental United States. Passport Health offers services including travel information on countries and cultures all over the world, travel kits with items from anti-diarrheal medicine to bug lotion and spray with DEET, as well as recommendations and the ability to provide any vaccinations travelers may need when traveling outside of the United States. To find your nearest Passport Health location call (1-888) 499-PASS or visit http://www.passporthealthusa.com/