TRAVEL FEVERS

Foreign travel might be exciting, but if the wary traveler catches a foreign disease it can be deadly or even pose a risk to others exposed to the traveler back in this country.

That's why county health departments have books that are a quick reference to determine what immunizations are recommended or required before leaving the United States and entering a foreign country.

"You really should check with us as soon as you find out you're leaving the country," said Vicky McDowell, a registered nurse with the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center in Cape Girardeau.

McDowell said some countries require immunizations that must be given in a series. In other words, she said travelers might have to get a series of injections or take pills for a certain amount of time prior to leaving the country.

"We've given the injection to some people to perform while they're on their trip because they've waited too long before calling us," she said.

McDowell said the health center will fill a syringe and needle with the needed medication and tell the traveler to get the injection during the trip.

"We'd much rather do it here," she said, "but if they haven't called us in advance, that's what we have to do."

Health centers are interested in helping the traveler avoid yellow fever, malaria, typhoid, cholera and tetanus by administering injections or pills.

Many of the ailments aren't found in every country, so injections or pills for the diseases might not be necessary. Physicians and health centers can determine what immunizations are important by consulting the book published by the U.S. Department of Health.

And some countries require certification for immunizations against certain diseases. The certification must be validated by a physician or health department or else authorities might prevent the traveler from entering the country.

Most immunizations are a one-time injection but inoculations for yellow fever and typhoid are taken as a series so travelers should notify the county health department or a physician in advance of a trip overseas. Many of the countries Americans travel to don't require the immunization for yellow fever and typhoid.

Besides injections in the arm or hip, pills can be taken a week before a trip, during the trip and a few weeks after the traveler returns to the States to avoid malaria. Some countries closer to the equator pose a risk for malaria.

Most travelers experience little or no problems with illness while abroad. But if a traveler becomes ill after a trip overseas, the health center advises patients to contact a physician immediately.