2023-04-26 09:17:49
With the return to normal following the epidemic, citizens have a strong desire to travel abroad. Japan, Thailand and Singapore are all hot spots for Hong Kong people to travel. In addition to paying attention to the new coronavirus, you may also be infected with various epidemic infectious diseases during travel, such as upper respiratory diseases transmitted by droplets, dengue fever and malaria transmitted through mosquito bites, and salmonella infected by contaminated food or drinking water, etc. Immunity The weaker elderly and young children are even more at risk. Don’t want to end or delay the trip because of “being recruited”, Dr. Liang Jieren, a specialist in the emergency department of Sanatorium and Hospital, will answer 5 common questions regarding travel-related infectious diseases, and provide 3 major preparations that must be done before departure and during the trip. Play with peace of mind and have fun!
- fieldCommon infectious diseases in travel?
Dr. Leung said that infectious diseases are different in different regions. Taking dengue fever, which is very common in tropical regions, for example, there are only regarding a few dozen cases in Hong Kong every year, but there are nearly 10,000 cases in Singapore, where the weather is hot all year round. American countries can reach hundreds of thousands of cases. Some backward areas have a higher risk of infection due to poor sanitation. As for areas with poor water quality, you need to pay attention to infectious diseases such as cholera and salmonella.
He pointed out that even if society returns to normal, the new coronavirus is still spreading among the population, and the common influenza virus that causes upper respiratory tract infections cannot be ignored. There is still a chance of being “caught” when traveling abroad. It is recommended to take preventive measures.
What should I pay attention to when traveling? Some specialists reminded that there is a chance of being infected with various epidemic infectious diseases during travel. What methods can be used to reduce the chance of infection before going out and during travel? What symptoms should I seek medical treatment as soon as possible following returning to Hong Kong?
2. Who are the high-risk groups?what symptomsanswerSeek medical attention immediately?
Dr. Leung emphasized that people with weak immunity, such as children and the elderly, are more susceptible to infectious diseases. Elderly people are generally able to express their own conditions and discomforts, but children may not be able to express themselves well, so parents should pay special attention to their performance and mental state. “If a child has a normal appetite, is in good spirits, and can play as usual, there should be no serious problem. However, if the child is unwilling to play and eat, and at the same time refuses to pay attention to others, and shows symptoms of fatigue and sluggishness, he should be more vigilant.”
Dr. Liang pointed out that if the fever and rash persist, it may be caused by the bite of a mosquito that carries the pathogenic source. It is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you have symptoms of gastroenteritis but still have an appetite, you can observe first; but if you have frequent diarrhea, vomiting, inability to eat or drink, or even fever and blood in the stool, it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible, because there is a chance Infection with cholera or salmonella needs to be diagnosed by a doctor, and antibiotics should be prescribed for treatment. This situation will not be “clear up”, and delaying treatment may make the condition worse.
Related reading: New Crown + Influenza + Respiratory Syncytial Virus RSV attack to understand 3 viruses
- How to reduce the chance of contracting infectious diseases when traveling abroad?
Dr. Liang said that some infectious diseases can be vaccinated to reduce the risk of infection, such as influenza vaccine and new crown vaccine, which can reduce the chance of upper respiratory tract infection; Japanese encephalitis, malaria and yellow fever can also be prevented through vaccines. Citizens should browse the “Travel Health Service” webpage of the Department of Health when planning their itinerary to learn regarding the epidemic situation of infectious diseases and epidemic prevention requirements in the destination. Some areas with high incidence of infectious diseases may require specific vaccinations before entering the country.
As for infectious diseases that are imported from the mouth, we must start with food hygiene. Dr Leung suggested that raw, cold, uncooked and improperly handled food should be avoided to avoid stomach discomfort. In addition, if you go to Southeast Asia and tropical areas where there are many mosquitoes, you should bring mosquito repellent and spray it on the exposed skin regularly to prevent mosquito bites.
- Do you need to bring “safety medicine” with you when traveling abroad? Is it feasible to take local medicine?
Dr. Leung emphasized that it is not recommended for travelers to buy proprietary medicines in tourist destinations. Firstly, it will be difficult to communicate, and secondly, the ingredients of medicines are difficult to understand. Taking carelessly may cause adverse effects. The most appropriate way is to pre-purchase some household preparations before departure Medicines or medicines prescribed by a doctor, such as fever-reducing, anti-inflammatory, cough-relieving, nasal discharge and gastrointestinal medicine, etc., should be taken before they occur.
For relatively mild cases, Dr. Leung believes that “Ping An Medicine” can temporarily stabilize the condition, and may consider continuing the journey if feasible. However, patients are advised to eat lightly and drink hygienic bottled water to avoid irritating the stomach and aggravating the condition.
Related reading:[Dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, Zika virus]Beware of mosquito-borne infectious diseases in hot weather Is DEET repellent effective in preventing mosquito bites?
- What symptoms should I seek medical attention following returning to Hong Kong?
Most communicable diseases have an incubation period. They may be infected during travel and only develop following returning to Hong Kong. Dr. Leung reminded that citizens should seek medical advice as soon as possible if they develop symptoms such as fever, rash, persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain and difficulty breathing following returning to Hong Kong from overseas travel, and inform the doctor of the places and times they have visited so as to help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis. .
Dr. Leung Kit-yan, a specialist in the emergency department of the Sanatorium and Hospital, reminded that in addition to paying attention to the new coronavirus, travelers, especially the elderly and young children, should also pay attention to infectious diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, cholera, and salmonella. If symptoms persist, they should seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Three travel tips
1. Pay attention to personal hygiene:Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and complete the vaccination once morest the new crown and flu
2. Pay attention to food hygiene:Avoid eating raw, cold and undercooked food, and avoid drinking cold drinks
3. Beware of mosquito bites:Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and regularly use insect repellent on exposed skin
Related reading:[Infectious Diseases]Understanding 4 Common Infectious Diseases in Children: Acute Gastroenteritis, Influenza, Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease, and Chickenpox Parents should know the prevention methods
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