The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all people planning international travel see their physician at least a month prior to their travel dates for appropriate immunization. The reason for this is that some vaccinations take several weeks to take full effect. Travelers planning a trip to Africa should be sure that they are up to date on their normally recommended vaccines, as well as vaccinations for yellow fever and typhoid. They should also begin a prophylactic regimen for malaria.
Routine Vaccines
Healthy adults should receive several vaccines as part of their routine health care. It is especially important to be up-to-date on these vaccinations if you are planning a trip to Africa, because many of the illnesses that are nearly eradicated in the United States are rampant in African countries. The CDC recommends that adults receive vaccinations against measles, mumps, and rubella; tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis; and chicken pox, assuming they do not have immunity from prior infection with some of these illnesses. Adults over the age of 50, as well as younger adults who may have certain risk factors, should speak to their doctors about receiving flu, pneumonia, hepatitis and meningitis vaccines.
Yellow Fever
According to MD Travel Health, American travelers visiting Africa are required to receive a yellow fever vaccine. The Mayo Clinic site says that yellow fever can cause nausea and vomiting, a fever and headache in mild cases. More severe cases can cause organ damage as well as hemorrhaging or bleeding. Approximately half of people who develop severe cases of this disease die from the illness. According to the Mayo Clinic, the yellow fever vaccine is very effective and safe for people between 9 months and 60 years of age. The vaccine can prevent yellow fever for about 10 years.
Typhoid
MD Travel Health also suggests that all international travelers, including those heading to Africa, receive a typhoid vaccine to prevent typhoid fever. According to the Mayo Clinic, typhoid fever causes a fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The typhoid vaccine does not provide complete protection against typhoid fever, but it can help you to avoid the illness. If you do contract typhoid, antibiotics are available that will cure most people.
Malaria Prophylaxis
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that is prevalent in parts of Africa. It can cause fever, chills, sweating, diarrhea and vomiting. There is no vaccination available to prevent malaria, but there is a prophylactic regimen available that is recommended for people traveling to Africa. According to the Mayo Clinic, medications such as doxycycline, Malarone and mefloquine should be taken for several days before your trip, throughout your trip and for a period of time after you return home. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate medication to prevent contracting malaria while you are in Africa.
