The first thing to do before going abroad is to check that you are up to date with the mandatory vaccinations (against diphtheria, poliomyelitis, tetanus and viral hepatitis B) and recommended (against pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type B infections, measles -paraotitis-rubella, pneumococcal and meningococcal C infections) in Italy.
Secondly, we must consider some diseases, such as cholera, yellow fever, hepatitis A, typhoid fever and rabies, for which a specific vaccination exists and for which there is a particular legislation in many countries.
Africa . In some respects, North Africa is quite safe: the recommended vaccinations are aimed at preventing foodborne diseases, such as hepatitis A and typhoid . If the destination of the trip is in the Sub-Saharan area, instead, it will be necessary to protect yourself also against malaria . Different combinations of drugs are available for chemoprophylaxis. The doctor will evaluate the solution to follow, also based on the type of trip and health conditions. In some countries, moreover, vaccination against yellow fever (or antimarillica) is mandatory: a dose guarantees a production of over 10 years; the first antibodies appear within 10 days.
Central and South America . In some countries of Central and South America, antimalarial prophylaxis is required. Furthermore, it is preferable to immunize against typhoid, hepatitis A and, in some cases, cholera and yellow fever . In these areas, it is important to scrupulously follow the protection rules against the Aedes aegyptii mosquito, vector of dengue hemorrhagic fever, for which a vaccine does not yet exist.
Asia . Dengue fever is widespread in several countries in Southeast Asia, as is malaria . It will therefore be advisable to guard against mosquitoes and to undergo malaria prevention indicated by your doctor. Not to be forgotten, moreover, is the protection against foodborne diseases, such as hepatitis A and typhoid, spread even further north, in China. In some areas, moreover, it is advisable to use anti-hetero and to avoid risks with avian it is advisable to eat only well cooked poultry eggs and meat and have no contact with birds and poultry (alive or dead).
