Ned
04-11-2006, 08:54 AM
We're used to James' humorous columns, but today's column, "Taking the shot" is different and very serious. His column is devoted to travelers and infectious diseases and specifically hepatitis A, which we can contract while traveling, and most important how we can prevent contracting these diseases.
For example, the CDC recommends the following vacinations for adults, to maintain your immunities: Tetanus, diphtheria (Td), Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), Varicella, Influenza, Pneumococcal (polysaccharide), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal.
I think we need to take James' advice very seriously. I would add to his suggestions, to wash, wash, wash. In the article, James said, "Although contaminated food is the most common culprit in the transmission of hepatitis A, it can also be spread by direct contact, poor hygiene or the ingestion of contaminated water. It is most prevalent in Asia, Africa and — wouldn’t you know — South America." My wife and I always seem to be washing our hands and face when we travel, and for that matter when we're just out on the town. When we travel, we take Antibacterial Moist Towelettes to use for cleaning up and hopefully preventing disease.
JW, I want to take my hat off to you. Your admission that somehow, most likely on one of your international trips, you contracted hepatitis A, and that unfortunately, you passed it on to your wife due to its highly contagious nature, was a very special thing to do. There is still a stupid stigma in today's society about diseases like hepatitis. I'm sure your admission will save many of us from serious illness, and could very well save lives. Thank you.
For example, the CDC recommends the following vacinations for adults, to maintain your immunities: Tetanus, diphtheria (Td), Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), Varicella, Influenza, Pneumococcal (polysaccharide), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal.
I think we need to take James' advice very seriously. I would add to his suggestions, to wash, wash, wash. In the article, James said, "Although contaminated food is the most common culprit in the transmission of hepatitis A, it can also be spread by direct contact, poor hygiene or the ingestion of contaminated water. It is most prevalent in Asia, Africa and — wouldn’t you know — South America." My wife and I always seem to be washing our hands and face when we travel, and for that matter when we're just out on the town. When we travel, we take Antibacterial Moist Towelettes to use for cleaning up and hopefully preventing disease.
JW, I want to take my hat off to you. Your admission that somehow, most likely on one of your international trips, you contracted hepatitis A, and that unfortunately, you passed it on to your wife due to its highly contagious nature, was a very special thing to do. There is still a stupid stigma in today's society about diseases like hepatitis. I'm sure your admission will save many of us from serious illness, and could very well save lives. Thank you.