typhoid/tetanus

[greenone]

When I was going through my O.W. class it was mentioned that a diver should make sure these 2 shots were up to date,but no mention as to why and I also did not ask why. but now I am.
greenone

 

[chickdiver]

Tetanus should be kept up to date for everyone. Small cuts (especially rusted metal) can lead to tetanus (aka "lockjaw") infections.

Typhoid.... hmmmm it is a waterborne illness, but Im guessing that is a regional recommendation. Where are you located? In the US TYphoid vacs are not recommended to the general public- I had one a few years ago, as I travel a good bit in less than developed areas.

 

[jbb]

When I was going through my O.W. class it was mentioned that a diver should make sure these 2 shots were up to date,but no mention as to why and I also did not ask why. but now I am.
greenone

Frequently Asked Questions

How is typhoid fever spread?
Where in the world do you get typhoid fever?
How can you avoid typhoid fever?
Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it
Getting Vaccinated
What are the signs and symptoms of typhoid fever?
What do you do if you think you have typhoid fever?
Typhoid fever's danger doesn't end when symptoms disappear

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Typhoid fever is a life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. In the United States about 400 cases occur each year, and 70% of these are acquired while traveling internationally. Typhoid fever is still common in the developing world, where it affects about 12.5 million persons each year.

Typhoid fever can be prevented and can usually be treated with antibiotics. If you are planning to travel outside the United States, you should know about typhoid fever and what steps you can take to protect yourself.


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How is typhoid fever spread?

Salmonella Typhi lives only in humans. Persons with typhoid fever carry the bacteria in their bloodstream and intestinal tract. In addition, a small number of persons, called carriers , recover from typhoid fever but continue to carry the bacteria. Both ill persons and carriers shed S. Typhi in their feces (stool).

You can get typhoid fever if you eat food or drink beverages that have been handled by a person who is shedding S. Typhi or if sewage contaminated with S. Typhi bacteria gets into the water you use for drinking or washing food. Therefore, typhoid fever is more common in areas of the world where handwashing is less frequent and water is likely to be contaminated with sewage.

Once S. Typhi bacteria are eaten or drunk, they multiply and spread into the bloodstream. The body reacts with fever and other signs and symptoms.


Where in the world do you get typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever is common in most parts of the world except in industrialized regions such as the United States, Canada, western Europe, Australia, and Japan. Therefore, if you are traveling to the developing world, you should consider taking precautions. Over the past 10 years, travelers from the United States to Asia, Africa, and Latin America have been especially at risk[/SIZE]


Just did a google search. So basically depending on where you are diving where ever there may be a sewer emptying into the sea or water you have a change of contracting typhoid.

I get a shot for diving in SE Asia per my travel doctor's recommendation.

Jason