Rugby fans: What you need to know to protect your health when visiting Japan for the Rugby World Cup
JOBURG – As many sporting fans have shared some of their health concerns regarding travelling to Japan, Netcare has provided them with some valuable information to help protect their health.
The Rugby World Cup in Japan is fast approaching and sports fans will turn their eyes to the showpiece set to kick off on 20 September.
Netcare Travel Clinics and Medicross, Dr Pete Vincent said clinics have received several inquiries from fans who intend to travel to Japan asking what kind of vaccinations they need and what is the best way to protect their health.
Vincent said, “There is a misconception among some fans that because they are travelling to Japan they will require the vaccine against mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis [JE]. This vaccine is not a requirement and is not considered necessary by health authorities, but we do advise taking some other important measures to protect one’s health when visiting Japan.”
Vincent said it is important for individuals who will be visiting Japan to visit their travel clinic or doctor ahead of their trip for a health assessment, where they will be advised on appropriate vaccinations and advice on staying healthy for the duration of the event and beyond.
He also strongly advised measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations or vaccination boosters as fans from North America and Europe will also be travelling to Japan and there is currently a measles outbreak in parts of those countries, like the United States.
Travellers will not only be feasting their eyes on the rugby but the food and culture and personal hygiene is key too.
“The greatest risk that most travellers are likely to face when attending such events is falling ill with a respiratory tract infection. Netcare travel clinics, therefore, advises travellers to have the current flu vaccination, as well as the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, which assists in protecting against pneumonia,” he added.
Individuals must maintain and practise good personal health and food hygiene, such as your hands regularly.
The necessary vaccine protection and some additional health precautions will help to ease your fears so you can world cup, Vincent concluded.
Related articles:
https://fourwaysreview.co.za/281397/healthy-friday-vaccines-separating-facts-myths/
