Story Published:
Mar 11, 2009 at 9:01 AM CST
Story Updated:
Mar 11, 2009 at 9:01 AM CST
Good News for Travelers!
POSSIBLE INTRO-Did you know that 80 million people travel every year from developed countries like the US to developing countries like parts of Africa
Most assume that there are some health risks associated with this type of travel but in this week’s health segment we have some good news for these world travelers.
Joan Kibbons of Ships and Trips travel agency here in Cookeville says that the biggest question that she gets quite frequently is, "What shots do I need to get for travel?"
A new Travel Clinic here in Cookeville will be able to answer this and other questions and provide needed immunizations and advice for world travelers.
Dr. Mark Pierce, Infectious Disease Specialist talks about the goal of the new clinic, “The goal of the clinic is to give people good advice to keep them as healthy as possible when they travel to more exotic destinations.”
Dr. Pierce says that if one is traveling anywhere in Africa, it would be very good to see us; anywhere in South America, Central America and Southeast Asia are areas we would concentrate on.
Popular vacation destinations often do not require specific immunizations but traveling to developing countries can put travelers at risk.
Many times they encounter pathogens to which their bodies are not used to encountering and there are health risks that people aren’t aware of.
Dr. Pierce explains that there are specific immunizations for certain areas in the world and that it is also important to be up to date on routine immunizations as well.
Contacting the clinic as you are planning your trip is a good idea at least up to two weeks before you travel.
In the past world travelers had to go to Nashville to receive this type of service.
Dr. Pierce also sees patients with unique travel illnesses.
The Travel Clinic is located at 406 North Whitney in the Larco Building and you can contact them at 520-8320.
.
