If Traveling For The World Cup, It's Important To Take Health Precautions
By John Ostapkovich
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- If the World Cup in Brazil or some other attraction has tickled your fancy for international travel, here's a reminder of a precaution to take.
Although it's really unlikely you'll pick up parasites visiting Paris sites, it still pays to check with CDC.gov for the latest information on wherever you're headed. There can be surprises, says Dr. Leonard Friedland, Head of Scientific Affairs at GlaxoSmithKline, so check the site and with your physician about what vaccines you'll need.
Dr. Friedland says, for Brazil in particular, you have to remember it's almost the winter season.
"Influenza is now beginning its season in Brazil. It's a different season for influenza in the southern part of the globe than in the northern part, and it's not too late to get vaccinated. If you're traveling to Brazil and you haven't yet had your flu vaccine this past winter, we know there is still some flu vaccine left in the pharmacy that is still good through the month of June."
Earlier is better for vaccines because some require multiple shots, and months, to take effect.
For more information, visit: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list and
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/world-cup-brazil
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