PSA: Travel Vaccinations

My brief hiatus from blogging was a little longer than I previously anticipated. The past few weeks have been filled with hospital visits, doctors, and needles. Lots of needles. I returned from Pakistan a few weeks ago and promptly developed a mystery illness.After a week of misery and tests, the doctors concluded I had contracted Hepatitis A.While I was thrilled that we finally knew why I was nauseous and feverish, I was also appalled. How did this happen? I was careful! I did not drink tap water or eat uncooked vegetables. I rarely ate at restaurants. Despite my best efforts, I had indeed developed a very serious illness.

A tiny prick could save you from serious illness
Photo source: here

Hepatitis A will continue to make me sick for approximately for about a month. My liver will require approximately six months to recover. How could this fate have been avoided? By a trip to my local county health office for my travel vaccinations. While I had looked into this possibility, more for Rania, I was nursing at the time and unable to be vaccinated. Had I known what was to befall me, I would have weaned more quickly and been vaccinated. The intent of sharing my story with you is not to scare you or to deter you from international travel. It is to remind you that a short trip to your county health office can make the difference between enjoying your vacation and regretting it.