Maintaining good health is essential for a fulfilling life. This includes not only getting regular checkups and preventative care but also being prepared for unexpected health concerns. Whether it’s receiving vaccinations before traveling or knowing where to go in case of an urgent medical issue, taking care of our health is vital. In some cases, we may need to seek medical attention urgently, and in those instances, knowing where to go, such as an urgent care on Union Turnpike, can make a significant difference in receiving prompt and efficient care.
The shots
I went to the Travel Clinic on Wednesday. Paul Doane was the doctor that served me. Interestingly he was the first doctor that I had when I moved to Halifax in 1974.
He went through all of the health risks for traveling to India and identified the shots that were applicable. He also outlined the risks of not having the shots, the probability that you could catch the particular disease if you did not have the shot and the probability if you did have the shot. He also explained what would happen to you if you did get the disease.
I decided to get these vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Polio
- Tetanus
I was in and out within an hour. Finished the consultation, got the shots, an immunization booklet to take with me and some other literature about what to avoid while I am there.
Blood donation impact
On Thursday I talked to the Information nurse at Canadian Blood Services.
The screening questionnaire includes a question about vaccinations. “In the past 3 months have you had a vaccination?” For the shots that I had the one with the longest wait time is Polio. I need to wait six weeks before I can give platelets again. That means I will be able to donate platelets again starting in the second half of November.
Once I return from my trip, I have to wait six months and then I will be able to give source plasma only for six more months and then I will be able to donate platelets once more a full year after I return.
