There are over 7,000 islands in the Philippines, with views and activities to match the needs of all travelers. Sun tanning, swimming, boating, kayaking, surfing, or even kiteboarding are the ideal plages. Further inland, you have to scale the cliffs and try lots of ziplines. Throughout the cities, the Spanish-Filipino architecture, historic buildings, and welcoming guests can be enjoyed. Unless you are in the Philippines, you probably don’t have to go to the top of your doctor’s list to sign in and get vaccinated. You are more likely not to be needed to get vaccines, whether you are Canadian, British, or Australian. But you might want to. The Philippines has many different islands with unique ecosystems, climates, and germs. What shots do you need to travel to the Philippines? The following are some good vaccination and safe activities when you are in the Philippines.
Is there a disparity between immunizations, vaccines, vaccinations?
You may confuse these three terms, but they are three separate medical terms. Immunization is the ultimate development of infectious disease resistance. It is also by exposing you to very little of this disease deliberately so that your body builds tolerance.
The way you can do that is by having a vaccine or injection. This vaccination cycle helps you develop an immunity to any disease you vaccinate against. Immunization can involve just one shot or multiple shots for a specified period. Most vaccines, such as grip, are given yearly, while others, including the yellow fever vaccine, will last a decade.
Why am I supposed to be vaccinated if I travel?
Before you fly, you should consider getting vaccinated because this is a traditional approach to fight infectious diseases. You expect to remain safe while you are traveling, but your body is more vulnerable than usual as it is exposed to new environments, food, germs, and bacteria, which you are not used to. Vaccinations will help you slowly and controllably acclimatize to these germs. Your body will then develop antibodies to protect itself from the disease.
Vaccinations were not always mandatory, but countries started to demand and promote them until they realized how effectively they regulate the spread of those diseases.
Moreover, vaccinations can help you so that you don’t bring unwanted germs back into your home community. Lastly, Vaccinations protect you, but also protect populations that are not robust immune systems in your home environment, such as the elderly and babies. Knowing what shots do you need to travel to the philippines can help you enjoy your vacation more.
What shots do I need to travel to the Philippines?
If you travel to the Philippines, the following diseases that pose a danger, speak about which vaccines and medications you may need to your doctor. Here are shots you need to travel to the Philippines.
Hepatitis A
This liver disease is caused by the hepatitis A (HAV) virus. While the symptoms are typically mild, they can be extreme and last for up to six months.
Hepatitis B
This liver disease can lead to severe disease or death. Babies and young children are most vulnerable to chronic long-term illness.
Encephalitis
The virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes from animals – primarily pigs and wading birds. While signs are uncommon, they can lead to dangerous complications or death in the long term.
Malaria
This liver and blood infection is caused by mosquito-borne parasites and can cause severe disease or death if not promptly treated.
Rabies
The rabies virus affects the brain and nervous system. An infected animal’s bite or scratch could put you at risk of rabies.
Pox (Varicella)
The chickenpox is a highly contagious but usually mild infection, causing severe complications in some people with typical red blistering and itchy rash.
Diphtheria
While diphtheria is currently extremely rare in Australia due to immunization, it continues to cause disease abroad. It can lead to lifelong complications.
Flu / Influenza
A highly infectious viral infection can affect everyone and lead to severe disease. The annual flu vaccine is recommended.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious, rash, and fever virus infection. It can lead to severe injuries, often fatal.
Meningococcal
This rare infection can progress quickly and lead to severe long-term disability or death within 24 hours. Immunization may contribute to protect against may strains.
Mumps
This viral infection triggers salivary and fever swelling. Immunization, although uncommon in Australia, is advised to help avoid accidents.
The disease of the pneumococcal organ
This severe bacterial infection typically affects young and older adults. Others can also be vulnerable to complications.
Polio
In Australia, polio is rare, but a severe illness that can lead to long-term disability, paralysis, and death. Immunization is essential without a cure.
Rubella
Rubella, also known as German measles, is usually a mild infection. However, it can have severe, long-term consequences on unborn babies or lead to error.
Shingles (herpes zoster)
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a disease caused by the same chickenpox virus. Immunization helps shield you from this debilitating disease.
Typhoid
High fever and other symptoms result from this bacterial infection. Immunization can help prevent disease through contaminated food and water.
Yellow flu
In Africa, Central, and South America, this mosquito-borne virus is found. Immunization tests are needed if you are traveling from a risky country.
What other viruses in the Philippines should I think about?
Including the diseases as mentioned earlier, there are other less common health problems before you travel, such as zika and cholera.
In the Philippines, there is a risk of Zika transmission. While the number of cases reported is small, it remains a concern. During the day, contagious bites occur more frequently than during the night. The virus can be sexually transmitted and is particularly severe for pregnant women, as it can lead to congenital fetal disabilities.
Cholera is contracted by water and food contamination. Some areas of the Philippines have cholera. The danger is more significant in areas where clean water is not available without adequate sanitation.
Just drink bottled water and even brush your teeth with it. Always stop raw foods like lettuce that could be rinsed in dirty water.
Additional Safety Threats
Aside from knowing what shots do you need to travel to the Philippines, the following are some other threats you should know.
Altitude
This country has either lower altitude areas (2400 m or more) or high altitude areas (3658 m or more). Travelers that can enter high altitude areas should take care to avoid ill effects of altitude, including the potentially life-threatening conditions of Acute Mountain Sickness.
Dengue Fever
An infectious disease spread by mosquito bites to humans. The mosquito, which is more common in urban areas and spreads dengue bites throughout the day. Symptoms include cough, fatigue, extreme joint, bone, and muscle pain – which is why it is called ‘breakbone fever.’ No vaccine is available, and prevention is by preventing mosquito bites.
Schistosomiasis
It is caused by a worm (also known as bilharzia) infection transmitted to humans by contact with fresh water. The worm reaches people through the skin and prohibits swimming or bathing in freshwater lakes and streams.
Helpful Advice
Aside from knowing what shots do you need to travel to the Philippines, consult your travel healthcare professional 6-8 weeks before your journey. If your trip is sooner, contact them anyway, they can still help and never get any advice too late.
Vaccinations can not avoid all of the health problems faced by travelers, and other interventions are required. Food safety and water security, prevention of accidents, treatment for sun exposure, avoidance of insect bites and animal bites, and good respiratory hygiene are a must.
You can search for any prescription restriction before you leave if you are traveling with the drug (including the counter drug), by contacting the embassy of the country you visit.
When is the best time to visit the Philippines?
There is a dry season in the Philippines between November and April. The mosquito population will be at a lower stage at this time. Nevertheless, you will never be completely risk-free, irrespective of the time of year.
You can, therefore, take certain precautions to lower your risk of disease and germs exposure. Drink water bottled, sealed. Stop frost, tap, and drink well. You will also reduce the risk of illness, as schistosomiasis and leptospirosis can be found in waterways by avoiding lakes, ponds, and rivers. You should eat well-cooked food and pasteurized milk products only. Then cover exposed skin, using mosquito nets, and, where possible, sleep in air conditioning.
Philippine Visa Requirements
The Philippines is one of the world’s easiest countries to enter without a visa; citizens of the +150 states that share diplomatic relations with the Philippines have the right to enter and remain on a visa for up to 30 days, as long as their passport is valid for at least six months after their arrival. They are showing evidence of their onward or return passage.
If you wish to live longer, you may obtain a visa extension from the Philippine Consulate or Embassy or the Immigration Bureau in the Philippines before your journey.
Some exceptions to the rule: Brazilians and Israelis will live up to 59 days. Hong Kong and Macao Citizens may stay up to 14 days, and Portuguese passports issued in Macao can stay only up to 7 days. You can find the full list and entry requirements for different nationalities on the Department of Foreign Affairs website.
Preparations For Health
Some rural areas in the Philippines have registered malaria cases. The CDC advises that people who travel to these areas will consult the doctor to decide the best preventive plan, including anti-malarial prescription medications, insect repellent, proper footwear, and mosquito nets during their sleep.
The Philippine airline company Singapore Airlines reports that air pressure in cabins during flights can reach up to 7,000 feet and advises travelers with known medical conditions to consult their doctors for specific recommendations before embarking.
For those with such conditions, such as extreme anemia, epilepsy, or the recent stroke, an airline-appointed physician can require clearance before permission to travel.
Currency
The Philippines charges passengers leaving the country from an international airport. This charge must be paid in the Philippine peso, the local currency. According to the US Department of State, air travelers are allowed to change their money in most hotels, department stores, banks, and approved exchanges.
Be aware that it is illegal in any other place to exchange currency. In most resorts in the country, traveler controls and most major credit cards are accepted.
Electric Transformer
The Philippines’ standard electricity supply is 220 volts AC, although many hotels also offer 110 volts. Air travelers may prevent the disappointment of not being able to connect their preferred power supply to an alternate power supply by purchasing an electric converter before traveling.
Why You Should Visit Philippines
The Philippines has 16 regions with their own unique culture, personality, and values, but one thing common is their passion for fun and excitement in every Philippine.
Delicious Foods
Every region has its distinctive cuisine. For instance, Filipino food is a diverse blend of Eastern, European, and American food. There is plenty of new seafood here.
The Philippines’ history is comprehensive.
The history is precious, and we have several Unesco World Heritage Sites. Visit parts of the country where time was still and experience what life was over 100 years ago.
The “Top Three Dive Sites” in the World are here.
We are the epicenter of marine biodiversity in the world and this is according to science. Diving is a pleasure here! You can find four hundred eighty-eight of the world’s 500 known coral species spread over 13,000 square miles here. Many have grown since the Ice Age.
Beaches are beautiful and clean.
Boracay Island is one of the many beaches to enjoy. There are plentiful world-class and crystal-blue water beaches with more than 7,000 islands. Explore the other top beaches: Panglao Island’s Alona Beach in Bohol, the Palauan islands of Coron and El Nido, the Dumaguete Islands and the Camiguin Islands to name but a few.
Final Words
You need not worry if you take the requisite precautions and vaccinate against the most common diseases. Always check the international travel advice of your government and remember to take care of drinking water.
The Philippines can be a challenging place to visit if you are spontaneous. But you can reduce the risk of unwanted disease with a little advanced planning. Know what shots do you need to travel to the Philippines. You are free to enjoy your Philippine adventure by practicing good hygiene and being careful.
