Peru is a country rich in color and heritage. The people are friendly and their national attire is beautiful. This is a country for history buffs and wanderers alike. The diverse vacations Peru caters to are too many to enumerate. Their beautiful edifices seem to be what draw people to visit this country that is shrouded in ancient mystery. The best months to visit are in May, June, late September and December. Before visiting this country, you must have the following vaccinations:
1)Measles Mumps Rubella Vaccine (MMR)
This is a vaccine that offers protection by way of injecting three live attenuated viruses. It is created by reducing the virulence of the pathogen. It is given to children when they turn a year old. The next dose is given to produce immunity in individuals who did not develop it the first time.
2)Diptheria Pertussis Tetanus Vaccine (DPT)
It is a combination vaccine that combats against diptheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus. This vaccine is an infusion of diptheria and tetanus toxoids along with killed whole cells of Bordatella pertussis (the organism that causes whooping cough).
A child should be given five doses between the age of two months and fifteen years.
3)Poliovirus vaccine
There are two vaccines that battle poliomyelitis. The injected dose and the oral dose are given by a pediatrician to promote immunity towards the disease. Both vaccines have reduced the threat of polio worldwide.
4)Hepatitis A or Immune globulin (IG) Vaccine
This vaccine is made up of inactivated Hepatitis A virus that may lead to immunity against future infections. This virus will protect a person for about 10 years.
This virus is common in places like Africa, Central America, South America, the Indian Subcontinent, the Far East and Eastern Europe.
5)Hepatitis B Vaccine
This vaccine consists of one viral envelope protein called hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg). This is produced by yeast cells and requires three doses. The second injection is given a month from the first dose. The third dose should be given five months after the second dose It effectively provides immunity to hepatitis B.
6)Yellow Fever Vaccine
This vaccine is made up of a living but attenuated strain of yellow fever virus termed 17D. Immunity lasts for ten years but it takes 10 days for the vaccine to work. This is a must for a trip to Peru because there are reported cases of yellow fever break-outs in this country.
Tips and comments:
Visiting a new country need not be dangerous to your health. When you know that you are protected from possible diseases in the area, you won't hesitate to visit remote sites and eat all sorts of food common to this country. Bask in the intimidating shadow of Macchu Picchu while sipping on some Chicha. Enjoy your stay in wildly exotic Peru!
