HHS HealthBeat (June 11, 2012)

Throngs at the Games

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

People from everywhere will be at the Olympics in London, which starts July 25^th. But some of those people will have brought communicable diseases with them. So to protect yourself, make sure you’re up to date on vaccinations. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Phyllis Kozarsky:

“Even if you had all routine vaccines as a child, ask your doctor if you need a tetanus, pertussis diphtheria booster, commonly known as TDAP.”

Measles protection is worth checking, too. Kozarsky says it was on the rise in Europe last summer.

She also reminds you to bring your own good health habits with you – things like buckling up if you’re in a car, washing hands frequently, and wearing sunscreen. You can get a burn even if it’s cloudy, if you’re outdoors long enough.

Learn more at healthfinder.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: June 11, 2012