Answer:
Many hotel items can harbor bacteria and viruses, including towels, bedding, TV remotes, bathtubs, and showerheads. Studies show that if these items aren't regularly cleaned and disinfected between guests, they can accumulate dead skin, saliva, bodily fluids, and infectious agents. A UK study found hotel showerheads have 25,000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat, including legionella, which can cause pneumonia and digestive issues.
For a healthy and happy holiday, choose accommodations with good hygiene practices, ensuring frequent changes of towels, pillowcases, and sheets. Consider bringing your own towels and a light blanket. Before using items like blankets, showerheads, toilets, and glasses, clean them with soap and disinfectant.
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Shared items in hotels and motels, such as towels, blankets, TV remotes, and glasses, can harbor infectious bacteria and viruses. Proper hygiene is crucial. Image: Vecteezy |
Shared items in hotels and motels, such as towels, blankets, TV remotes, and glasses, can harbor infectious bacteria and viruses. Proper hygiene is crucial. Image: Vecteezy
Vaccinations are crucial for preventing illnesses, especially from airborne pathogens or other hard-to-identify sources. Recommended vaccines include those for influenza, chickenpox, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), meningococcal disease, and HPV.
Four types of influenza vaccines are available. The French, Dutch, and South Korean versions are suitable for ages 6 months and up. The Vietnamese version is for ages 18 to 60. Those 9 and older require an initial dose and an annual booster to maintain immunity and address current flu strains.
Measles vaccines are available as single or combined MMR vaccines, suitable for ages 6 months and up. The chickenpox vaccine requires two doses, one month apart. Two doses of measles and chickenpox vaccines provide up to 98% effectiveness.
Five types of meningococcal vaccines are available, from 6 weeks of age to adults. A combination of vaccines is needed to protect against the five common serogroups (A, B, C, Y, W).
HPV, transmitted through contact with infected fluids, causes genital warts. Two vaccines are available. Gardasil protects against four types (6, 11, 16, 18) and is recommended for females aged 9-26. Gardasil 9 protects against nine types (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58) and is recommended for both males and females aged 9-45, offering over 90% protection.
Additionally, wear masks in crowded places, wash hands frequently, maintain a nutritious diet, get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and protect yourself from the sun and rain during outdoor activities.
Doctor Phan Nguyen Truong Giang
Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System
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