Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo Unveiled: Exploring Japan's Urban Majesty
Awe-inspiring skyscrapers, culinary delights, bustling markets, and peaceful gardens, Tokyo has something for everyone.
- The Cherry Blossom is the unofficial national flower. Around April, these trees bloom for several weeks with delicate pink flowers that draw visitors from around the world.
- Tokyo is known for its host of animal cafes, but Capy Neko Cafe stands out from the rest as being the first cafe in Japan to combine cats and capybaras! Here you’ll be welcome to spend time with both purring cats and adorable capybaras.
- Tokyo is home to a spectacular culinary scene and has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world. 22 sushi restaurants alone have received Michelin stars!
- The district of Yanaka is a must-see, as it, is one of Tokyo’s most traditional districts. It is one of the few areas of Tokyo that was spared from bombing in WWII. It is home to many artisans, temples, winding lanes, and amazing restaurants.
- You can purchase almost anything from a vending machine in Tokyo as it is the vending machine capital in the world. Some of the more unique offerings for purchase are edible insects, cake in a can, and frozen ramen.
Tokyo is a dream vacation destination, offering a blend of tradition and modernity that fascinates travelers from around the world. To ensure that shingles doesn’t spoil your dream vacation, it’s essential to take preventive measures. If you’re eligible, consider getting vaccinated against shingles before your trip.
What is Shingles?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox.
Shingrix is a vaccine that helps protect against shingles and its complications. It is a recombinant vaccine that stimulates the immune system to prevent or reduce the severity of shingles outbreaks.
How to Prevent Shingles?
Prevention of Shingles includes maintaining a healthy immune system, practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with individuals who have shingles, and vaccination.
Is Shingles (Shingrix) Vaccine Necessary?
Shingrix vaccine is highly effective in reducing the risk of developing shingles and its complications. The Shingrix vaccine is recommended by healthcare professionals as the preferred option for preventing shingles, offering better protection compared to the older shingles vaccine (Zostavax). The decision to get the Shingrix vaccine before traveling depends on several factors, including age, immunization history, destination, and individual health status.
In general, the Shingrix vaccine is primarily recommended for individuals aged 50 years and older to prevent shingles. If you are planning to travel and meet the age criteria for the vaccine, it may be worth considering vaccination, especially if you haven’t received it before.
To find out if your destination(s) require the Shingles (Shingrix) vaccine, consult a Rockdoc Travel Medicine Professional here.
We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.
Is Shingles Serious Disease?
Symptoms of Shingles include:
- Rash: Hallmark symptom of shingles is a painful, blistering rash that typically appears in a single band or cluster on one side of the body, often on the torso or face.
- Pain: Before rash appears, may experience pain, tingling, or a burning sensation in the affected area.
- Blisters: The rash develops into fluid-filled blisters that eventually break open and form scabs.
- Sensitivity and itching to affected area
- Headache
- Flu-like symptoms: fever, fatigue, and body aches.
Severity and duration of shingles symptoms can vary from person to person.
The most common post-shingles complication, post-herpetic neuralgia, can cause lasting pain in areas of skin, but many make full recoveries within a year.
If you suspect you have shingles, it’s advisable to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Shingles Fast Facts
- You cannot get shingles from someone who has shingles, but if you’ve never had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine, you can get chickenpox from someone who has shingles. This can happen when there is direct contact with the fluid from shingles rash blisters.
- Some people experience pain around the rash site for a month or more–pain that is severe enough to interfere with daily activities.
- The occurrence and severity of shingles and its complications increase with age.
Don’t let Shingles ruin your dream vacation… before you travel to Tokyo, be sure to book a consult with a Rockdoc Travel Health Professional. Our health professionals will determine your risk, immune status, and provide next steps to ensure you are protected against Shingles, and all other travel-related illnesses.
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