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There is a lot involved in off-road motorcycles and dirt bikes, and a world full of question for newer riders. We created this list of frequently asked dirt bike questions to help you get a better understanding of this unique sport. We believe you will find it extremely useful. Can you tour on a dirt bike? Yes. Touring on a dirt bike is possible and in fact most of the people who ride around the world choose some form of dirt bike due to the poor road conditions in many countries across Africa, South America and Asia. In recent years the advent of larger displacement Adventure motorcycles from manufacturers like BMW , KTM, Triumph, Honda , Suzuki, Husqvarna , Ducati Aprilia, and Moto Guzzi have fueled growth in this segment of the motorcycle market and have made motorcycle touring on a dirt bike even more popular. What are the best states to ride a dirt bike? This is a matter of opinion and everybody has one. All it really takes to have fun on a dirt bike is land, it can be a field, a forest or a desert, it can be mountains or prairie so arguably every state has great riding opportunities if you look for them. Some of the most popular states for riding dirt bikes are popular for the same reasons they are favorites of hikers, equestrians and off-road enthusiasts. States like Coiorado, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming have amazing scenery and offer exceptional riding opportunities in the Rocky Mountains and smaller ranges in the surrounding areas. For desert riding states like California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas have thousands and thousands of miles of desert roads and trails to explore. Utah is very popular due to the unique Paiute Trail and a spectacular landscape is the southern part of the state not found anywhere else in the USA. Riding in the Eastern US is different with less open space and generally of a mixture of forests and fields. States that surround the Appalachian Mountains, running from Georgia to Maine, offer riding opportunities that will challenge every rider with trees, rocks and mud and mountains. Great riding is everywhere, from southern states like Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia , home of the famous Hatfield-McCoy Recreation Area, to the mid-Atlantic states like Virginia, Maryland and Delaware and all the way up through Pennsylvania, New York into New England and Maine . And we almost forgot the midwestern states like Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa , Every one of these United States have great riding if you know where to look. In the western states much of the public land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management while back east more public land is managed by the US Forest Service. You can check with the local offices of these agencies to find riding opportunities in your area. Another great way to find riding opportunities is to join a local riding club. They will have organized rides where you can meet and ride with other club members and they will know all of the local trails and riding ares.. To find a club near you go the www.nohvcc.org where the National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council has assembled a exhaustive list of local clubs and contacts across the country. What is a road-legal dirt bike called? Road legal dirt bikes generally fall into two categories, Dual Sport bikes and Adventure bikes. Dual Sport bikes are smaller and usually have displacement less than 500cc. Adventure bikes are larger and heavier with displacements from 700-1300cc’s. What is dual sport riding? Dual sport riding involves riding on a combination of paved road and trails. Generally the paved roads are used to connect trails systems or to transport from one trailhead to another. Dual sport bikes are well suited to riding in a variety of off-road terrain as well as on the road. They are basically a dirt bike with different gearing, a headlight, tail light and blinkers to make them legal on the street. What is enduro vs. dual sport? Dual sport is the common term for referring to street legal dirt bikes these days. In the 60s and 70s these bikes were called ‘enduro’ models. The name was derived from a form of motorcycle competition that involves racing through woods and trails and involves precise navigation and timekeeping skills. Is dual sport a good beginner bike Dual sport bikes can be great beginner bikes but be sure to take into account your experience, age and physical size when picking a machine. Displacements range from 200-500cc’s and there are plenty of good used machines out there if you are on a budget. Sites like www.cycletrader.com/ lists new and used motorcycles for sale nationwide. To find more local listings try Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Is dual sport the same as enduro? They are basically the same thing. Dual sport is the common term for referring to street legal dirt bikes these days. In the 60s and 70s these bikes were called ‘enduro’ models. The name was derived from a form of motorcycle competition that involves racing through woods and trails and involves precise navigation and timekeeping skills. Are dual sports good for trail riding? Dual sport bikes are perfect for trail riding, in fact that is what they are designed for. They are made street legal so that they can be ridden between trails or from home to the trails. This makes it much easier to jump on a go for a ride with no need for loading and unloading a truck or trailer. What is the best age to start riding a dirt bike? Children as young as 3-4 years old can learn to ride a motorcycle. In fact American Motorcyclist Association competition classes for motocross begin a 4 years old. Yamaha has been making the PW-50 model since 1980, specifically designed for beginning riders 3-5 years old. Many parent these days start kids out on what is called a ‘push’ bike or ‘balance’ bike as soon as they can walk to get the feel of rolling and balancing. In recent years small electric motorcycle like the Stacyc have become very popular and can also help encourage riding skills, balance and control in young riders. What age should you start motocross? Learning to ride a motorcycle can start as young as 3-4 years old but actual AMA competition classes start with 50cc and electric classes for ages 4-8. 65cc completion classes are for ages 7-9. What is motocross? Motocross is a form of off-road motorcycle competition held outside on closed course circuits with jumps, large hills and other obstacles for the riders to negotiate. Motocross tracks are usually in rural areas where there is room for a long and challenging layout than can be a mile in length or more. What is supercross? Supercross evolved from Motocross in 1974 as a way to bring the sport to more people. Supercross is held in professional sports stadiums across the USA bringing fans an experience similar to other professional sports with unobstructed viewing of the entire track along with comfortable seating, bathrooms and concessions all close by and easy to access. Supercross is similar to Motocross but the track is much shorter with more jumps and turns since it is confined to the stadium floor. What are family off-road adventures? Family off-road adventures come in many forms. They can be everything from a quick afternoon ride to a week long riding trip to a far off destination. How much does the AMA Supercross Champion win?\ Prize money for winning an AMA Supercross main event is around $12,000 per race. The Series champion can earn several million dollars per year depending on the bonus arrangements they have with the motorcycle manufacturer they ride for and the kind of season they have. Many riders can receive a $1 million dollar bonus for winning the championship! Top riders also supplement their income with a variety of additional sponsorships for gear, helmets, boots etc, with each of the brands also paying out bonuses for wins and championships. What is an enduro? Enduro is a form of motorcycle sport run on extended cross-country, off-road courses. Enduro consists of many different obstacles and challenges. The main type of enduro event, and the format to which the World Enduro Championship and the AMA Enduro Championships are run, is a time-card enduro, whereby a number of stages are raced in a time trial against the clock What is the difference between enduro and trail? An enduro is an organized competition event where a trail ride is non competitive and can be formal or informal in nature. What is an enduro bike? An enduro bike is a type of motorcycle that is designed and prepared for riding in enduro competitions. They are also used for trail riding and are commonly referred to as dual sport bikes these days. How much is a good dirt bike? The cost of a good dirt bike depends on your definition of good. Used dirt bikes can be found on a variety of web sites and a late model dirt bike in decent shape can be $3000-8000 depending on the model.

Who are the top 100 Supercross riders of all-time? Based on AMA Supercross Series main event wins.

Jeremy McGrath (72 wins)
Eli Tomac (51)
James Stewart (50)
Ricky Carmichael (48)
Chad Reed (44)
Ryan Villopoto (41)
Ryan Dungy (34)
Rick Johnson (28)
Bob Hannah (27)
Ken Roczen (21)
Cooper Webb (21)
Jeff Ward (20)
Damon Bradshaw (19)
Kevin Windham (18)
Jeff Stanton (17)
Mark Barnett (17)
Jean Michel Bayle (16)
Jason Anderson (14)
Ezra Lusk (12)
David Bailey (12)
Mike Bell (11)
Marvin Musquin (10)
Broc Glover (10)
Mike LaRocco (10)
Ron Lechien (8)
Jimmy Ellis (8)
Jeff Emig (7)
David Vuillemin (7)
Johnny O’mara (7)
Chase Sexton (7)
Justin Barcia (6)
Davi Milsaps (5)
Trey Canard (5)
Mike Kiedrowski (5)
Kent Howerton (5)
Doug Henry (4)
Darrel Shultz (4)
Donnie Hansen (4)
Jim Weinert (4)
Larry Ward (3)
Marty Smith (3)
Tony DiStefano (2)
Marty Tripes (2)
Blake Baguette (1)
Justin Brayton (1)
Jaroslav Falta (1)
Cole Seely (1)
Zach Osborne (1)
Mike Craig (1)
Gaylon Mosier. (1)
Andrew Short (1)
Steve Wise (1)
Jim Pomeroy (1)
Chuck Sun (1)
Josh Grant (1)
Josh Hill (1)
Rex Staten (1)
Nathan Ramsey (1)
Rick Ryan (1)
John Dowd (1)
Sebastien Tortelli (1)
Jeff Matiasevich (1)
Doug Dubach (1)
Damon Huffman (1)
Greg Albertyn (1)
Pierre Karsmakers (1)

Who are the top 50 motocross racers of all-time? Very subjective but the top two are definitely The GOAT and the Hurricane. After that is all a matter of opinion. Below is a list of the top 50 motocross racers in our opinion.

Ricky Carmichael
Bob Hannah
Roger Decoster
Rick Johnson
Jeff Ward
James Stewart
Ryan Dungy
Ryan Villipoto
Jeff Stanton
Eli Tomas
Broc Glover
Gary Jones
Stefan Everts
Jeff Emig
Kent Howerton
Mark Barnett
David Bailey
Chad Reed
Ken Roczen
Danny LaPorte
Mike Kiedrowski
Torsten Hallmsn
Brad Lackey
Joel Robert
Mart Smith
Damon Bradshaw
Doug Henry
Mike LaRocco
Ron Lichen
Heiki Mikola
Jean Michel Bayle
Jeremy McGrath
Steve Larson
Kevin Windham
Tony DiStefano
Tony Cairoli
Travis Pastrana
Jimmy Weinert
Pierre Kansmakers
Jeffrey Herlings
Joel Smets
Grant Langston
Georges Jobe
Johnny O’Mara
Ben Townley
Danny Chandler
Sebastien Tortelli
Harry Everts
Andre Malherbe
Donny Schmidt

Who are the top 20 enduro riders of all-time? Based on AMA Enduro Championships 1. Dick Burleson (8) 2. Mike Lafferty (8) 3. Bill Baird (7) 4. Randy Hawkins (7) 5. Russell Bobbitt (5) 6. Steward Baylor (5) 7. Terry Cunningham (4) 8. Ty Davis (2) 9. Grant Baylor (2) 10. Bill Kain (2) *Tied for 11th place at 1 win each Lew Atkinson (1) John Penton (1) Jack McClain (1) Ron Bohn (1) Mike Melton (1) Kevin Hines (1) Jeff Russell (1) Steve Hatch (1) Charlie Mullins (1) Andrew DeLong (1) Kailub Russell (1)

Who are the top 20 dirt bike desert racers of all-time? This is more subjective but listed in no particular order

Kurt Caselli
Malcolm Smith
Whitey Martino
Scot Harden
Dan Smith
Johnny Campbell
Al Baker
AC Baaken
Dan Ashcraft
Larry Roessler
Destry Abbott
Mitch Mayes
Ty Davis
Danny Hamel
Jack Johnson
JN Roberts
Larry Bergquist
Paul Krause
Jimmy Lewis
Bruce Ogilvie

There are over a dozen different categories of dirt bikes and that confuses a lot of people. To help you understand the differences, the team at MX and Off-Road Tours made up this easy-to-understand list.

Pee Wee

Bikes with an engine displacement of 50cc or less are typically called PeeWee class dirt bikes. These are typicall for kids 4-8 years old, before they graduate to a 65cc machine or an electric motorcycle. Examples of Pee Wee machines are the original pee wee race bike the Yamaha PW50. the Honda CRF50F, the Yamaha TTR50E, the KTM 50SX, the Cobra CX 50, the Honda CRF-E2 (Electric), the KTM SXE5 Mini (electric)

Play bike

This really refers to a non-competition model. These are typically among the lower-performance machines with less suspension travel and fewer horsepower to others of the same physical stature. Examples of play bikes are the Yamaha TTR 125, the Yamaha TTR 230,, the Suzuki DRZ 125 and the Yamaha TW 200.

Motocross

These are some of the most-competitive and potent two-wheel off-road machines, and typically have really responsive motors, lots of torque, stiff suspension, and come in both two- and four-stroke engine types. A motocross bike is what most people typically associate with dirt bikes. Examples of motocross bikes are the Honda CFR450R, the Gas Gas MC450F, the Husqvarna FC 450, the Kawasaki KX450, the KTM 450 SX-F, the Suzuki RM-Z450,, the Beta 390RR, the Yamaha YZ450F, Gas Gas MC250F, the Husqvarna FC250, the Gas Gas MC250F, the Honda CRF250R, the Husqvarna TC250, the Husqvarna FC250, the Kawasaki KX250, the KTM 250SX-F, , the Beta 250RR, the Suzuki RM-Z250, the Yamaha YZ250 and the Yamaha YZ250F

Supercross

These are basically motocross bikes with faster throttle response and overall stiffer suspension. These bikes race on man-made tracks inside stadiums at locations like Anaheim, Daytona, Houston, Dallas, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Minneapolis, New Jersey, Orlando, San Diego, San Francisco, and Atlanta, plus internationally in England, France, Spain, Dubai, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, and more. No specific models. Supercross bikes are based on motocross bikes with modifications to the gearing, suspension and more.

Desert

These are typically larger displacement motorcycles with softer suspension, larger fuel tanks, wider handlebars, steering stabilizers and softer seats. These bikes are typically designed for substantially higher speeds, and in some cases, go faster than 100mph. These bikes also have much beefier skid plates, chain guides and other components because of the rocky conditions in which they are used. No specific models. Desert bikes are based on motocross bikes with modifications to the gearing, suspension and more.

Dual Sport

These are dirt bikes that have a license plate and are street legal. In most cases they have turn indicators, headlight and taillight, mirrors, and a keyed ignition. They are designed to legally link dirt trails by public roads. Most dual sport bikes are under 500cc and typically have four-stroke motors. Examples include the Honda CRF300L, the KTM 450 EXC-F, the Beta 390 RR-S, the Suzuki DRZ400S, the Honda CRF450L and the Husqvarna FE350S

Adventure Bike

These are similar to dual sport bikes, but are much larger and feature bigger engines, typically 650cc or more. They are designed for higher speeds than dual sport bikes and typically are used more on the street then on dirt. Adventure bikes are also designed to carry a lot of off-road luggage in hard or soft-sided cases. Examples include the Kawasaki KLR 650, the BMW F750GS, , the Aprilia Tuareg 660 Adventure, the Yamaha Tenere 700, the Suzuki V-Strom 650,XT, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, the BMW F850GS, the MotoGuzzi V85TT, the KTM 890 Adventure, the Triumpg Tiger 900GT, the Husqvarna Norden 901, the Ducati Desert X, the Suzuki V-Stron 1050DE, the Honda CRF1100L, the Triumph Tiger 1200GT, the BMW R1250GS and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

Woods Racing

These bikes are motocross bikes, typically less than 500ccs. They tend to feature larger fuel tanks, narrower handlebars, handguards and beefy protection items such as skid plates, fork guards and chain guides. They typically races through a lot of trees and are generally associated with the East Coast of the United States and the Pacific Northwest. No specific models. Woods bikes are based on motocross or dual sport bikes with modifications to the gearing, suspension and more.

Straight Rhythm

This is a special race promoted by Red Bull which is a Supercross Race without any turns. It basically is a one-lap drag-race style course run two riders at a time in an elimination format. No specific models. Straight rhythm bikes are based on motocross bikes with modifications to the gearing, suspension and more.

EnduroCross

These are typically motorcycles under 450cc that are run in man-made courses, either indoors or outdoors that feature unique obstacles such as concrete blocks, concrete pipes, water holes, telephone poles, used car tires and much more. Speeds are typically under 30 miles an hour, and although there are double jumps, they are substantially smaller than those found in AMA Supercross. No specific models. Endurocross bikes are based on motocross or dual sport bikes with modifications to the gearing, suspension and more.

Rally Bike

These are generally very expensive race weapons designed for competing at high speeds for long distances. The most-famous race is the Dakar rally. These bikes typically have a windshield to protect the rider from wind at high speeds, and they are loaded with all sort of high-tech navigation equipment since the courses typically have few markers. These bikes also run taller gearing, a longer wheelbase for stability, and wider handlebars and steering stabilizers for more control. Examples include the KTM 450 Rally Replica the Gas Gas RX 450F and the KOVE FSE 450R Rally,

Trials Bike

These are highly specialized motorcycles for riding over extreme obstacles without dabbing your feet. These are typically associated with Trials competition which can feature natural or man-made obstacles, either indoors or out, where the riders are times on short sections. The rider with the fastest time, with the least amount of penalties for dabbing a foot, elbow, hand, etc., is the winner. These are incredible to watch and a lot of fun to ride. Speeds are typically less than 12 mph. Manufacturers of the very specialized machines include Gas Gas, Beta , Sherco, Scorpa, Montessa and the Electric Motion (electric)

SuperMoto

This is one of the most-unique aspects of motorcycling and features highly modified dirt bikes equipped with shortened suspension, massive oversize front brakes, and aggressive street tires. These bikes are designed mostly for competition and for man-made tracks that feature a combination of asphalt, concrete and dirt. Some of the tracks include jumps and in most cases speed exceed 90mph in the 450cc classes. SuperMoto bikes are based on motocross bikes with modifications to the gearing, suspension, tires, and more.

How to Protect Yourself on Vacation There are a lot of things that people forget about when traveling, especially with international adventures. One of the biggest items is travel insurance, and it can be confusing to say the least. The most common mistake people make is believing that their insurance will protect them worldwide, but most likely, that is not that case. That’s why we put this travel insurance guide together to help answer some of the key questions, help you determine if it’s worth the cost and let you know what some of the companies offer. There are basically four different types of travel insurance: *Trip Cancelation Insurance

- for interruptions with your travel. *Travel Health Insurance

- covers you in the event of hospital visits while you are traveling abroad. *Medical Evacuation Insurance

- provides transportation to a major hospital when critical care is required. *Baggage & Property Insurance

- protects you from theft or damage to your property while on vacation.

We believe that everyone should have several types of insurance when they travel. The question is how much and which types. I have even rented a satellite phone when traveling in Zimbabwe and Botswana and had insurance for air ambulance transport in the middle of the desert during an off-road motorcycle ride, because accidents do happen. I separated my shoulder in Jaco, Costa Rica and was told I broke my collarbone. I paid full pop for the only ticket available back to the United States, and that was an overpriced first-class ticket. Then Jennifer Emig sliced her finger when we were in Kauai and had to seek emergency treatment. Without the proper insurance, you could spend tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket to get care. The type of insurance you need really depends on you and the insurance you have in your country. For starters, check your current policies for coverage. Most likely none of the options below are covered but check just in case. Travel Insurance (Short Term) World Nomads is a company that specializes in short-term vacation coverage. This includes health coverage world wide (except for in your country of residence) and theft. It can also include medical evacuation, trip cancellation and theft (with a $500 per item theft limit) Travel Insurance (Long Term) World Nomads also offers a long-term option for frequent travelers, but it’s more expensive as you would expect. Camera & Video Equipment Insurance I have used a company called TCP Insurance on and off since the 1990s. They offer a variety of general liability and equipment theft and damage options for a realistic price. Of course prices vary depending on the amount of equipment you own and all sorts of other criteria. Unique Medical Insurance If you are planning on living outside of the United States for more than six months, IMG Global specializes in long-term medical coverage world wide. It can also include coverage inside the United States with certain restrictions and you can choose your own deductable starting at $250 per occurrence. It also includes medical evacuation. HTH Worldwide offers comprehensive international medical insurance that includes the United States. Travel insurance policies also include medical evacuation but does not include trip cancellation or theft. Travel Insurance Tips & Tricks *Take photos of all your items before you travel and then stores those photos separately so you have reference pictures in case something happens. *Write down serial numbers of all equipment and keep that at home and in your mobile phone. *Make sure you have access to insurance policies while traveling just in case you need to file a claim. *File a police report immediately if you have any type of accident or theft. *Some credit cards may offer certain types of insurance coverage, such as automobile insurance, but read your policy to understand your coverage and policy limits.

WHICH SHOTS DO YOU NEED?

Whenever you travel overseas, you need to think about travel vaccinations. It’s important that you learn which shots are needed for the various countries, and how to save money on travel vaccinations.

My first real experience with vaccinations came when I went to Zimbabwe and Botswana for a television show I was hosting Outdoor Life Network. I almost didn’t go because I heard too many conflicting stories about various diseases and didn’t know what type of vaccinations I should get. I also didn’t know the difference between vaxxing and Immunizations. I was straight up confused. I also didn’t know where to get vaccines and I wanted to know how to save money on vaccines. According to the Center For Disease Control “Vaccination: The act of Introducing a vaccine into the body to produce immunity to a specific disease. Immunization: A process by which a person becomes protected against a disease through vaccination. This term is often used interchangeably with vaccination or inoculation

Vaccines Can Save Lives Vaccines are now a real part of my life and I have learned that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you are staying, you could get infected. A friend of mine, Stefan Everts, got Malaria in 2018 and was in a coma and later had to have a portion of his foot amputated. He is a 10-time World Motocross Champion, worth tens of millions of dollars, and he got it, and nearly died. See A Doctor – Know Your Body Since then, I have made every attempt to take all the proper precautions. It’s usually just a 20-minute visit to get a shot and it could save your life. It’s also recommended that you consult your doctor and tell anyone and everyone who is treating you about any medical conditions you may have. I lost my spleen during a motorcycle racing accident in the 1990s and that has had an impact on my body. There are a lot of factors that go into determining what vaccines you may need, so just be very educated and use this as a guide, not a directive. You may also consider getting a physical before you travel, just in case you have a compromised immune system or something else that would prevent healthy globetrotting. There are also other consideration, especially for kids and pregnant women. It’s also a good idea to maintain your own Immunization Records in addition to those that your doctor may have on file. Check With The CDC The best source of information we have found is from the Center of Disease Control’s own Traveler’s Health Website. This is usually up to date and will help you determine which vaccinations or recommended for different regions of the world.

Travel tips – a quick guide to what travel vaccinations do you need.

Standard Vaccinations Recommended For All Countries

Tetanus, Diptheria and Pertussis (TDaP) All three of these are bacterial diseases, but the most talked about is Tetanus. Tetanus is a bacteria created from animal feces and it comes from the soil. When Tetanus enters the body, usually from a wound, it creates a potentially deadly toxin called Tetanospasmin. This can be deadly if untreated as it can impact your ability to breath, in addition to causing severe nerve spasms to the face, arms and legs. Cost - $50-$80 Protection – 10 years Recommended for all countries Flu Vaccine I have to get an annual flu shot every year because I lost my spleen in an off-road motorcycle racing accident in 1996. The Influenza virus spreads easily through the mouth and nose. Symptoms typically include a fever, cough, headache, sore throat, fatigue and the chills. Most of the time, the flu only lasts 3-5 days, but it can be fatal depending on a lot of factors. Cost - $25-$50 (sometimes covered by health insurance) Protection – Thought to persist for at least 6 months. (from immunize.org) Recommended for all countries Measles This an extremely contagious disease caused by a virus.It is also called Rubeola. The virus reproduces in the nose and throat of an infected person. It is passed when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks near another person. It can live on a surface for several hours. Symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, inflamed eyes and tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background on the inner cheek lining of a person’s mouth. The vaccine is for Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) Cost - $75-$105 Protection - Lifetime if 2 doses where received as a child Recommended for Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas, and Africa Recommended for all countries Hepatitis A Hepatitis A is a liver disease with a gross origin. It’s spread through food and water that was contaminated by feces of an infected human. It can also spread through sex. There is no cure and symptoms are very similar to Influenza. This vaccine requires two doses typically spread over six months. Cost - $50-100 (sometimes covered by health insurance) Protection – Lifetime Recommended for all countries Hepatitis B This is also a liver disease, but it’s spread through blood and bodily fluids through sex, contaminated needles and razors, and toothbrushes. Untreated this can damage the liver, and sometimes people don’t realize they have Hepatitis B because the symptoms are so mild. The vaccination typically requires several injections over a 3-4 months. Cost - $50-$90 (sometimes covered by health insurance) Protection – Lifetime Recommended for all countries

Recommended Vaccines for a Lot of Countries Typhoid Fever Typhoid Fever is a bacterial infection spread through food and water contaminated by feces. It has an approximate 10% fatality rate and affects approximately 15 million people worldwide each year. Symptoms typically include a fever, abdominal pain, headaches, small, red spots on your abdomen or chest (rose-colored spots) and loss of appetite and weakness Cost - $75-300 Protection – 5 years (pills), 2 years (injection) Recommended for Africa, Asia, Pacific Islands, South America and Central America. Recommended Vaccines For Some Countries Malaria This is highly recommended for Africa, Asia and South America as it can cause kidney failure, coma, and even death. Malaria is transmitted by female mosquito bites and there are four different strains. This creates flu-like symptoms that include a fever, chills, headache, fatigue and body ache. Cost - $25-200 depending on the drug. Protection – Doctors typically prescribe Atovone/Proguanil (Malarone), Mefloqine (Lariam), Doxycycline, or Chloroquine (Arlen). The protections only lasts while you are on each medicine. Recommended for Africa, Asia, Pacific Islands, and South America. Rabies This is a viral disease contracted from the bite of a dog, skunk, bat, fox or raccoon that effects the central nervous system and brain. This can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms start off very much flu-like, but eventually progress to insomnia, confusion, hallucinations and even partial paralysis. There is currently no medicine available to prevent rabies, but there is a medicine that you can take in advance that makes treating Rabies much easier Cost - $500-$1000 Effective period – 5-8 years Recommended for South America, Middle East and Africa. Cholera Cholera is a diarrheal illness that kills over 100,000 people every year and it’s spread by consuming food and water contaminated with fecal matter. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, vomiting and cramps. Cost - $30-$50 Protection – 1-2 years Recommended for select South African countries including Egypt, Morocco, Congo. You can see a full map that will show you other areas where you need protection. https://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/maps/index.html

Polio This is also a viral disease spread by fecal matter or saliva, which is why most people in the United States receive a vaccination as kids. Polio can cause respiratory failure, paralysis and death, and this used to be common worldwide. After the initial injection, most doctors recommend a booster shot, especially if you are going to certain countries. Cost - $30-$50 Protection – Lifetime Recommended for Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Middle East. Meningitis There are several different forms of meningitis and it’s a bacterial infection that targets the brain and spinal cord. Some countries in the Middle East and Africa have occasional outbreaks and symptoms include a fever, stiff neck and headache. Meningitis is typically caused by kissing, coughing and consuming contaminated food. Cost - $75-$200 Protection – 3-5 years Recommended for Africa and the Middle East Japanese Encephalitis Japanese Encephalitis is another one spread through an infected mosquito bite, and it’s common in Asian farmlands. Travelers aren’t at much of a risk unless traveling to rural areas during monsoon season, but it can cause, among other things, swelling of the brain and even death. Cost - $150-$750 Protection – 1-2 years Recommended for Asia and Southeast Asia Required Vaccinations For Some Countries Yellow Fever This viral disease is caused by infected mosquito bites and has a high mortality rate. In fact, some countries require vaccination if you have visited Africa or South America within 2-3 months. Yellow fever causes nausea, vomiting, high fever, abdominal pain and headaches. In extreme cases, it can include hepatitis, hemorrhagic fever and death. Cost - $150-$250Protection – Lifetime Recommended for Africa and South America

When to Get Vaccinated Some regions of the world require immunization for entry and are actually required. Consult your doctor about how much time it takes for the shots to become effective before you leave. Some even require second shots and/or boosters. In reality, most shots take a least a week to be effective, so timing is an important consideration. We also recommend that you maintain a yellow immunization card which has all the important information about your vaccination history. For international travel in regions where disease are a problem, it’s recommended that you carry this card with your passport as it is an internationally accepted form of proof. Where to Get Vaccinated If you have health insurance, we suggest that you reach out to them first, as they may have preferred providers that can save you money. That information is often listed on their website, but you may need to call. They may send you to a specialist, hospital or even a county or state health department. CVS Pharmacies, Walgreens Pharmacy and even Vons Pharmacy offer a variety of vaccination services. It’s best to call the pharmacy to find out what travel shots they offer and what insurance they accept. Another good source of information is the International Society for Travel Medicine. This is a director of doctors, travel vaccination providers and travel health resources, and it offers location-specific information. You may also consider having it done in the country in which you are traveling to, as it may be less expensive in the event it’s not covered by your insurance. I live in California and it’s very common for people to go to Mexico to get medication and even have cosmetic surgery. Travel Vaccination Tips Abroad If you decide to get a vaccination in another country, there are some things that we recommend: • Do enough research until you are comfortable and do it before you embark on your trip. • Read what other travelers have recommended in the last 3-6 months • Verify that the doctor is licensed or certified, depending on the country. • Search for larger hospitals in major urban areas that are clean and appear to be more high-tech. • Pay with local currency. Here’s a list of foreign medical centers that offer cheap travel vaccinations, but note that we have not been to any of these, as we have received all our vaccinations in the United States. Africa South Africa – Netcare Travel Clinic Southeast Asia Malaysia – Twin Tower’s Medical Center Thailand – Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute Vietnam – Family Medical Practice South America Argentina – Aleman Hospital Brazil – Hospital das Clinicas Additional Useful Information There are also several dozen other diseases that are important to note and they are called Neglected Tropical Diseases. https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/ntd/diseases/index.html Two of these, Zika and Dengue Fever are the most common and both are caused by mosquitos. Neither Zika or Dengue Fever have vaccines, so we have some other useful information on how to protect yourself. Dengue Fever There are four different viruses that can cause Dengue Fever, and all are transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk is primarily in South America and Central America, but it has been traced to other parts of the world. The flu-like symptoms can cause long-term medical conditions and even death. Zika Virus Zika Virus is also caused by mosquitos and the symptoms are typically mild, but it can cause damage to unborn babies due to a birth defect of the brain. This is called microcephaly and this is typically found in South America and Central America. How to Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites The goal is to avoid mosquitos as much as possible, especially in jungle and rural areas, and if you begin to feel sick, seek medical attention immediately. You should also take the following precautions: • Use an inspect repellent made with Deet, and apply to all exposed areas of skin and keep reapplying throughout the day. If you use sunscreen, apply the inspect repellent over the sunscreen. • Cover up as much as possible, especially the arms, legs and neck. • Wear loose clothing. • Sleep under mosquito nets if you have any concerns that they might get into your room. • Use permethrin to treat your clothes as this kills mosquitoes soon after contact. We Are Not Doctors Remember to do your own research, and not that although we try to keep this information up to date, medicines do change and so do a lot of other factors regarding viruses and other health threats. We want you to be safe, and hope this story alerts you to the seriousness of vaccinations and some of the viruses out there that can cause you serious harm or even death.

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