Tick ​​provisions for the holiday trip

Like every year, many people start planning their holidays in the spring. Countless destinations are available. Those who deal with potential targets should keep an eye on health. In addition to possibly necessary travel vaccinations, this also includes the topic of tick prevention. Even on vacation, there is a risk of being infected by a tick bite with pathogens, such as the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus. FSME is a disease of the meninges and the central nervous system.

Whether a hiking holiday in the Alps, a city break or a stay by the sea, the Germans are spoiled for choice when planning their holiday. Especially in the spring, interested people deal with bookings for their annual holiday. As the tourism analysis of the Foundation for Future Issues from the beginning of the year shows, travel for more than a third of Germans to other European countries is very popular (34 percent). In second place, a fifth of the respondents consider holidays within Germany (23 percent).

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Observe TBE risk areas during vacation planning
Many popular travel destinations are located in areas where the risk of becoming infected with TBE viruses through a tick bite is particularly high. Wherever travelers go on vacation, they should check that the intended destination is within the TBE risk area. These include in Germany, inter alia, large parts of Bavaria, Baden-Wuerttemberg and parts of southern Hesse and Thuringia. In Europe, for example, countries such as Austria, Sweden, Poland or the Baltic countries are affected.

Well prepared for the holidays thanks to our preparedness
The right measures can prevent ticks on holiday. Because there are some tricks that help in the prevention of the bloodsuckers. Even if long clothing is reluctant to be worn in warm weather, it has many advantages: It protects against sunburn, cools better than short clothes and helps to prevent tick bites. In addition, sturdy shoes, protective repellents and a thorough check-up for ticks following a stay in nature are recommended. In addition, TBE vaccination can help prevent TBE after a tick bite. When a tick is discovered, tools such as a tick card or tweezers help remove the parasite.

TBE vaccination
Ticks become active as soon as it is 7 degrees Celsius or warmer for several consecutive days. In Germany, the tick season usually extends from February to October. The beginning or the end of the season can also be shifted at appropriate temperatures. TBE vaccination should therefore last at best throughout the year. With the development of the vaccine protection can be started at any time. For a multi-year immunization three inoculations are required in a fixed period of several months. Thereafter, a regular refreshment takes place. If the tick season is imminent, vaccination protection for the current season can also be established at short notice. Let your doctor advise you.

Who pays the TBE vaccine?
Some health insurance companies cover the costs for the TBE vaccine. However, there are different types of handling by insurers here. For example, a distinction is made as to whether those who are interested live or stay in a TBE risk area. If you live in such an area, you generally benefit from the complete reimbursement by the health insurance company. Who needs this vaccine for travel outside Germany, according to the vaccination guideline of the Joint Federal Committee does not have a mandatory benefit claim.

However, many health insurance companies come to meet their policyholders: Some insurers pay the TBE vaccine as a travel vaccination completely. Other health insurances offer the opportunity to subsidize the TBE vaccination for tourists on a statute benefit. A telephone call with your own health insurance can often help here. In addition, there is, among other things on the website of the Center for Travel Medicine, a list of health insurance companies and the costs incurred for travel vaccinations.