Vaccination with Volvat

The body's immune system is an effective defense against most viruses and bacteria that we encounter in everyday life. By exercising regularly and having a healthy and varied diet, a good immune system is maintained. Still, we all get infectious diseases from time to time. The frustration of getting sick can be great when we have finally started training and notice the increase. When you have had an infectious disease, this usually provides lifelong protection against the same disease. By vaccinating, you get this protection without first getting sick.

In Norway, through the childhood vaccination program, we have good protection against potentially life-threatening diseases that can cause serious late injuries. There is generally good support for this vaccination program, so that we achieve so-called "herd immunity". This means that the diseases are not allowed to spread in the population since most people are immune.

It is recommended to repeat certain vaccines at regular intervals. For example, one should take a diphtheria vaccine every 10 years. This vaccine is then usually given as a combination vaccine together with a vaccine against pertussis, tetanus and polio. If you are very active in the woods and fields, you may want to get an updated tetanus vaccine. Wound damage that becomes dirty from soil poses a potential risk of infection by the tetanus bacterium.
If you run in the forest (eg orienteering, style running, forest marathon, etc.) it is important to be aware of tick bites. If you are often bitten by tick, a vaccine against the TBE virus is recommended. This virus can cause encephalitis. The vaccine does not protect against Lyme disease, another dreaded tick disease. Therefore, it is important to check your whole body thoroughly and remove the tick as soon as possible if you have been bitten.

Influenza is an infectious disease that can cause unpleasant symptoms, but is almost always self-limiting in healthy people. The flu virus changes every season, so that a new vaccine must be produced every year. Vaccine is recommended for the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic and serious diseases because these can have a more complicated course of the disease. The vaccine is not necessary for healthy individuals, but may be relevant for people who should preferably not be infected, primarily medical personnel, but also athletes during the competition season.

When traveling to exotic countries, it is recommended to get vaccinated well in advance of the trip. This also applies to athletes who only stay in hotels and fitness facilities. Vaccine against hepatitis virus (A and B) is particularly important. Yellow fever occurs in parts of Africa, Central and South America. Yellow fever vaccine is required for entry into some countries and must be documented with an international vaccination certificate. There are many other vaccines that may be recommended depending on the destination, duration and activities. If you are unsure about anything related to travel, infectious diseases and precautions, it is always a good idea to see a doctor.

At Volvat Medical Center's two departments in Oslo (National Theater and Majorstuen), we have vaccination outpatient clinics with high competence and short waiting times. We stock the most common vaccines and can give advice on all questions related to vaccines. For further information about vaccines, we can recommend the Norwegian Institute of Public Health's website.

Good luck with the training during the winter season!

Regards Magnus Pillgram
General Volvat National Theater

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MONICA
GUTUEN

AMBASSADOR

Age: 45

Residence: Bærum

Distance during the BMW Oslo Marathon 2020:
I run half, and of course aim to have the widest smile all the way.

Previous participation in the Oslo Marathon:
«10 for Grete» 2013, Half Marathon 2014 and 2015, 2017 and 2018 and marathon in 2019.

Three words that describe me:
Outgoing, Smiling, Energetic

Instagram: @muddylicious