Drinking water and vaccinations - the Baltics
 

Hi, is it safe to eat fruits and salad prepared at a restaurant or brush teeth or put a warm compress on eyes in Finland and the Baltic States? I've read that Latvia can be a concern.
Also, are vaccines necessary when visiting these countries.
Thank you

You should look at the CDC website for recommendations on health issues in other countries, including recommended vaccines.

here is the portal
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list

Latvia page
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinat...er/none/latvia

I would get your Hep A vaccine if you've never had one, it's a good opportunity to do that. The rest of it sounds routine, just like any place, so it appears no special concerns. It says there are no current special notices for Latvia.

Finland is an extremely advanced country, why would you be concerned about that? They have a better health care system than the US (as well as a greater life expectancy and lower infant mortality), as do many other countries in Europe (especially Nordic ones).

Thanks Christina

The only place in europe that I am aware of problems with the water was St Pet (a parasite) and I don't believe this is true any longer - but do check before using tap water for anything. Also for bottled water - do not accept any that has been pre-opened (some places refill used bottles with tap water)..

There are also fountains in Italy which one should not drink from - but they are clearly marked as such. Regular tap water is fine but may not taste great - depending on what you are used to (being from NYC - where tap water is basically tasteless and very soft we do bottled water almost everywhere.)

Thanks nytraveler. Just feeling a bit of anxiety as my departure date approaches

IMO, checking the CDC website is ALWAYS a wise thing to do when planning ANY trip. One never knows.... :-)

Hi kja. Do you think the CDC is over-cautious? I'm not sure what to make of it.

I'd watch the water in Russia and Kalingrad within the Baltic regions, other countries I'd have no fear at all.

Note that 250 Billion bottle of water are consumed globally. Try and cut back. I think I'm up to 0 so far this year.

<i>bilboburgler on Aug 4, 14 at 9:35am
Note that 250 Billion bottle of water are consumed globally. Try and cut back. I think I'm up to 0 so far this year.</i>

Ditto that. BW is BS. Have you ever read the label of a German water bottle? The stuff is almost brackish. In Europe non-potable water is indicated with an icon of a glass of water crossed by a red line or X, as on most trains. If the red X is not there, drink up.

"Do you think the CDC is over-cautious?" I don't, and I wouldn't make any health-related decision without consulting my physician.

Thanks, kja

Not sure what the fuss is about but I think the OP has been given some poor advice esp about those warm compresses in Finland.