Travel Bound?
Whether you are frolicking on a Mexican beach, climbing mountains in Nepal or rafting the source of the Nile be aware, it can be dangerous world... These Ten Tips can prevent the risk of illness and ensure your trip is a healthy one.
1. Consult with a Travel Health professional
2. Adjust to your environment
3. Protect yourself from insects
4. Wear protective footwear
5. Ensure that your water is purified
6. Consume well-cooked food
7. Wash it, peel it or forget it
8. Remember your prophylactics
9. Avoid swimming in fresh water
10. Consider carefully your means of transportation
It is necessary for your to speak to your family doctor or Travel Health Clinic on the required shots and immunizations for your trip. For the your nearest Travel Clinic please visit www.travelvacs.com
Facts about immunization
• When planning a trip, the last thing you want to think about is illness.
• Immunizations are one of the best ways to protect yourself from serious diseases, many of which can be life threatening.
• The purpose of a vaccine is to stimulate the body's defense system in order to prepare it for a future encounter with an infectious disease.
Basic Guidelines
Certain health conditions can dramatically increase a traveller's risk. If you are pregnant or have a chronic medical condition (ie; allergies, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy) be sure to consult a health care professional prior to departure. The amount of preparations required before a trip will depend on a traveller's risk of contracting a disease or illness. International travellers can be low or high risk, depending on several factors.
| Factor | Lower risk | Higher risk |
| Geographical destination | Developed countries | Developing countries |
| Length of stay | Short-term | Long-term |
| Location within country | Urban | Rural, remote areas |
| Type of accommodation | 1st class - resorts | 4th class, camping, backpacking |
| Purpose of travel | Business | Pleasure |
What immunizations do I need?
| Routine Immunizations | Required Immunizations | Recommended Immunizations |
| All adults should update these routine immunizations every 10 years, even if they do not plan to travel. · Tetanus & Diphtheria (This vaccine is usually covered by provincial health plans) |
Some countries will require proof of these immunizations before entry. · Yellow fever · Meningococcal |
Depending on your itinerary, planned activities and current health status, your health care professional may recommend one or more of these immunizations. · Polio · Influenza · Hepatitis A · Hepatitis B · Typhoid · Japanese Encephalitis · Meningococcal · Rabies · Cholera · Measles, Mumps, Rubella · Yellow Fever |
Sources of information for travellers
International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT)
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40 Regal Road |
1237 St. Clair Avenue West |
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World Health Organization |
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RBC Insurance http://www.rbcinsurance.com |
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Health Canada - Population and Public Health Branch - Travel Medicine Program http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpb/lcdc/osh/pub_e.html |
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Travel Information http://www.cdc.gov/travel |
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Travel Information and Advisory Reports - Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade http://www.voyage.gc.ca |
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Association of Canadian Travel Agencies http://www.acta.ca |
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The Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors http://www.citc.ca |
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Programme for Appropriate Technology in Health: Includes info on insecticide-treated bednets http://www.pathcanada.org |
Quick Reference Material
Don't drink the water by Dr. J. S. Keystone, editor. Co-published by The Canadian Public Health Association and The Canadian Society for International Health. This book is available in selected bookstores or can be ordered from the Canadian Public Health Association by telephone (613) 725-3769 or fax (613) 725-9826.
Health Information for Canadian Travellers produced by The Canadian Society for International Health provides a listing of travel clinics across Canada and other pertinent information for travellers. A copy can be obtained by telephone (613) 230-2654 or fax (613) 230-8401.
The Travel Doctor by Dr. Mark Wise is written to inform travellers of potential health risks when visiting other parts of our planet, but not scare them away from travel. Read about Dr. Wise and his book in the May 20, 2003 issue of the Medical Post. Available in selected bookstores.