Tips for travellers

Tips for travellers

Planning a trip down south? Need to travel to a developing country? When it comes to travelling to many foreign destinations, certain precautionary health measures are required to avoid unpleasant, or even potentially disastrous, surprises. 

Immunization

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself from various infections. Make sure your routine immunization is up to date and that you have received all the necessary vaccines (a few are mandatory). If you are at risk for flu-related complications, be sure to get your annual flu shot prior to leaving.
 
The most common illness to strike Canadian tourists travelling to tropical countries is traveller’s diarrhea, also known as turista. This acute form of diarrhea generally lasts two to three days. To steer clear of it, you can get a vaccine one week before your trip. 
 
Travellers too can get serious infectious diseases. Fortunately, most of these can be prevented with the appropriate vaccination:
  • Cholera
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Influenza
  • Japanese encephalitis
  • Meningitis
  • Rabies
  • Typhoid
  • Yellow fever

At present, there is no vaccine against malaria. This disease can be prevented with medications that need to be taken before, during and after a trip. The hot, humid climate in some countries creates favourable breeding conditions for mosquitoes, which spread malaria. You should therefore bring a good mosquito repellent containing DEET.   

 People who are required to stay in a developing country for an extended period of time must be tested for tuberculosis upon their return, even in the absence of symptoms. When detected early, this illness is generally much easier to treat.

Personal medications

The suitcase containing your medications is missing in action? Your stay has been extended and now you’re out of medications? Here are a few useful tips:
  • Before your departure, check the expiry dates of your prescription medications and store them in their original containers.
  • Before you leave, stock up on your medications (bring more than what you normally need).
  • Prior to travelling, make a list of all your medications, their dosage and generic names.
  • Keep your personal medications in your carry-on luggage.
  • If you run out of medication during your stay, and you don’t speak the language, contact the consular office of the Canadian Embassy for help.

Prevention and first aid

To prevent diarrhea, drinking bottled water (in a sealed container) and eating your food well cooked, hot or cold, are strongly recommended. You should also wash your hands often. If you still get diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Here’s a quick therapeutic recipe: mix 1 litre of water, 1 teaspoon of salt and 8 teaspoons of sugar. Important note: For the treatment to work, the quantity of each ingredient must be meticulously measured.
 
You should also make sure your hand luggage contains the following essential products:

Pharmacy services

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