Planning a trip down south? Need to travel to a developing country? While travelling abroad can be great, you should take certain precautionary health measures so you don’t end up needing emergency medical care. Here are some tips to avoid this nightmare scenario.
Immunization
Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself from 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 normally receive an annual flu shot, be sure to get vaccinated 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 vaccinated one week before your trip.
Travellers too can get serious infectious diseases. Fortunately, these can all 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’s what you can do:
- Check the expiry dates of your prescription medications and store them in their original containers;
- Bring more than you need;
- Make a list of all your medications, their dosage and generic name;
- Keep your personal medications in your carry-on luggage;
- If you run out and you don’t speak the language, contact the consular office of the Canadian Embassy for help.
Prevention and first aid
To prevent diarrhea, for instance, 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 recipe: mix 1 litre of water, 1 teaspoon of salt and 8 teaspoons of sugar, and drink.
You should also make sure your hand luggage contains the following essential products:
- Sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30;
- Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antihistamines and nausea medication;
- Mosquito repellent;
- Disinfectant, antibiotic cream, adhesive bandages and gauze;
- Prescription medications.