While you travel, the last thing you want to think about is illness. Immunization is designed to protect you from serious diseases, many of which can be life-threatening.

Facts About Immunization

When should I be immunized? - Some immunization schedules can take up to 8 weeks to complete. It's important to visit your health care professional as soon as you know your destination and itinerary.

What immunizations do I need? - There are 3 types of immunizations: routine, required, and recommended. Routine - All adults should update these routine immunizations every 10 years: Tetanus Diptheria Required - Proof of immunization is required to enter some countries: Yellow fever Recommended - 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 B Japanese Encephalitis Pneumococcal Hepatitis A Typhoid Meningococcal Rabies

 How to Prevent/Treat Traveller's Diarrhea

For most cases, a doctor is not required, however high-risk travellers may need a daily antibiotic. High risk individuals are:

	Those with underlying medical problems (e.g. diabetes, AIDS, cancer)
	Travellers who are prone to diarrhea while travelling
	Some athletes
	Individuals travelling for business

*health tip: If you are traveling for a period of less than 3 weeks, consult your health care specialist about medications you might take.

What Can I Do If I Get Diarrhea?

Make sure the water you use for treatment has been properly purified by boiling first.

	Drink plenty of fluids
	Eat salted crackers to compensate for salt loss
	Avoid milk products
	If you notice any blood, seek medical attention
	Ask you doctor to provide a standby treatment
	Try an oral rehydration method: Gastrolyte sachets Alternately drink the contents of glasses No.1 and No.2: Glass 1-8oz fruit juice, 1/2 tsp corn syrup or honey Glass 2-8oz boiled water, 1/4 tsp baking soda

Preparation Tips

Should I Purchase Travel Insurance?

You should always purchase extra insurance when travelling. For the small amount spent, your health and well-being are worth it! Travel insurance can protect you during emergencies that you would not otherwise be covered for while travelling. Some examples are:

	Hospitalization requiring extending stay
	Accidental bodily injury
	Medical condition requiring delay, but not hospitalization
	Prescriptions
	Incompletion of trip due to delay of common carrier
	Interruption of return ticket in case of accident, sickness or loss of loved one(s) back home
	Extending trip (requires notification)

Your exisiting health plan may not cover you for all the possibilities during your travel out of the country. Should anything happen to you, or your travelling companions/family...you may be unable to return home as scheduled or unable to receive necessary medical care. By discussing your requirements with your health care professional, and your travel agent before you leave, you can determine which coverage you need and for how long.

After Your Trip

You should make a post-travel appointment to see your health care specialist if:

	You have spent 3 months or more in rural areas of the developing world
	You were told that you had or were expected to have malaria
	You were treated or hospitalized for any medical illness
	You continue to or have any unusual ongoing symptoms
	Your activities while overseas exposed you to increased health risks (e.g. veterinarians, archaeologists, health care workers).

Tips For Packing

Always carry a change of clothes (including undergarments), essential toiletries and any necessary prescriptions with you in a carry-on bag when you are travelling. A change of clothes is convenient, especially if you are travelling from a warm climate to a colder one. If your bags are misplaced or lost, life will be much more pleasant while the airline is locating your luggage.

Suggested Contents of Your Carry On Bag:

	Always carry your money, travellers/personal cheques, and credit cards with you
	Always keep your personal identification and passports with you
	Any necessary or prescription medications
	Address books, special directions
	Cameras, film
	Toiletries: soap, shampoo, deoderant, toothbrush/toothpaste, shaving equip, make-up etc

Suggested Contents of Your Check-in Baggage:

	Always pack a change of clothes for both warm and cool climates regardless of expected climate
	Always pack at least one rain jacket/windbreaker
	Try to coordinate your wardrobe, using mix/matchable items/colours for the duration of the trip
	Pack comfortable shoes for walking
	Sunscreen, long sleeved clothing, hat, sunglasses
	First aid kit

*The items listed are suggestions only, it is recommended to discuss your own list with your travelling companions to ensure all necessary items are present.

First Aid Kit

Remember that illness often strikes when you least expect it. Be prepared by taking a medical kit! It's also a good idea to make a small first aid book. The contents of your first aid kit will depend upon:

	The countries you plan to visit
	the length of stay
	the time of year
	whether you are travelling alone or with family
	your accommodation
	whether you will be in rural or urban areas
	your present state of health

*The items listed are suggestions only, it is recommended to discuss your own list with your health care professional.

First Aid Items

 

Absorbent cotton	Absorbent gauze	Tape-hypoallergenic, waterproof
Alcohol swabs	Antiseptic	Asstd band-aids/dressings
Burn ointment	Cotton swabs	Disinfectant
Insect Sting Kit	Moleskin (foot blisters)	Blanket, sling, splint
Scissors, tweezers	Tensor bandage	Flashlight
Hot/cold packs	Tongue depressor	Candles
Latex gloves, eye patch	First aid booklet
Medications Altitude Sickness Antacid Antihistamines Anti nausea/anti motion-sickness Anti-malarials Cough medicine Decongestant Diarrhea Earache Ear infection Eye infection Fever/pain Laxative Skin care (topical antibiotics) Headache Throat lozenges Anti fungal cream Toothache Additional Items Worth Considering Bottle (one litre plastic) for preparing purified water Dental Floss Disposable gloves in case you need treatment or to assist a bleeding victim Insect repellant Prepackaged moist towelettes for cleaning hands without water Personal prescription medications Sunscreen/lip balm Vaseline petroleum jelly Water purification methods Extras For Children Children's strength medications for fever, pain, nausea, infections, colds, cough Diaper rash creams Ipecac syrup to induce vomiting in oral poisoning Teething gel if needed Vitamins with fluoride if necessary Extras For Women Feminine hygiene products Medication for menstrual cramps Medication for urinary tract and vaginal infections-especially if problem is recurring! In summary, the main things to remember while travelling is that more time and consideration are needed to protect your health.Contact your local health unit before you leave and make certain that you are properly prepared and immunized. Pack a first aid kit with the necessary requirements for your trip. Avoid foods that have not been properly prepared or protected and make sure all water is purified. Be extremely cautious while driving any motorized vehicle, and be certain you are aware of (and abide by) the local laws and regulations for the country you are visiting. Robbery Prevention Tips List: Know your destination and have a planned route of travel. Always be alert and aware of what is going on around you. If your vehicle is bumped from behind, do not stop on the roadway or shoulder. Drive to the nearest public area and call for police assistance. If someone suspicious approaches your vehicle at a red light or stop sign, blow the horn. Do not pull over for flashing headlights. An emergency or police vehicle has red or blue flashing lights. If you become lost, find a public place, like a service station, to read your map or ask for directions. If you are told that something is wrong with your vehicle, do not stop immediately. Drive to the nearest service station or another well lighted public area. Keep doors locked and windows up when driving, and when the vehicle is parked. Valuables should be kept in the trunk, locked glove compartment, or out of sight whenever traveling or leaving a vehicle parked. Always park in well lit areas. Check the interior of your vehicle and surrounding areas before entering your vehicle. Do not pick up hitchhikers. If using an automatic teller machine, be sure the area is well lit. Count your money inside your vehicle with the windows up. Do not leave the keys in your vehicle or the motor running when using the automatic teller machine or a public telephone. If you suspect that you are being followed, go to the nearest well lit public area and call the police. If you must carry a purse or shoulder bag, hold it in front of you close to your body. Be sure it is closed securely. If you are challenged by a hostile individual, do not resist. Give the person what is asked for, your belongings are not worth your life or serious injury. In case of emergency call 911 on any telephone.     [Return to Home page]  [Get FREE price quote]   [email your request]