Host: Like thousands of Canadians, Brooke Wigget is getting ready for her winter vacation to a tropical destination.
Brooke Wigget: I got a really good deal online for a trip down south. I’m just really excited about getting away from this horrible weather. I’m very prepared, this time I have my passport renewed by some travel insurance and a few new outfits for the trip so I’m very excited.
Host: But is she really ready? A new land shade marketing survey suggest many Canadians aren’t taking the proper health precautions before they go leaving them vulnerable to travel diseases like malaria. In fact 46% of Canadians incorrectly believe there isn’t enough time to visit a Physician before their trip.
Dr. Jay Keystone is a travel disease specialist.
Dr. Jay Keystone: Canadians take a lot of precautions before they go in terms of their accommodation and their flight but the last thing they are thinking about is health risk especially when they go to the Caribbean.
Host: 66% of Canadians are not aware that Malaria outbreaks are now occurring in popular sun destinations like the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and the Bahamas. The very locations were nearly a third of Canadians plan on visiting this winter.
Dr. Jay Keystone: Malaria is a serious infection. A blood parasite transmitted by a night biting mosquito but its easily prevented with the insect repellant especially with DEET and with the appropriate any malarial pill.
Malaria is preventable even for those going at the last minute, go into your family doctor or travel medicine specialist will allow you to get the appropriate information to prevent Malaria and have a safe vacation.
Host: An easy way to protect yourself its to have a plan. Pack inset repellant with DEET like colored clothing and long sleeves should be worn from dust to dawn. Ask your doctor about preventative anti-malarial medication and use nets around your bed and screens on windows to provide extra protection.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends you to visit a doctor a travel medicine specialist at least six weeks prior to your departure to determine what preventative measures are best for you.
However, some anti-malarial treatments can be started even a day or two prior to departure so there is always time to seek travel health advice.
For more information, check out malariafacts.ca.
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