Cherry: Canadians spend a lot of money on their vacations. In fact, according to a recent Leisure marketing survey, 1/3rd of respondents say they spent anywhere from $2,000.00 to $3,000.00 per person on a single trip. Some spend as much as $10,000.00. So if you don’t protect yourself against travel related diseases, you could be spending that harder in vacation in bed or worse, in the hospital; potentially wasting hundreds of dollars a day.
Dr. Brian Eyes, a Travel Medicine Specialist in Toronto.
Dr. Brian: The most common ailments that affect travelers include food and water borne diseases particularly from contaminated water and poorly prepared foods. These diseases involved traveler’s diarrhea which can affect up top 50% of travelers but also hepatitis A and typhoid. The country’s that post a risk for these diseases include the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South and America, Asia and of course Africa and even Eastern and Southern Europe.
Cherry: The good news is that there are ways to protect yourself from these illnesses by following a few simple tips.
Dr. Brian: At least four to six weeks before traveling. The traveler should seek attention from their doctor regarding vaccinations against food and water born diseases. There is an oral vaccine which is a drink called Dukorol which prevents travelers diarrhea. For those travelers who require protection against hepatitis A and typhoid, there is now a unique single does combination vaccine called Vivaxim. To receive optimum protection against these diseases is best receive these vaccines at least two weeks in advance. However, for those patients who require protection against hepatitis A alone, there is vaccine such as Avaxim which can be given as late as the day you leave.
Cherry: And when it comes to food and water, don’t forget, if you don’t boil it, cook it or peel it, forget it.
Dr. Brian: To help prevent food and water borne diseases, avoid eating from street vendors, avoid eating raw seafood; avoid eating un-pasteurized dairy products as well avoid foods that may be exposed to contaminated water like salads. Best to dink commercially prepared bottle of water as well as carbonated beverages. Never forget, ice may be contaminated as well as brushing your teeth from the tap. As well sanitation is always a must; wash your hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds and you’ll stay out of trouble.
Cherry: For more information on how to prepare for your next rip, talk to your doctor or visit a travel health clinic, you can visit travelhealth.gc.ca for a listing of all Canadian Travel Health Clinics. Cherry Dematorco reporting.
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