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A health professional will be able to assess your individual need for immunizations or preventative medication depending on your health situation, previous immunization history and your travel itinerary. Recommended Immunizations
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into some countries in Central Africa and South America. Travellers to these countries must have a international certificate of vaccination to certify that they have had yellow fever vaccination. An additional 102 countries, while not requiring proof of vaccination for travellers arriving direct from Canada, do require a yellow fever certificate is there has been a stop-over in a country where yellow fever occurs. More detailed information about yellow fever vaccination requirements by country is available. Malaria If you are travelling to a country or area where malaria occurs, you will need to obtain a sufficient supply of antimalarial medication to begin taking the drug for a full week before departure, for the whole duration of travel in the malarial area, and for 4 weeks after leaving the area. The actual medication to be taken will vary depending on the particular strain of malaria present in the country or area to be visited and whether or not resistance to drugs has developed. Preventing malaria in travellers includes personal protective measures to reduce the risk of mosquito bites, as well as the appropriate use of antimalarial medications. Travellers to areas where there is a risk of malaria should consult a physician or travel medicine clinic in order to obtain individualized advice regarding malaria prevention during travel. More information and advice on malaria prevention is available. Personal Medications If you require medication for existing medical conditions, take a sufficient supply for all your needs during travel. These must be in clearly labelled containers and a copy of the doctor's medical prescription should be carried. Essential medication should be divided and stored in two different pieces of luggage, so that if one piece of luggage is delayed, lost or stolen, an alternate supply is available. It is recommended that a medical certificate of explanation be carried, should a physician advise that a supply of sterile syringes and needles be carried for use by qualified health personnel in an emergency situation. The use of these sterile items will prevent the possible transmission of AIDS, hepatitis B and other diseases from contaminated needles and syringes. However, in many countries where illicit drug trafficking is a problem, a traveller found carrying syringes without adequate explanation and medical certification, can be in serious trouble with police authorities. Travel Health Insurance More and more, provincial health plans are reducing coverage for out-of-country travel or imposing restrictions on the coverage provided. You should arrange for private travel health insurance to pay for any costs which are not covered by your provincial plan. Should an illness occur during travel, the costs which the uninsured traveller can be required to pay may be thousands of dollars. While En Route
Traveller's diarrhea or "tourista" is usually caused by differences in water purity consumed while travelling. The water in some countries can contain organisms which will cause diarrhea in those not accustomed to them. Because Canada's municipal water supplies are treated to remove most waterborne organisms, travellers from Canada may experience diarrhea while travelling abroad if they consume local water, or food prepared with local water in less developed countries.
Other transmissible diseases can be prevented by taking some precautions.
You should be safety and security conscious during travel. Economic conditions in lesser developed countries can cause increased crime rates and tourists are often targeted.
When You Return
Staying healthy during travel is usually a matter of common sense, with extra attention given to insect, food, water and security precautions. With minimal alteration in lifestyle, your trip can be an exciting, healthy and rewarding adventure. Bon Voyage!
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©
, Fiscal Agents Money Management Newsletter 
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