Summer is synonymous with travel, offering a perfect opportunity to explore new destinations, unwind on exotic beaches, and create unforgettable memories. However, amidst the excitement of planning your summer getaway, it’s crucial to prioritize health and safety.
Dr. Aisha Husain is a family physician at Uxbridge Hospital and specialist in travel medicine. Dr. Husain is also an assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto, and an assistant professor at Queen’s University.
“When making any travelling plans, some things to think about are the type of travel (vacation or visiting family), where you’ll be staying (resort or Airbnb), and types of activities (safari, swimming),” says Dr. Husain.
5 essential tips
To start planning, Dr. Husain shares five essential tips to consider for lessening risks for travel-related illnesses and safety:
1. Sun burns and bug bite prevention
The golden rule of sun safety is to invest in good-quality sunscreen and apply it diligently. Pack loose, light-coloured clothing to lessen your chance of mosquito and other bug bites. Applying insect repellent after sunscreen can lower your risk of mosquito bites.
2. Water safety
Whether you’re enjoying a poolside resort or swimming in the ocean, water safety should always be a priority, particularly with children. Always supervise young swimmers in the water with your undivided attention. Ocean undercurrents and rip tides can pose dangers, even to experienced swimmers.
3. Stay up-to-date on immunizations
Before embarking on your journey, ensure you’re up-to-date with your routine immunizations. Consult a travel health clinic for an individualized medical assessment, preferably six weeks before travelling since some vaccines require more than one dose. Consultations are tailored to not only your destination but also the activities you’re considering, your medical history and even the season when you’re travelling etc. For OHIP-covered immunizations like tetanus or measles, you can check with your primary care provider whether you’re up-to-date.
4. Prepare for emergencies with travel insurance
Consider whether travel insurance, including emergency medical evacuation coverage, is right for you.
5. Pack a first aid kit
No travel adventure is complete without a first-aid kit tailored to your needs. Consider including anti-fever medications, bandages, etc. For adults, anti-diarrheal medication may help mild symptoms.
Travel tips and recommendations
In addition to these tips, Uxbridge Health Centre’s Travel Clinic offers a range of travel tips and recommendations to decrease your risk of getting sick. The clinic provides comprehensive expert advice on health precautions tailored to you. Travel advice and vaccines are not covered by OHIP.
Additional information and health-related guidelines are available on the Government of Canada website.
With careful planning and the right precautions in place, you can make this summer the ultimate travel experience!
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This article appeared in the July 2024 issue of The Link. To receive Oak Valley Health’s community newsletter, subscribe now.