Travelling to an international destination requires preparation. In addition to researching weather, attractions, and accommodation, taking measures to stay safe and healthy abroad is of utmost importance. Whether you are travelling to a popular destination or an exotic location, Royal Travel Clinic is here to help you prepare for your upcoming trip by offering virtual travel health consultations and providing you with prescriptions for vaccines and medications that are necessary for your trip. We care about your health and want you to have the best protection against illnesses caused by harmful bacteria and viruses prevalent in certain parts of the world.
Travel vaccines available in Ontario
Hepatitis A
This is a highly communicable disease found in many developing countries, with a high prevalence in Africa and Southeast Asia. Hepatitis A is often contracted through contaminated food and water but can also be transmitted through physical contact. Some of the symptoms of Hepatitis A include fever, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and loss of appetite. While Hepatitis A is one of the most easily contracted diseases, the good news is that it is among the most preventable. By taking the Hepatitis A vaccine, you can eliminate the risk of contracting the disease during your trip.
Hepatitis B
People who travel as missionaries, volunteers and military personnel are at risk of contracting the disease. Transmitted through blood, contaminated medical instruments or unprotected sex, Hepatitis B is a viral disease that comes with a host of symptoms that include sudden fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, joint pain and jaundice. Hepatitis B can become chronic in some individuals and lead to liver disease and cancer.
Cholera
Cholera is a disease transmitted through ingesting contaminated water or food. It is very rare in developed countries but is present in many parts of the developing world like Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and parts of Asia and Africa. Cholera causes diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. If the disease is untreated, severe dehydration may occur and lead to death.
Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes in some areas of Asia. Travellers to Asia who spend a lot of time outdoors or travel to rural parts are most at risk. Symptoms include fever, headaches, vomiting, confusion and mobility challenges. If this disease is not treated, it can lead to swelling around the brain, coma and death. Currently, there is no treatment for Japanese encephalitis disease. The vaccine for Japanese Encephalitis is quite effective and it is licenced from 2 months of age.
Meningitis
Meningococcal meningitis is a grave bacterial infection that affects the brain and can be transmitted through saliva and respiratory secretions. The disease is present all over the world but is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. Common symptoms of meningitis include sudden fever, headache, and stiff neck. Other less common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, and diminished reflexes. If the bacteria infects the blood, it can cause vomiting, cold hands and feet, chills, aches and pains, diarrhea, and a dark purple rash. Receiving a meningitis vaccine is your best defence against contracting this serious disease. Some countries in Africa require proof of vaccination before entry is granted.
Rabies
The Rabies virus is found everywhere in the world and can be transmitted to humans from the saliva of infected animals. Being licked, scratched or bitten by an infected animal can cause serious health problems. Rabies affects the central nervous system and can lead to brain disease and death. Medical attention should be sought immediately after coming into contact with the disease, even if you are vaccinated against rabies.
Typhoid fever
Spread through contaminated food and water, typhoid is present in developing countries, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Travellers to these regions should take note of this and take a typhoid vaccination to prevent this serious disease. Symptoms associated with typhoid include high fever, weakness, stomach pain, headache, and loss of appetite. Internal bleeding and death can occur; however, this is rare.
Yellow fever
Yellow fever can develop into a serious illness that causes bleeding, shock, organ failure, and death. It is caused by a virus spread through mosquitoes found in South America and Africa. Many countries in these areas require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry or re-entry and therefore, these countries will require travellers to have an International Certificate of Prophylaxis against yellow fever.
Safeguard your health and travel with peace of mind knowing that you are fully protected against common illnesses contracted during travel. As a virtual travel clinic, we offer virtual travel consultations to help you prepare for your next trip by providing up-to-date evidence-based information and creating a personalized preventative plan based on your travel destinations. Book your travel consultation with the Royal Travel Clinic today!
Disclaimer:
All of the materials presented on this website are intended for information purposes only. It is in no way intended to replace professional medical travel consultation by a qualified medical practitioner.
