Planning to travel this winter?

If you plan to travel south to escape the chilly Canadian winter, bear in mind that many tropical / holiday destinations have a higher risk of some infectious diseases that are less common at home.

Mosquito-borne viruses

Mosquito-borne viruses Chikungunya (CHIKV), Japanese Encephalitis, and Yellow Fever are a concern in many tropical destinations. We now have vaccine protection for all three, since Health Canada recently approved a single-dose vaccine for the prevention of CHIKV in individuals 18 years of age and older.

Chikungunya commonly causes joint and muscle pain, with severe joint pain that can become chronic in over 40% of those infected.¹ Of Canadians who travelled between 2006 and 2015, most CHIKV infections occurred in those who visited destinations in the Caribbean, particularly Haiti, followed by South Central Asia, India, and Jamaica.²

In an early study, a single dose of the CHIKV vaccine provided a 98.9% level of antibody production at 28 days, and this immune response lasted for six months in 96% of both younger and older adults.³

Cholera & Travellers' Diarrhea (TD)

Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) is one of the most common causes of diarrhea for travellers to many parts of the world. Cholera can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. Both are generally associated with poor sanitation, and spread in contaminated water or food.

Travellers can reduce their risks of these illnesses with good hygiene practices, and careful food and drink choices – e.g., avoid consuming water or food that might be contaminated, such as undercooked shellfish and fish.⁴ Be prepared before you leave! Ask your doctor about a drinkable vaccine to get protection against diarrhea caused by ETEC and cholera.⁵

Hepatitis A and B

Just one shot helps protect against hepatitis A and B viruses, which can cause serious liver disease. Like cholera and TD, hepatitis A is spread by contaminated food or water, whether you’re drinking it or swimming in it. Hepatitis B is spread by contact with body fluids. This might occur when getting a manicure, tattoo, acupuncture or injection with unsterilized tools, or through sexual contact with someone who has the infection.⁶

Planning to travel?

Travel is a good opportunity to confirm that all your routine vaccines are up-to-date, and you have all that you will need for your destination. Are you protected against tetanus (aka lockjaw)? Infection can occur when an open wound or injured skin comes into contact with contaminated soil, feces or saliva, and can be life-threatening.⁷ Tdap vaccination is recommended for adults who have not already received a dose in adulthood.⁸

Be prepared! Consult your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or travel-health specialist and get all the vaccinations you need 4-6 weeks in advance. Some destinations may require proof of vaccination.⁹

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This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your doctor. There may be variations in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.