The Secret to Not Getting Sick on Vacation

(NC) Getting sick on vacation is never fun.  It can waste your time, money and precious vacation days. If you’re planning a trip abroad, there are many ways to keep you and your family healthy.

Here are some tips from the Public Health Agency of Canada to consider:

1. Visit a healthcare professional. At least six weeks before you leave, check in with your doctor or visit a travel health clinic. Review your family’s immunization history to ensure each traveller has received all recommended vaccines and boosters. Ask about options for additional vaccinations, preventative medication and other precautions to reduce the risk of travel-related illnesses.

2. Always take precautions with food and water. Boil it, cook it, peel it or leave it! Wash your hands frequently and before eating or preparing food, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer when soap and water are not available. Eat foods that are well cooked and served hot, especially meat and seafood. Drink water only if it has been boiled, disinfected or is in a commercially sealed bottle.

3. Take action to avoid insect bites. Cover up by wearing light-coloured clothing, loose pants and long-sleeved shirts made of tightly woven materials. Use insect repellant on exposed skin day or night. Sleep in areas that are completely enclosed or well screened and use bed nets for young children in playpens and strollers.

4. Remember those with special health needs. Children, seniors and pregnant women all have unique travel health needs since they are more likely to have compromised or developing immune systems. You may need to take extra precautions to protect their health.

Find travel health advice related to your destination and search by country name at travel.gc.ca.