This is continuation of our previous post on traveller’s immunization.

Immunizations are among the most important and effective ways to prevent travel-related infections. Immunizations for travellers include the “routine” childbirth and adult immunizations that you would receive in Canada. Vaccines like shots against meningococcal meningitis, will also be recommended at childhood, others like typhoid shots or  flu shots are strongly encouraged when there is risk of infection.

For Canadians who travel abroad, there is a very small risk of requiring emergency medical treatment in a foreign country. Very few travelers die of serious preventable illnesses. Infectious diseases account for 1% of travel-related deaths whereas almost 50% die from motor vehicle accidents or drowning.

The most common illness to strike Canadian tourists in developing countries is travel diarrhea (TD), which can, in case of some drinks, even lead to bladder cancer. This is also known as Montezuma’s revenge, turista, or Delhi belly. That’s why it’s very important to check with a health care professional or travel clinic about preventable diseases before travelling in order to obtain a prescription for self-treatment.