Jan 24 2012
The keepsake you don’t want to bring home from your next vacation
The keepsake you don't want to bring home from your next vacation
(NC)—Remember how clear the water was? Remember that amazing cocktail from the pool bar? Remember getting so sick and having your whole vacation ruined?
Vacations are all about spoiling yourself—taking the time to relax and have fun. Nothing’s worse than having that escape ruined because you got sick while away. Although going to places like the Caribbean comes with lots of perks, it also comes with some travel health risks. So, it’s important to be prepared. Malaria is one disease many Canadians don’t realize they can contract at popular vacation spots down south—not just in more exotic areas like Africa and Asia. The good news is it can be prevented.
Malaria is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes and symptoms include fever, headache, chills, tiredness, muscle aches, and vomiting. In general, it is a curable disease, but without treatment it can lead to more serious problems and can sometimes be fatal.
To help prevent malaria, avoid mosquitoes from dusk to dawn as that’s when they’re most actively feeding. Use insect repellent with DEET and wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing in the evening. Also, there are medications available that can help protect against malaria and some can even be started just days prior to departure.
When planning a trip, Canadians should always make time to visit their family physician or a travel health specialist prior to departure. They can give advice on whether the planned destination poses a risk of malaria and if so, what preventative measures should be taken.
www.newscanada.com
Related posts:
- Say “I don’t” to travel diseases at destination weddings
- Ask the expert: Stop malaria from causing mayhem on your next vacation
- Sand, sea, sun… malaria?
- Malaria: One Bite is all it takes
- Not Bugged by Malaria? You should be
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