In addition to our comprehensive travel vaccines and consultation, we provide non-travel related vaccinations such as those for routine immunizations, individuals who do not have access to a family physician, vaccines for recent immigrants as well as more. We offer full services and counselling regarding travel immunization practises in countries all around the world. The current non-travel vaccines that we offer are: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Influenza (Flu), Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Pneumoccocal, Polio, Shingles, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertusis (Tdap), TB Skin Testing, and Varicella (Chickenpox).
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): Human Papilloma Virus is the most common sexually transmitted disease, and affects nearly all sexually active people at some point in their lives. There are a variety of types of HPV, and most are harmless, while some can cause genital warts or lead to cancer if left untreated. HPV is spread by vaginal, oral or anal sex with anyone who has the virus. This disease is preventable and most sources recommend vaccination at the ages of 10-12. The vaccine lessens and prevents the spread of HPV and cancers caused by it, as well as lessens the likelihood of contraction. For more information about HPV, please visit this page.
Influenza (Flu): Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the flu virus. It’s spread by coughing and sneezing, and can also be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces. Symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, tiredness. The flu may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Children, elders and people with compromised immune systems are at risk of serious complications such as pneumonia, sinus and ear infections, dehydration and even death. The flu is common throughout the world, with flu seasons usually lasting for a few months depending on the hemisphere of the world you live in. In tropical areas the flu can be spread year round. While this disease is generally not deadly, it is uncomfortable and highly contagious, which is why yearly flu shots are essential to preventing contraction. For more information about the Influenza, please visit this page.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) This vaccine prevents measles, mumps and rubella, and is a necessity before any travel if you have not been previously immunized. While this vaccine is common in Canada, you should check your record as measles outbreaks have been common in Europe in the last decade. Protect yourself from these three annoying viruses, which have the capacity to ruin your trip. For more information about the MMR, please visit this page.
Pneumococcal Diseases: Pneumococcal bacteria cause a number of illnesses including pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, meningitis, and bacteremia. This bacteria is spread through close contact with an infected person, and coughing and sneezing. Symptoms depend on the area of the body that is infected, but will generally include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, chest pain ear pain, joint pain, sleeplessness and irritability. In severe cases where persons with compromised immune systems are infected, or the illness is not treated, serious complications can occur. Pneumococcal disease occurs around the world, and travellers are at heightened risk if travelling to developing areas with crowded settings, or areas where vaccination against pneumococcal infections is not commonly used. For more information about Pneumococcal diseases, please visit this page.
Polio: Polio is a disease caused by a virus that affects the nervous system, and is usually spread by person to person contact, and rarely in drinking water or food. Most people with polio do not experience symptoms and recover completely, while some may have symptoms such as fever, tiredness, nausea, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, muscle stiffness, pain in arms and legs. In serious cases Polio causes loss of muscle control and even death. It’s been eradicated from all but Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan, with rare occurrences spread from these countries. For more information about Polio diseases, please visit this page.
Shingles: Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes Chickenpox. After you’ve had Chickenpox, the virus will lay inactive in nerve tissue you’re your spinal cord or brain, and may re-activate and cause shingles. This is most common in unimmunized older adults and people with lowered immune systems. The primary symptom of shingles is a painful rash, but it can be accompanied by fever, headache and blistering. The best way to protect yourself against shingles is to get vaccinated against Varicella. Shingles is contagious and may spread the chicken pox infection to anyone who has not been vaccinated or is not immune, so it is recommended that you prevent the spread of the virus by staying away from others. For more information about Shingles, please visit this page.
TB Skin Testing (Tuberculosis): TB is a disease caused by a bacteria affecting the lungs, but it can occur anywhere in the body. It’s spread through the air when an infected person coughs, speaks, sneezes or exhales. Not everyone infected becomes sick, and TB generally produces severe symptoms including a long-lasting cough, pain in the chest, coughing up blood or sputum, fever, weakness, weight loss, chills, swearing, lack of appetite, tiredness. TB occurs throughout the world and is most often found in areas of Sub-Saharan Africa, Central America and South America. Nearly 1.5 TB related deaths occur every year, making this a serious infection. While there is a vaccine for TB, it has limited efficacy in prevention, which is why the best means of prevention is avoidance of areas where TB is prevalent, and regular skin testing for the disease after travels. For more information about Tuberculosis diseases, please visit this page.
Tetanus: Tetanus is an illness that can occur in non-immunized people after an injury with a contaminated object. The bacteria that causes tetanus is commonly found in soil and can get into the body from any kind of break in the skin. Tetanus causes muscle tightening, stiffness, lock-jaw, trouble swallowing, seizures, fever and high blood pressure. 10-20% of cases are fatal, even when treated. This illness affects the entire world and while international travel doesn’t necessarily affect the risk, people who are doing humanitarian work, construction, demolition and other labour are at higher risk, especially in developing countries. Immunization is the only way to fully prevent tetanus. For more information on Tetanus, please visit this page.
Diphtheria: Diphtheria is an illness spread through soughing, sneezing and skin sore contact. It is prevalent in developing countries and rural areas. Industrialized countries have low occurrences due to the availability of vaccination. Symptoms of diphtheria include fever, sore throat, neck swelling, skin sores and a thick coat in nose and throat. In severe cases the heart and nerves can swell, and trouble breathing may occur. Diphtheria has a lethality rate of 5-10% in cases with breathing issues. For more information of Diphtheria, please visit this page.
Pertussis: Pertussis, or “whooping cough,” is a contagious disease spread through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms of pertussis are similar to a cold and include runny nose, fever, cough, with later symptoms escalating to pause in breathing, fits of rapid coughs, high pitched “whoop,” vomiting and exhaustion. This disease is most serious for babies and small children. Pertussis is commonly vaccinated against, and the vaccine is routinely administered in most countries. Despite this, it continues to occur in around the world due to lack of vaccination. Unvaccinated travellers through developing countries are particularly at risk. For more information about Pertussis, please visit this page.
Varicella (Chickenpox): Chickenpox or Varicella is a disease which is generally seen in children, and is notable for pox, or spots on skin accompanying infection. This disease is more severe in adults, and for this reason adults who have not had Chicken Pox as a child require vaccination. Symptoms of Chicken Pox include rash-like spots, fever, headache and general feelings of illness. The spots and symptoms usually occur after 10-21 days from first contraction, and last for 5-10 days. The spots go through 3 stages, going from small raised pink or red bumps (papules) to small, fluid filled blisters formed over the bumps a day before breaking and leaking, and then crusts and scabs which may take a few days to heal. Most at risk for contracting chicken pox are those who haven’t had it as a child, as a second occurrence is very rare, or those who have not been vaccinated. For more information about Varicella, please visit this page.
References:
Centre of Disease Control and Prevention (2013). Traveler’s health. Retrieved from: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases
Government of Canada (2017). Vaccination. Retrieved from: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/vaccines
Mayo Clinic (2017). Diseases and conditions. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions
If you require any information about communicable diseases and safety standards in your region, as well as anywhere around the world, we offer a complete and up to date knowledge of medical practises, vaccine necessity and medical safety.
ABC Travel Clinic ensures that you can travel with peace of mind, and without fear for your health. For travel and non-travel related healthcare and vaccinations, medication and medical guidelines, visit us today or give us a call. Book an appointment with ABC Travel Clinic to discuss vaccines, prescriptions, medication and safety. Make sure your upcoming trip will be a good one, and book your consultation today. For more information about our clinic, send us an email or give us a call anytime! To learn more about travel destinations, associated risks, vaccines and medications, browse our website. Remember to be safe during your upcoming vacation, and book your travel consultation with ABC Travel Clinic today.
Call 647-242-2177 or email us at: info@abctravelclinic.ca
