Travel Health: advice not to spoil your holiday in the South

Almost all travelers committed at least recklessly can make patients during the first 72 hours of arrival in a sunny destination. "No less than 98% of travelers consume food or water may be added diarrhea, hepatitis A or typhoid fever in the vacation package they were offered," said Dr. Dominique Tessier, medical director Clinic Medisys Travel Health. According to her, many travelers are already aware of the risk of being infected in the tropics, but many are unaware that it is recommended to be vaccinated "even when they are about to leave," she says . Attention to food and water It is mainly through food and water (in all its forms) that can be achieved in the Traveler's diarrhea or hepatitis A, when you are on vacation. And it would be difficult to avoid completely the risks, if only because he must eat and drink, and festive spirit that is often at the appointment ... "The welcome cocktail are offered on arrival at the hotel is a good example of what to avoid if one believes that it contains ice or if it is made with fresh fruit illustrates Dr. Tessier. Case of wine, beer or a drink without ice, you are safe. "
Beware of preconceptions It is not only because they are reckless that travelers are at risk. Some have preconceived ideas die hard. "The managers of tourist sites and travel agents suggest that the hotels of four or five stars provide filtered drinking water, warns Dr. Tessier. But even filtered water is not without risk. " Other people also believe that fruits and vegetables are fresher or better in the South. "The raw foods pose any problem because we can not wash properly. They may involve a serious risk of transmission of all kinds of infections, including the bacterium E. coli and salmonella, "she says. Furthermore, it should also be wary of other passengers, which, according to the specialist infection, may be responsible for the contamination of food in the buffet spread. Countries more at risk than others? It should be noted that Mexico and the Dominican Republic have a high risk of diarrhea in travelers or in excess of 60%, "even under the best conditions," says Dr. Tessier. Therefore it is strongly recommended to be vaccinated several weeks before departure. To learn more about the immunization of travelers, see our article: Travel: Have you considered the vaccines? In Cuba, the risk of contracting hepatitis A or diarrhea is approximately 40%. "It's still quite significant and it may require you to spend one or two days in bed," says Dominique Tessier.