Page 56 - Dreamscapes Magazine | Winter/Spring 2025

One of the keys to avoiding diarrhea during
travel, Haggerty says, is being mindful of what you
eat and drink. “Stick to bottled water, avoid ice
made from tap water, and be cautious with raw or
undercooked foods.”
For extra protection, she adds, there’s an easy-
to-take oral vaccine that can help to prevent diarrhea
caused by a particular strain of bacteria producing
a heat-sensitive toxin (called heat-labile toxin-
producing enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli [or
LT-producing ETEC]) as well as cholera, another
bacterial infection of the digestive tract.
Don’t Ignore Influenza
Given its prevalence in Canada, it’s easy to forget
that the flu can still be a concern in paradise. Flu
viruses are highly contagious and affect less than
10 percent of the global population annually,
according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Since flu season peaks during the colder months,
it’s important to remember that you might be
exposed to the virus before you even arrive at your
destination.
The best precautions, Haggerty says, involve
“getting your flu shot before you travel, practising
good hand hygiene, especially in airports and
during flights, and looking after yourself before
your trip. If you’re exhausted and run down before
your vacation, your immune system suffers and
you can pick up germs more easily.”
Spraying Away Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
Canadians are no strangers to mosquitoes, but unlike their northern
cousins, tropical mosquitoes can transmit diseases like Japanese
encephalitis, dengue, Zika and chikungunya.
Every year, approximately seven million Canadians travel to
countries where chikungunya has been reported. Chikungunya has
recently emerged as a disease of particular concern. WHO reports that
the virus has caused outbreaks in over 60 countries across Asia,
Africa, Europe and the Americas. While chikungunya is rarely fatal,
“it can cause fever and severe joint pain that may last weeks or even
years,” Haggerty says, adding that “when the virus does cause an
outbreak, it causes a big outbreak.”
Haggerty recommends using a mosquito repellent containing
DEET or a similarly potent ingredient, and wearing light, long-
sleeved clothing to reduce your chances of being bitten. A vaccine to
help protect against chikungunya is now available, offering an extra
layer of protection.
Some mosquito species feed during the day, others are most active
from dusk to dawn. The mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya and
Zika, for instance, tend to bite during the day, so simply applying
repellent before you head out for a beach stroll can help ensure a
carefree vacation.
DS
TRAVEL PLANNER
For more information on mosquito disease prevention,
see 110trillionreasons.ca
56
DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2025
PHOTOS: OLIVER SJÖSTRÖM/PEXELS | TARYN ELLIOTT/PEXELS