Europe

SAFEGUARDING YOUR HEALTH

Planning an unforgettable adventure to Europe?

From exploring the historic cities of Rome to relaxing on the stunning beaches of the Mediterranean, Europe offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers. However, before setting off on your journey, it's important to prioritize your health and safety. Vaccinations are a crucial part of travel preparation, ensuring you are protected against potential diseases. In this comprehensive blog post, we will guide you through the recommended vaccinations for travel to Europe, drawing on information from reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and travel health experts.

Schedule a health consultation with a travel health clinic or your healthcare provider at least 4-6 weeks before your departure date to ensure there's enough time for your vaccines to take effect and for you to complete any multi-dose vaccine series. These healthcare professionals can provide personalized advice based on your specific travel plans and medical history.

Our Specializations

At Amani, we specialize in travel consultations and travel vaccinations. Our travel health specialists will assess your individual situation, inform you of the health risks and preventive measures associated with your destination, and provide you with personalized vaccination and medication recommendations to ensure your health and well-being during your travels.

Before travelling, we recommend you speak to one of our travel vaccine specialists.

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MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES

Europe is known for its diverse landscapes and varying climates, which unfortunately can also provide a suitable environment for various mosquito-borne diseases. Here are some of the most common mosquito-borne illnesses in the region.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It can cause symptoms such as fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure for Chikungunya, however in Canada is is only approved for individuals 18 years of age and older.

West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Although there are no specific vaccines available in Canada, prevention through mosquito bite avoidance is crucial. Use insect repellents, wear protective clothing, and stay in accommodations with air conditioning or screened windows.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, intense pain behind your eyes, nausea and vomiting, and muscle and bone pain. Although there are no specific vaccines available in Canada, prevention through mosquito bite avoidance is crucial. Use insect repellents, wear protective clothing, and stay in accommodations with air conditioning or screened windows.

Zika Virus

Zika virus gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential link to birth defects in babies born to infected mothers. It is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites. Symptoms include rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise and headache. Pregnant women, and those planning to conceive, should take extra precautions and consider postponing their trip to areas with active Zika transmission.

WATER AND FOOD-BORNE DISEASES

Contaminated food and water can pose significant health risks during your travels. Here are a few common water and foodborne diseases to be aware of the following.

Traveler's Diarrhea and Cholera

Traveler's diarrhea is a common ailment caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Fortunately, traveler's diarrhea usually isn't serious in most people, although it can lead to dehydration and hospitalization if it's severe. To minimize the risk, stick to bottled or purified water, avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods, and practice good hand hygiene. You can also take the Dukoral vaccine to prevent traveler's diarrhea symptoms and an antibiotic to take with you in case severe symptoms do develop.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. You're most likely to get hepatitis A from contaminated food or water. The virus is one of several types of hepatitis viruses that cause liver inflammation and affect your liver's ability to function. Symptoms include unusual tiredness and weakness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal pain or discomfort, clay- or gray-colored stool loss of appetite, fever, dark urine, joint pain, jaundice, and intense itching. Vaccination is highly recommended for travelers to Europe, as it provides long-term protection against the disease.

OTHER HEALTH CONCERNS

In addition to mosquito-borne and food-borne diseases, there are other health risks to consider.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B is spread through blood and bodily fluids. For most people, hepatitis B is short term, also called acute. Acute hepatitis B lasts less than six months. But for others, the infection lasts more than six months and is called chronic. Chronic hepatitis B raises the risk of liver failure, liver cancer and serious scarring of the liver called cirrhosis. Vaccination is highly recommended for travelers as it provides lifelong protection against the disease.

Rabies

Rabies is an illness you get from an infection with the RABV virus. It causes symptoms like seizures, hallucinations and paralysis. The most common way to get rabies is through bat or dog bites. It can be a risk for travelers involved in outdoor activities or those visiting remote areas where contact with these animals are possible. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for adventure travelers, cavers, or those who will be in close proximity to wildlife. Rabies is preventable if you’re vaccinated quickly after exposure. Once symptoms start, rabies is fatal.

Influenza

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause severe complications, especially among vulnerable populations. Different countries have different transmission seasons. By getting vaccinated against seasonal influenza, you protect yourself and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.

Altitude Sickness

If you plan to visit high-altitude regions above 2400 meters, be aware of the risk of altitude sickness. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and avoid excessive physical exertion to allow your body to acclimate properly. You can get a prescription called Diamox to prevent or lessen the symptoms related to mountain sickness in climbers attempting rapid ascent and in those experiencing mountain sickness despite gradual ascent

Sun Exposure

Europe boasts beautiful sunny destinations, but prolonged sun exposure can lead to sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. Protect yourself by wearing sunscreen with a high SPF, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. If you are applying both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply them 30 minutes apart. Both are effective and safe when used separately, but if combined, problems can arise. Some studies showed a more than 30 percent reduction in SPF when they were applied at the same time. What’s more, sunscreens enhance absorption of insect repellent into the skin, potentially increasing toxicity — especially in children.

Routine Vaccines

All routine vaccinations, including MMR, Tdap, and varicella should be up-to-date prior to travel.

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL HEALTH CONSULTATION

Travel health goes beyond just vaccines. Staying healthy while you're on your trip means being aware of all risks and how to be as prepared as possible.

During your consult, Amani Health Services practitioners will:

Assess your needs based on where you plan to travel and your planned activities.
Review your travel itinerary, vaccination history, medical conditions, allergies and current medications and advise you accordingly.
Provide you with a detailed risk assessment regarding your international travel including accommodation, trip activities and trip-related health concerns.
Make recommendations for travel vaccines to ensure adequate protection against preventable travel diseases using the Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel (CATMAT), WHO, and CDC recommendations.
Our clinics use the Shoreland Travax, a premiere clinical decision support tool that assists them in making decisions from the clearest independent researched risk-mitigation recommendation available.