Travellers can be exposed to all the usual coughs and colds they experience at home, and these are easily treated with over-the counter remedies in most cases.
What respiratory diseases are a problem for travellers?
But there are few more dangerous air-borne diseases that you should be aware of:
- diphtheria
- meningococcal meningitis
- covid
- measles
- pertussis
- TB
- flu
Some of these respiratory conditions are vaccine preventable, and may be covered by your regular vaccine schedule. But if you need catch-up shots for travel, we can help with that.
Other respiratory diseases are harder to avoid. Respiratory diseases are spread by droplets that are coughed or sneezed out by a sick person. You might breathe in the droplets, or you might transfer them to your eyes, nose and mouth via your hands. It’s hard to avoid exposure to respiratory diseases if you are spending time in a crowded space.
You can help reduce the spread of respiratory diseases by cleaning your hands often, and by using good coughing and sneezing etiquette. Some people prefer to wear masks in crowded situations like public transport or at concerts and sporting events.
Poor air quality and smoky, dusty atmospheres can increase the risk of respiratory infections, as can staying in a domestic setting for a homestay, or when visiting friends and family.
Anyone travelling to care for a sick relative should make sure all their vaccines are up to date. If you need last-minute shots for emergency travel, we can help – make a same-day appointment and let the pharmacist know your date of travel.
Which travellers need to get vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis?
If you are visiting Africa during the dry season, the travel health pharmacist might recommend the meningococcal meningitis vaccine.
How can I get travel vaccines for my trip abroad?
Make an appointment with Canadian Travel Clinics six to eight weeks before your departure date.
The travel pharmacist can tell you which vaccines you need to get to protect yourself against respiratory diseases and other illnesses while travelling.
It’s quick and easy to get an appointment at our travel clinic in Ottawa, or at another of our conveniently located travel health centres.
Advice for travellers with long-term respiratory conditions
Travellers with a long-term respiratory condition should mention this at their travel health appointment to get information about specific risks such as altitude, pollution and air quality in the region they will be travelling to. They can take this information to their usual healthcare provider to get tailored advice on managing their condition away from home.
We’ve got some tips for travelers with asthma in this post.
How can I find out more about healthcare at my destination?
Use the Government of Canada’s travel advisories to learn more about what healthcare is available for respiratory conditions at your destination.
We would recommend bringing a few basic over-the-counter meds on your trip. That way you can easily treat coughs, colds and fevers and you won’t have to go hunting around for a pharmacy when you’d be better off resting and recovering.
You can also ask for information about local healthcare at your travel health appointment. Remember to book an appointment with a travel health practitioner six to eight weeks before your departure.