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North America
North America is a very big place with a multitude of wonders, ancient and modern, as well as natural and cosmopolitan. With its diverse range of climates and ecosystems, the continent holds endless delights. Although you wont experience too many unusual health hazards, there are a few things to know--depending on where you go, of course.
Enjoying your trip to its fullest always involves some amount of preparation and knowledge, so to make your planning easier weve put together some basic information outlining the general risks you might face in North America. Consult the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the most up-to-date information on current health risks, and ask your physician about the best courses of vaccinations for the area youre visiting.
Canada and the United States:
Active adventures are ever-popular vacations in awe-inspiring national parks and beyond. If youre planning on trekking, skiing, river rafting, or just camping out, there are a few things to be prepared for. First and foremost, always drink plenty of water, especially when engaging in strenuous activity. Insects seem to have a knack for targeting happy campers, so bringing along some insect repellent would be smart. Mosquitoes are particularly attracted to moisture, so watch out for these pests when engaging in river or coastal activities. Ticks are widespread in North America (particularly in the Eastern region), and their bites can often be fatal if left undetected or untreated. If youre spending time in the woods, wear pants tucked into socks, as well as long sleeves, to insure full protection from these tiny bugs. For more information on ticks and other pests, read our Creepy, Crawly Critters tip. Rabies is also a risk, so avoid provoking stray dogs or other animals which tend to carry the disease. If you get bitten, seek medical attention immediately; if you know youll be in a place where exposure to rabid animals is inevitable, consider getting a rabies vaccination prior to your trip.
If youre planning a high-elevation vacation, beware of the unpleasant effects of altitude sickness. Unfortunately theres no way to prevent altitude sickness, but it can be easily remedied by following a few simple steps. To find out more about this affliction, read our How to Avoid Altitude Sickness tip.
You arent likely to catch any dangerous diseases in either country, but AIDS is very present in North America, so exercise the same safe-sex practices you would at home. Note that HIV-positive visitors to the U.S. must apply at the Embassy for a waiver of ineligibility before entry.
Unless a foreign visitor is coming from an area known to be plagued by an epidemic (particularly yellow fever or cholera), immunizations are not required for entry into the U.S.; none are required for Canada. If you have a disease that requires treatment with narcotics or syringe-administered medications, carry a valid, signed prescription from your doctor to clear any suspicions that you may be smuggling narcotics.
Mexico:
Mexico is a hot place, and the sun is fairly strong. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated, apply lots of sunscreen (at least 15 SPF), and wear protective gear to shield your skin from brutal rays.
Travelers to certain regions of Mexico occasionally experience altitude sickness. This malady is common at elevations over 5,000 feet; note that Mexico City stands at an elevation of more than 7,000 feet, as do other central and southern cities. To learn more about altitude sickness, read our How to Avoid Altitude Sickness tip. Smog and air pollution are also concerns in Mexico City; levels of pollution are greatest between December and May. Bring a bandana, scarf, or lightweight dust-proof mask to shield your nose and mouth from fumes.
Mosquitoes and gnats prevail along the coast and in the Yucatán lowlands. Insect repellent is a must-bring--make sure to bring repellent that contains DEET. Covering up and sleeping under mosquito netting are also effective means of protection. Malaria is a risk in certain parts of rural Mexico. Consult WHOs malaria zone map for up-to-date information on high-risk areas. If youll be visiting these areas, consult your doctor several months before your trip to determine an adequate course of malaria medication. Dengue fever has also been reported in Mexico in recent years, so gearing up against mosquitoes would be prudent.
Scorpions are rarely encountered, but if by chance you get bitten, seek medical attention immediately. Rabies is present in Mexico, so avoid contact with stray dogs and other potentially rabid animals. Avoid swimming in stagnant water (ponds, slow-moving rivers, or wells) and freshwater sources to avoid water-borne infections such as schistosomiasis. Leishmaniasis also occurs. If you stick to the tourist route and dont eat street food, you shouldnt have to worry about contracting tropical diseases. However, diseases reported in the country include cholera, hepatitis A, typhoid, polio, and tetanus--you may want to get vaccinated for those if youre concerned. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers over six months old coming from infected areas.
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