With global travel on the rise and rising temperatures, increasing mosquito-born disease risks, travelers are more vulnerable than ever to illnesses like Chikungunya, Dengue, Zika, and Malaria. As trusted healthcare professionals, pharmacists play a crucial role in educating patients on prevention strategies, vaccine options, and disease management to ensure safe travel. Early travel health consultations are key to reducing infection risks and promoting proactive protection.
🛡️ Essential Travel Health Tips
1️⃣ Use Effective Insect Repellents
✔️ Recommend DEET (≥ 30%), Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
✔️ Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent for maximum protection.
2️⃣ Wear Protective Clothing
✔️ Encourage light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
✔️ Recommend permethrin-treated clothing for added protection.
3️⃣ Stay in Safe Accommodations
✔️ Opt for air-conditioned rooms or mosquito nets.
✔️ Ensure window screens and door seals are intact.
4️⃣ Prevent Mosquito Bleeding
✔️ Remove standing water around living areas.
✔️ Keep water containers covered to prevent mosquito bleeding.
4️⃣ Consider Vaccination & Preventative Medications
✔️ Chikungunya Vaccine – Single-dose vaccine (IXCHIQ®) approved by Health Canada.
✔️ Dengue Vaccine – Not currently available in Canada.
✔️ Malaria Prophylaxis – Depending on the travel destination, recommend appropriate antimalarial medications such as atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine.
By empowering travelers with proactive health strategies, HCPs can play a pivotal role in reducing the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses and promoting safer global travel.
📌 More Travel Health Resources
- Travel Health Xpert: www.travelhealthxpert.com
- CDC Travel Health: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel