Health Canada has recently posted the following travel advisories:
Reports of Gastrointestinal Illness - in the Dominican Republic - Released: January 20, 2005 Click Here for More
AIDS
Click on images below for detailed AIDS facts and prevention information.
Be prepared. Your local Travel Clinic can help you plan for a safe and healthy adventure. What Is It?
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
HIV destroys cells in the body's immune system, crippling the defensive power of the body.
Eighty percent of all HIV-infected people acquire infection through sexual contact.
However, because of economic conditions in some developing countries there is also a significant risk of contracting
HIV infection through blood transfusions and injections with contaminated needles that haven't been properly sterilized.
Where Is It?
AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) are more common in developing countries and
the international traveller should be very cautious about sexual contact.
Prevention Tips
Avoid casual sexual contacts.
Use latex condoms correctly with a vaginal spermicidal jelly for every sexual contact.
Never use needles and syringes used by other people.
Never use another person's razor, shaver or toothbrush.
Don't get tattoos or have any part of your body pierced.
If you need a blood transfusion, try to ensure the donor blood has been tested.
In non-emergency situations, request to be flown home if blood cannot be adequately screened before transfusion.
Available Immunizations
There is currently no immunization available for prevention of AIDS.
To keep yourself safe, avoid casual sexual contacts and never share needles.
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