WECHU offers tips to prevent sickness during March Break travel

A Canadian passport sits on a suitcase in Ottawa on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) is offering some tips to prevent getting sick while travelling over March Break.

It is strongly recommending you ensure you’re up to date with vaccines before travelling, as if you’re not fully vaccinated, you are more at risk.

“Prevention starts with information preparation,” said Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, Medical Officer of Health.

The health unit added that you should talk to a healthcare provider before an international trip and ensure you have needed shots for your destination.

Most illnesses are from eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated drinks, WECHU said. Keep the following tips in mind:

• Only eat foods that are well cooked and served hot
• Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it
• When unsure if local water is safe to drink, drink water from sealed bottles
• Wash your hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol

More information on immunizations are available here and more information on travelling health is available here.