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CDC - Announcement London 2012: Olympics and Paralympic Games

sharon sanders

sharon sanders

Editor-in-Chief & President
Announcement
London 2012: Olympic and Paralympic Games

In just a few weeks, the world will watch as athletes from around the globe compete for Olympic and Paralympic gold, silver, and bronze medals. If you are one of the millions of people who will travel to the United Kingdom (UK) to watch the Games firsthand, make sure you remember your good travel sense. In many ways, travel to and throughout the UK is similar to travel in the United States when it comes to health and safety. However, the expected crowds in the host city increase your risk of illness and injury.
Be prepared and practice the smart safety and health habits you normally would at home, so your Olympic and Paralympic memories are about the competitions and sites?not your illnesses or injuries.
Before you board that plane?.


  • Make sure you are up to date on your routine vaccines. Most people get these before they start school. The vaccine that protects against measles is especially important. There?s a large measles outbreak in Europe, and a lot of unvaccinated American travelers were infected with measles in 2011.
  • Check the extent of your medical insurance coverage outside the United States. If necessary, purchase medical travel insurance to cover unexpected health services while in the UK.
  • Familiarize yourself with the operation of the United Kingdom?s health services. In particular, if you have a life-threatening emergency or need an ambulance, dial 999 or 112 (not 911). Urgent medical care facilities?where you?d go for an injury like a broken bone?are called Accident and Emergency Departments or A&Es.

    Pharmacist (known as chemists in the UK) can offer advice on minor illnesses and injuries. You can learn more about accessing medical care in London by visiting National Health Service (NHS) Direct.
  • Speak like a Londoner. You may not need a translation guide to get around the city, but knowing some common British terms may help you get the medical advice and care you need.
  • Register with the Department of State?s STEP program. This program can assist you in the event of an emergency abroad.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you don?t have soap, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes.
  • Protect yourself from the sun. Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, a hat or head covering, and sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Drink and eat regularly to stay hydrated.
  • Practice healthy behaviors. If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. Do not drive if you have been drinking. Use latex condoms if you have sex, and make sure equipment used for tattoos and piercings is clean.
  • Stay alert, especially in crowds. Choose a place to meet if you get separated from your group. Travel with a friend or group rather than going out alone.
  • Exercise caution when traveling in the UK. Wear a helmet when you ride a bike or motorcycle and be careful crossing the street; make sure you look for oncoming traffic from both directions of the street. If traveling by car, use a seatbelt and remember Europeans drive on the left side of the road.
  • Follow local laws and customs as well as Olympic and Paralympic Games security regulations.
  • Make a photocopy of your passport to carry with you at all times.
When You Get Home?

Relax! Hopefully your trip included fun and excitement, but if illness and injury were also a part of your trip, make sure you follow up with a health care provider. Be sure to share the details of your itinerary and activities with your provider.
More Information





http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/news-announcements/london-2012-olympic-and-paralympic-games.htm
 
Re: CDC - Announcement London 2012: Olympics and Paralympic Games

Digital Press Kit

Traveler's Health: 2012 London Olympics

CDC wants your travel experience to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games in London this summer to be healthy, safe, and memorable.

  • Make sure you are up to date on your routine vaccines, including measles. In 2011, some U.S. residents who traveled abroad got measles. When they returned to the U.S. they caused 17 measles outbreaks in various communities. To read more about measles in Europe see, the measles outbreak notice.
  • Learn how to access medical and emergency care in London, before you go. In the event of a serious illness or injury call 999, not 911. For minor illnesses and injuries, visit a pharmacy or walk-in center ?no appointment is necessary.
  • Look right, look left, and look right again to avoid stepping into the path of traffic. In England, people drive on the left side of the road, not the right. Your safety is important. Road traffic is one of the leading causes of injury death to U.S. travelers in foreign countries.
Talk with your doctor about how to stay healthy and safe before, during, and after your trip to the summer Olympics and Paralympics in London. Selected Quotes
?You need more than your passport to travel to major events like the Olympic Games. Crowds, new surroundings, and a ?vacation? mentality can lead to illness or injury, which can ruin your trip. London is like a major American city in many respects, but that doesn?t mean travelers should forget their common sense. With a little education and preparation, travelers can enjoy the Games, the country and great health.?
-Gary Brunette, MD, Branch Chief, CDC Travelers? Health
?Before you go, it?s important to know if you?re protected against measles since there have been outbreaks in Europe and the UK. You are considered to be immune to measles if you were born in the U.S. before 1957 or have evidence from a doctor that you had measles. If not immune, make sure you get vaccinated before you travel to protect your own health and your community from this severe and potentially deadly disease.?
? Phyllis Kozarsky, MD, Travel Medicine Expert
?It's important to make a plan for your health before you travel. The National Health Service in England has great health resources for Olympic visitors that can help you learn how to find health care if you need it while in the UK. Visit Health Services in England to learn more.?
?Kelly Holton, Lead Health Communicator, CDC Travelers? Health
Related Links
2012 Olympics


CDC Healthy Travel



CDC works 24/7 saving lives and protecting people from health threats to have a more secure nation. Whether these threats are chronic or acute, manmade or natural, human error or deliberate attack, global or domestic, CDC is the U.S. health protection agency.


http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2012/dpk0713-olympic-travel.html
 
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