sharon sanders
Editor-in-Chief & President
Announcement
Stay safe and healthy during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Vancouver
This information is current as of today, January 29, 2010 at 15:08 EST
Released: January 29, 2010
On February 12, the 21st Winter Olympic Games will commence in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Tens of thousands of athletes, trainers, staff, and spectators are expected to attend the Olympic Games and then the Paralympic Games, which begin March 14.
To help you and others attending the games stay safe and healthy, CDC has travel health information and tips to share.
Important Health Information
If you are traveling to Canada for the Olympics, you can expect large crowds in many places throughout the city, including the opening and closing ceremonies and event venues. This overcrowding may lead to an increased risk of accidental injury and infectious diseases, such as influenza (including 2009 H1N1 flu) and other diseases that spread easily from person to person.
Follow these tips to protect your health:
Get vaccinated.
Low temperatures, wind, and sun exposure are major health hazards for travel to Canada.
Hypothermia and frostbite are two of the most common cold climate-related conditions.
A person is considered to have hypothermia when his or her core body temperature drops below 95? F. Symptoms include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory problems, drowsiness, and slurred speech.
Tissue damage that occurs on the skin as a direct result of freezing is called frostbite. Frostbitten skin initially appears red and feels painful. Left untreated, the skin will turn white or grayish and feel firm, waxy or numb. Once a frostbite injury happens, little can be done to reverse the damage.
To avoid these and other cold-weather related injuries:
To learn more information about flu, cold weather-related injuries, and travel to Canada, visit:
Stay safe and healthy during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Vancouver
This information is current as of today, January 29, 2010 at 15:08 EST
Released: January 29, 2010
On February 12, the 21st Winter Olympic Games will commence in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Tens of thousands of athletes, trainers, staff, and spectators are expected to attend the Olympic Games and then the Paralympic Games, which begin March 14.
To help you and others attending the games stay safe and healthy, CDC has travel health information and tips to share.
Important Health Information
If you are traveling to Canada for the Olympics, you can expect large crowds in many places throughout the city, including the opening and closing ceremonies and event venues. This overcrowding may lead to an increased risk of accidental injury and infectious diseases, such as influenza (including 2009 H1N1 flu) and other diseases that spread easily from person to person.
Follow these tips to protect your health:
Get vaccinated.
- CDC strongly urges you and your travel companions to get up to date on all routine vaccinations. If you are unsure about what health precautions you should consider for your trip, it is best to check with your primary healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can talk with you about any vaccines, medications, or other health information you might need to stay healthy.
- All travelers are urged to get a yearly flu vaccine to protect against seasonal influenza. In addition, CDC recommends that you receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. Learn more about the flu vaccine by reading Key Facts about Seasonal Flu Vaccine.
- Only travel when you are well. If you are experiencing symptoms of flu or if you feel feverish, it may be best to postpone your trip until you are well. Symptoms of flu (including 2009 H1N1 flu) include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available and your hands do not look dirty, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing by washing them with soap and water (or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available).
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Low temperatures, wind, and sun exposure are major health hazards for travel to Canada.
Hypothermia and frostbite are two of the most common cold climate-related conditions.
A person is considered to have hypothermia when his or her core body temperature drops below 95? F. Symptoms include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory problems, drowsiness, and slurred speech.
Tissue damage that occurs on the skin as a direct result of freezing is called frostbite. Frostbitten skin initially appears red and feels painful. Left untreated, the skin will turn white or grayish and feel firm, waxy or numb. Once a frostbite injury happens, little can be done to reverse the damage.
To avoid these and other cold-weather related injuries:
- Wear proper outdoor attire such as multiple layers of light, warm clothing; mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots.
- Try to stay in facilities that are properly heated.
- Be aware of the wind chill factor, which makes the air seem colder than the actual temperature.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you are with experiences any symptoms of hyperthermia or frostbite.
- Although the temperatures may be cool, sun and wind can still impact your health and safety.
- Wear sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection.
- Wear protective clothing to shield your face and eyes from wind.
- Avoid engaging in sexual behaviors that might place you at risk for sexually transmitted diseases. Use latex condoms if you have sex; see Sexually Transmitted Diseases link www.cdc.gov/std.
- To prevent infections such as HIV and hepatitis B, avoid receiving tattoos, piercings, or injections.
- Monitor alcohol consumption carefully. Alcohol is a major cause of road traffic injuries and can increase your risk of hypothermia. Remember the basics of safe driving too: wear seatbelts, maintain the speed limit, and avoid distractions.
- Register with the State Department's travel registration Web site so the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Canada can contact you in an emergency.
- Make extra copies of your passport and travel documents that you can leave with a family member or friend, as well as details of your travel plans and how to contact you.
- Be sure that you are up to date with all of your routine vaccinations, as well as the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu vaccines.
- Pack health and safety items that you may need on your trip including clothing appropriate for cold weather. See Travelers? Health Kit or Pack Smart on the Travelers? Health website for a complete list of items CDC recommends.
- Make a plan for what to do if you get sick during your trip, including where to go for medical care if you need it. Learn more by visiting Illness and Injury Abroad and Medical Information for Americans Abroad from the U.S. Department of State.
- Check your health insurance plan or get additional insurance that covers medical care in case you become sick or injured while in Canada.
- Make a photocopy of your passport to carry with you at all times.
- Develop plans for where to meet if you become separated from your traveling companions.
- Follow local laws and customs.
- Be careful and stay alert in crowds.
- Carry a cell phone to use in case of an emergency.
- Familiarize yourself with basic first aid so you can self-treat minor injuries should they occur.
- Visit the U.S. Department of State list of doctors/hospitals abroad to identify in-country health-care resources before your trip.
- Register with the U.S. Department of State. This free registration service allows you to submit your contact information during your trip so that a consular officer can contact and assist you in an emergency. See the U.S. Department of State?s Travel Registration site for more information and to register.
- See the Tips for Traveling Abroad page on the U.S. Department of State website for more safety tips.
To learn more information about flu, cold weather-related injuries, and travel to Canada, visit: