Travel tips to heed with flu season nearing

As Canadians make their holiday travel plans, cold and flu season remains just around the corner. Getting sick can put a damper on celebrations, to which anyone who has been ill in the winter months can attest. It can also impact their vacation itinerary.

"The risk of catching the flu increases between the months of October through April and can result in an unexpected change in travel plans," said Martha Turnbull, head of travel claims for RBC Insurance. "That's why Canadians should take the time to better understand their travel insurance coverage so the flu doesn't delay or cancel their trip altogether."

According to a recent survey conducted by the RBC, just 51 per cent of Canadians said they understood what their travel insurance did and did not cover prior to leaving for their trip. Turnbull offers several recommendations for individuals who may be leaving the country this holiday so that their travel plans go as smoothly as possible.

For instance, prior to leaving, Turnbull says taking care of immunizations should be a top priority. This includes making sure medical forms are up to date and knowing what immunizations are required for various countries. For instance, because some diseases are more prevalent in particular countries, travellers may need to be vaccinated prior to leaving. Some of these vaccines may require more than one dose or take several weeks for the protective benefits to go into effect, so planning ahead is crucial.

Should travellers feel ill in the days leading up to their departure, Turnbull says it's crucial for them to get in touch with their health care provider. They should then detail their condition with their doctors so they can know whether their condition presents a health risk to themselves or others they may come into contact with.

In addition to a primary care physician, Turnbull says travellers should also contact their insurer so that they can know what treatments are covered if their condition worsens in a foreign country. 

If travellers have no health or illness issues on the day of departure, Turnbull says they should still take precautions to avoid contracting something that's contagious. This includes washing hands thoroughly and using hand sanitizer regularly, particularly after handling things in public areas, such as door knobs, and restroom facilities.

Health Canada estimates that between 10 and 25 per cent of Canadians contract the flu each year, with many developing severe complications.