John Cletheroe's
USA and Canada Holiday Hints
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Safety Considerations for a US/Canadian Holiday - Medical Concerns
Introduction
If you're going to need medical attention while on holiday then the USA or Canada are probably two of the best countries in world in which for this to happen.
However, you do need to ensure that you have adequate insurance cover.
Insect Bites
Although unpleasant, insect bites are not normally dangerous. They are almost inevitable in wet and marshy areas. Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario is notorious for its mosquitoes, at least in summer.
Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease received a great deal of publicity in the USA and Canada a few years ago. It is an infectious disease transmitted by the deer tick. It usually begins with flu-like symptoms, sometimes accompanied by a characteristic rash. If not treated in the early stages, the majority of patients will develop arthritis within two weeks to two months after the first symptoms. Bouts of arthritis may persist for weeks, months or even years. Meningitis may also occur. The name came from the disease being first recognised in 1975 in Lyme, Connecticut in 1975. I am not aware of how high a risk Lyme Diseases currently poses, which areas of the USA and Canada are affected, or if any precautions can be taken.
Snake Bites
America has poisonous snakes including rattlesnakes. If you are bitten by a snake then seek medical attention immediately.
Wild Animal Bites
Bites from wild animals can often cause infections. If you are bitten, seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is one excellent reason for never feeding wild animals - there are others such as not reducing their ability to hunt for themselves.
Safety
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Most recently modified 26-Mar-01