If you’re heading to Tenerife or Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands (part of Spain) and have questions about protecting your health, you’ve come to the right place.
An appointment with a travel health nurse six to eight weeks before you leave will help you make the right choices on and before your vacation to the Canaries.
Do I need a hepatitis A shot before I go to Lanzarote?
Your travel health advisor may recommend a hepatitis A shot for your trip to the Canaries. Hepatitis A is contracted through contaminated food and water. The tap water is generally safe to drink in the Canary Islands. It’s desalinated, so it may taste a bit different from the water at home. And of course you should take normal food safety precautions during your stay in the Canary Islands.
Do I get a hepatitis B vaccination before I go to Spain?
Some groups of travellers should protect themselves against hepatitis B by getting vaccinated against this blood-borne virus. Your travel health advisor will ask you some questions about your lifestyle and the activities you have planned on your vacation. It’s important to be honest in your answers, because that will help your advisor make a proper risk assessment. Don’t worry, discretion is assured. And our nurses have heard it all before – and probably worse!
Should I get vaccinated against rabies for a trip to the Canary Islands
Rabies is present in bats on the Canary Islands, but the rabies shot will not be recommended for most travellers. But tell your travel health nurse what you have planned during your trip, as certain activities might increase your risk of exposure to rabies.
Are your routine vaccinations up to date?
One of the best things you can do to protect your health while travelling is to ensure that your routine shots are all up to date. Ask your usual healthcare provider if you are unsure. And if you need any catch-up injections, we at Canadian Travel Clinics can help with that.
Sun safety in the Canary Islands
The average day temperature in the Canaries in February and March is around 21°C, so it may be warmer and sunnier than you are used to. Your travel health nurse can tell you about which sunscreen to take. They will also tell you to cover up with hats and clothing. For more on sun safety, see our article.
Am I at risk of altitude sickness in the Canary Islands?
A hike up El Teide will take you higher than 2,500m, potentially putting you at risk from altitude sickness, which can affect travellers from about 2,400m. But there are no hard and fast rules and no way of predicting who will be affected. Anyone trekking or hiking at altitude should know the symptoms of altitude sickness, which are listed on My Health Alberta. The symptoms will pass if you descend or acclimatize.
I’m looking for a travel clinic in Etobicoke
Look no further than Canadian Travel Clinics if you need travel vaccinations in Etobicoke. We can offer evening and early morning appointments for your convenience. Book online now.