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TRAVEL MEDICINE
Do I need a Travel Consultation?
A travel consultation is an important step to take before embarking on any journey, as it can help ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience. Traveling to new destinations exposes us to new cultures, climates, and environments, which can have an impact on our health. By consulting with a healthcare professional before your trip, you can identify potential health risks, receive necessary vaccinations and medications, and get advice on pre-existing medical conditions. Our pharmacists will review your medical history and travel itinerary to provide recommendations on how to prevent and manage health risks during your trip. Additionally, a travel pharmacist can help you make informed decisions about your trip, such as the best time to travel, the safest modes of transportation, and the best accommodation options based on your specific health needs. Ultimately, a travel consult can save you time and money in the long run, as it may prevent costly medical expenses or travel disruptions due to unexpected health issues.
How can our Pharmacists help?
Our pharmacists can help you get ready for your next trip by recommending important vaccines and over the counter medication to make your trip as safe and enjoyable as possible. Additionally our pharmacists can help you get the prescription you need for travel vaccines and other travel medications.
Yellow Fever Designated Site.
As a Health Canada designated yellow fever vaccine site, we are proud to offer this important service to travelers. Yellow fever is a serious viral disease that is endemic in certain parts of Africa and South America, and proof of vaccination is required for entry into some countries. Our healthcare professionals are highly trained and experienced in administering the yellow fever vaccine and providing travelers with the necessary documentation. By being a yellow fever vaccine site, we are committed to promoting public health awareness and helping to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first international trip, trust us to provide you with the necessary vaccinations and guidance for a safe and healthy travel experience. Contact us today to schedule your yellow fever vaccination.
Our Vaccines
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MalariaMalaria is a common disease in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. The symptoms of malaria typically include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue, and can be similar to the flu. There is no vaccine for malaria, but it can be prevented through the use of antimalarial medications and by taking steps to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and sleeping under mosquito nets. If you are planning to travel to an area where malaria is prevalent, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional about preventive measures you can take to reduce your risk of infection.
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Hepatitis AHepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is usually spread through contaminated food or water or through close contact with an infected person. The virus can cause symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. In some cases, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) can occur. Hepatitis A can be prevented through vaccination, good hygiene practices, and by avoiding contaminated food and water. Talk to our pharmacists today about what you can do to prevent the risk of infection.
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Hepatitis BHepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is usually spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids, such as during unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to baby during childbirth. The virus can cause symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In some cases, the infection can become chronic and lead to long-term liver damage, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. Vaccination is recommended for everyone, especially those who are at higher risk. Talk to our pharmacists today about what you can do to prevent risk of infection.
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PolioPolio is a highly infectious viral disease that can cause paralysis and even death. Although polio has been eradicated in most parts of the world, it still exists in some countries. If you are planning to travel to an area where polio is still prevalent, it is important to ensure that you are fully vaccinated against the disease. The polio vaccine is safe and highly effective, and is usually given as part of a routine childhood vaccination series. However, if you are traveling to an area where the risk of polio is higher, a booster dose of the vaccine may be recommended. Speak with our Pharmacists today.
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Japanese EncephalitisJapanese encephalitis is a viral infection that is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It can cause inflammation of the brain and can be fatal in some cases. If you are planning to travel to an area where Japanese encephalitis is prevalent, it is important to ensure that you are fully vaccinated against the disease. By getting vaccinated, you can help protect yourself from this serious and potentially life-threatening disease. Talk to our pharmacists today.
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Typhoid FeverTyphoid fever is a bacterial infection that is spread through contaminated food and water. It can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, stomach pain, and diarrhea. If left untreated, typhoid fever can lead to serious complications such as internal bleeding and organ damage. If you are planning to travel to an area where typhoid fever is prevalent, it is important to ensure that you are fully vaccinated against the disease.
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Yellow FeverYellow fever is a viral disease that is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Yellow fever is endemic in parts of Africa and South America, and a yellow fever vaccine is required for entry into some countries in these regions. If you are planning to travel to an area where yellow fever is prevalent or required for entry, it is important to ensure that you are fully vaccinated against the disease. Talk to our Pharmacists today.
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Meningococcal MeningitisMeningococcal Meningitis is a bacterial infection that affects the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, stiff neck, and a rash. The disease can be spread through close contact with an infected person, sharing utensils, or living in close quarters. If you are planning to travel to an area where meningococcal meningitis is prevalent, especially during a large outbreak, it is important to ensure that you are fully vaccinated against the disease. Talk to your pharmacist today about getting vaccinated.
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RabiesRabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system and is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. It can be fatal if left untreated. If you are planning to travel to an area where rabies is prevalent or where medical treatment may be limited, it is important to consider getting the rabies vaccine before you go. Talk to our pharmacists today about getting vaccinated.
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Cholera and Traveler's DiarrheaCholera and traveler's diarrhea are both common illnesses that travelers can contract in certain areas. Cholera is caused by a bacterial infection from contaminated food and water, while traveler's diarrhea can be caused by a variety of bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections. Vaccines are available to help prevent both of these illnesses. Speak with our pharmacists about the cholera and traveler's diarrhea vaccines and any other vaccines or preventive measures you may need before traveling.
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What is a Minor Ailment?Minor illnesses are described as health conditions that can be managed with minimal treatment and/or self-care strategies. Additional criteria include: Usually a short-term condition Lab results aren’t usually required Low risk of treatment masking an underlying condition No medication or medical history red flags that could suggest a more serious condition Only minimal or short-term follow-up is required
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How can my pharmacist help with a minor ailment?Pharmacists can assess and prescribe a prescription level medication when necessary rather than recommending a milder over- the-counter treatment for specific, less serious conditions, as outlined by the Ontario College of Pharmacists.
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Which specific minor ailments can my pharmacist assess and prescribe medications for?Minor, or common, illnesses refer to conditions that can initially be managed with non-prescription therapy, such as allergies or skin irritations. All pharmacists can assess minor illnesses symptoms and recommend self-care or over-the-counter treatments. Pharmacists in Ontario can now also prescribe medications for certain minor illnesses, as identified below: Allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies) Candidal stomatitis (oral thrush) Conjunctivitis (pink eye, bacterial, allergic and viral) Dermatitis (atopic, eczema, allergic and contact) Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, heartburn) Hemorrhoids Herpes labialis (cold sores) Impetigo Insect bites and urticaria (hives) Tick bites, post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease Musculoskeletal sprains and strains Urinary tract infections (uncomplicated)
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Do I need an appointment?No, you don’t need to make an appointment to speak with your pharmacist. If our store is open, you can consult with the pharmacist. We’re accessible and ready to see you.
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Do I have to pay for an assessment and prescription for minor ailments?Assessment and prescribing for minor illnesses are covered by Ontario's Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). To be eligible for this service, you’d need to have a valid Ontario Health Number.
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Will a Minor Ailments assessment always result in a prescription?After the pharmacist assesses a patient they, in conjunction with the patient, determine the appropriate course of action. This could be a prescription or a recommendation for an over-the-counter medication. If a pharmacist assesses your condition but feels it is serious or requires follow-up, he or she will refer you to a doctor for additional assessment.
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Will my doctor be informed?Yes. Pharmacists are required to inform your primary physician when they write a prescription for you.
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What if I do not have a doctor, can a pharmacist still prescribe for minor ailments?Yes. If the condition and treatment required are within pharmacists' prescribing limits, you may still receive treatment even if you do not have a doctor. This service is intended to improve access to health care.
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What happens if my minor ailment turns out to be more serious?If your illness becomes more serious or you are not seeing improvements with the medication prescribed by your pharmacist, you will be referred to your doctor for a diagnosis. Your pharmacist is trained to recognize when an illness requires additional assessment and care beyond their scope.
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