Travel Safe News

Hints and Hacks for a Successful African Safari (Part 1)

I was about 12 years old when I first watched The African Queen, starring the legendary Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. I was transfixed by the sublime African backdrop that was as much a character in the film as the two headliners.  In the film, Bogart’s character explains that the African air “makes your blood race, your face numb, and your spirit soar!” This description of the mysterious and magical continent inspired in me a deep longing to explore Africa, and more specifically, embark on a safari! Indeed, there are few experiences in life more moving and exciting than witnessing majestic lions, elephants, and zebras (oh my!) close up! However, while the movie may have engendered a desire to trek throughout Africa, I did not want to do so under the dire and harsh circumstances that Bogart and Hepburn had to endure!

 

The Elephant in the Room (Literally)

With that in mind, we thought we’d write a blog for those of you who are contemplating an African safari adventure for the first time and want to be as prepared and as comfortable as possible. The following are some hints and hacks that will prove helpful while on your journey!

 

Safety First

I guess the most important consideration for a successful safari is to observe safety rules. It’s imperative to remember that you are surrounded by real-life wild animals. This isn’t virtual reality! Observing safety rules and common sense will go a long way to ensure that you can enjoy your meals whilst on safari without becoming a meal. Some simple, yet life-saving rules to follow:

• Keep your hands and your camera inside the car when near the big cats
• Keep a safe distance from the Elephants (they look so calm and docile, but they can charge unexpectedly)
• Don’t stand between a hippo and water

 

Snap Away!

A safari is definitely the time and place to take a lot of photos! For most, this is a once in a life change to get pictures of these incredible creatures. Because wild animals are, by nature, unpredictable, you’ll want to take lots of pictures when the opportunity presents itself, as you may never get another chance! Warn your besties that you may be jamming their Instagram and Twitter feeds for a while!

 

Perspicacious Packing

It’s important to remember that when on safari you’ll be subjected to particularly harsh elements. It’s very important that you pack the following items to ensure that you’ll be properly protected on your trip:

• Sunscreen with a high SPF
• Quality Sunglasses with UV ray protection
• Plenty of drinking water (often safari tours will provide water, but it’s always a good idea to bring extra)
• Mosquito repellant with DEET
• First-aid kit (ensure that you have medication for diarrhea and car sickness)
• A flashlight

 

Before You Go

Before you depart on your safari adventure, make sure that your vaccinations and inoculations are all up to date. Check with us to ensure you have the right ones for your African trip. We’ll be happy to do a pre-travel consultation with you so that you’ll have peace of mind on your trip.

Tb skin test and vaccines for school or work – Common questions and answers

We see many people in our clinic who require a Tuberculosis skin test (TB Skin Test) and/or vaccinations (shots) for their school program or employment.  We’ve created a list of common questions clients ask us about the tb skin test and vaccinations.  We hope they may help answer some of your questions too!

 

I’m starting a new job or school program and I require a TB skin test and vaccinations. Where do I start?

Call us to arrange your appointment(s) 604. 251-1975 and we will book your appointment(s) to suit your schedule.  We will assist you to obtain the necessary vaccines, tb skin testing, and lab work for your school program or employment.

 

Q:  What do I bring to my appointment?

A: You will need to bring:

+ paperwork from your school or employer listing the vaccinations your require

+ BC Care Card (if you have one)

+ your vaccination records

 

Q:  How do I find my old vaccination records?

A: Unfortunately, there is no central database containing your vaccine history.  You will need to contact each clinic or office where you received each vaccination.

Common clinics where you may have received vaccinations in the past:

• your family doctor
• public health unit (eg. Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health)
• walk-in clinic
• travel clinic
• pharmacy
• at your elementary and/or high school (You will need to contact your public health office near your school)

If you can’t remember where you received vaccinations in the past, we will assist you with the best plan for your circumstance.

 

Q:  I was born outside of Canada.  How do I find my vaccination records?

A:   You can try to locate your vaccine history from a family member, doctor’s office, or clinic where you received your childhood vaccines.   If it not possible, we will provide vaccinations required for your employer or school.  We may also recommend you have a blood test to determine your immunization and disease history.

 

Q: I need a tb test for school or work.  What do I do?

A: Please call us to book an appointment at 604. 251-1975.  We will arrange two appointments for your tb skin test.  This test requires two appointments 48-72 hours apart.

When you book your appointment we will ask if you have received certain vaccines within four weeks of your scheduled tb test.  If you have received vaccinations such as MMR (measles/mumps/rubella), varicella (Chickenpox), shingles vaccine (Zostavax) and yellow fever, we will arrange your appointment one month after you received one of these vaccinations.

 

Q: Why do I need to make two appointments for a tb skin test?

A:  The tb skin test requires two appointments 48 to 72 hours apart.

Please note the appointments cannot be less than 48 hours or more than 72 hours apart.  If you miss your second appointment, the test becomes invalid and must be done again.

The first appointment is for the tb test: a small amount of Tubersol is injected just under the skin of your arm and creates a small bump.

The second appointment, 48 to 72 hours after the test: your arm will be seen by a nurse to determine the test results.   The nurse must see you in person to assess your arm and to give you your test results.

At the time of your second visit, the nurse will provide proof of your results to give to your school or employer.  Don’t forget to make a copy for your own records.

 

Q:  My last tb test result was positive but I need a tb test for work or school.  What should I do?

A:  If you have a history of a positive tb skin test, you do not need this test again.  You will need an appointment in our clinic to receive an x ray requisition in order for you to have a chest – ray.  We will explain where to get your chest x ray when you come for your appointment.

 

Q: I received the BCG (vaccine for tuberculosis) when I was a child.  Can I still have the tb skin test?

A: Yes.  Even if you have a history of receiving a BCG vaccination in the past, you can have the tb skin test safely.

 

Q:  I have a required list of vaccines to complete for school or work. What should I do?

A:  We provide vaccinations as well as tb skin tests at your appointment(s).  For your appointment you will need to bring your list of vaccination requirements from your school or employer.  The nurse will review your health history and vaccination records together with you.  If you have recent lab results you could also bring these to your appointment.

Most clients can complete their vaccinations at their first appointment. Some patients may need to return for a follow up vaccination if it requires more than one dose.

 

Q:  I think I have been immunized for the vaccines I require for school or work but I don’t have proof.  Do I need to receive the vaccines again?

A: You will need to make an appointment to determine the best plan for you.  At your appointment, one of our nurses will review your history and will recommend the best plan to ensure you are prepared for school or work.  The nurse will advise if it would be best to receive the vaccines on your visit and/or provide a lab requisition for a blood test.  A blood test will determine your immunization and disease histories.

 

Q: Do I need to make an appointment with my doctor to receive vaccinations, a tb skin test or lab testing?

A: No.  We we have all the vaccines you will require for your school or work.  We can also provide the tb skin test and lab requisitions if required.   This will save you some time and some pocket money.

Don’t forget to keep all your records of vaccinations and tb skin testing in a safe place.  You may need these important records again in the future!  A helpful free resource to keep your own digital history of your vaccinations is available with CANimmunize.

We will assist you to prepare for this exciting step in your career.  Call us to arrange an appointment today! 604. 251-1975.