More than a million people from around the world, including Canadians, will travel to England to participate in, work at, or watch the different games and events.

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends routine travel advice to help ensure a healthy trip for travellers attending the 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

About health risks at the 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games

Large crowds are expected, which can increase the risk of accidental injury as well as infectious diseases such as gastrointestinal illness and colds.

Travellers should be aware of ongoing measles outbreaks in many countries in Europe. Travellers should also be aware of other infectious diseases such as HIV.

Recommendations

Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.

1. Review travel health recommendations for the United Kingdom
2. Get vaccinated
   • Routine vaccines and adult boosters:
     
     Be up-to-date with your routine vaccines and adult boosters recommended for Canada. The routine schedule for childhood vaccines may need to be adjusted if a child is travelling.
   • Other vaccines to consider for travel to England:
     • Hepatitis B
     • Measles (if two doses have not been received and the traveller was born in or after 1970 in Canada). Travellers are reminded to make sure their measles vaccination is up-to-date.
3. Practise safe food and water precautions
   • To protect yourself from food- and water-related diseases such as travellers’ diarrhea.
4. Practise insect bite prevention
   • To protect yourself from Lyme disease, which is present in the United Kingdom.
   • If travelling outside the United Kingdom, remember to protect yourself from diseases spread by insects in some areas in Western Europe such as Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, and West Nile virus.
5. Protect yourself from animal-related diseases (such as rabies)
   • Avoid close contact with wild or domestic animals even if they appear friendly, especially dogs.
   • Don’t handle or feed wild animals or attract them with open garbage cans or litter.
6. Protect yourself from HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
7. Be alert to crime
   • The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) provides information on safety and security for Canadian travellers to the United Kingdom.
8. Pay attention to the weather
   • Remember to stay safe in the sun and stay hydrated.
9. Drive with caution
   • The leading cause of death among international travellers is traffic accidents.
   • Expect traffic congestion and temporary and permanent road closures.
   • Avoid driving on unfamiliar and/or rural roads, especially at night.
   • Don’t drink and drive; excessive drinking is a leading cause of traffic accidents.
10. Purchase travel health insurance