Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS (AMS)

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a condition that affects many travellers at high altitudes. AMS is due to a decrease of oxygen and is especially common at altitudes above 2,500 m. The development of AMS is not dependent on gender or level of fitness. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) can be unpleasant and may reduce enjoyment of activities. In addition, if it is not managed appropriately, AMS can result in a more serious illness and in severe cases, can be fatal.

Countries & areas :

India (for the northern mountainous region)
Nepal (Mt Everest: base camp #1 6,000m, Camp #2 6,400m, Camp #3 7,200m, Camp #4 7,950m and Summit 8,848m)
Bhutan
China (Tibet)
Tanzania (Mt Kilimanjaro- 5,895m)
Kenya (Mt Kenya- 5,199m)
Ecuador
Chile
Argentina
Bolivia (La Paz city 3,500m, northern regions ranging up to 4,000m)
Peru (Huascarán 6,768m, Cuzco 3,400m, Machu Picchu peaks at 3,950m)

the preventative measures is the medication Acetazolamide

For vaccine recommendations, we invite you to schedule an appointment for a travel consultation with one of our nurses. The nurse will offer guidance and recommendations pertaining to your specific situation. Recommendations vary based on the timing and duration of your trip, the cities you plan to visit, the activities you plan to partake in, and on your accommodations abroad.

To ensure maximum protection from illness, some vaccines need to be administered in 2 doses prior to your trip. The delay required between the 2 doses depends on the vaccine. For this reason, we recommend that you schedule your consultation 6-8 weeks prior to your trip. For last minute travellers, please note that most vaccines may be administered 2 weeks prior to your trip.

The duration of protection offered by each vaccine is variable. For example, the combined hepatitis A and hepatitis B series will protect for 20 years whereas one dose of the vaccine against typhoid fever will protect you for 3 years. Please note that, given the constant flux of research studies, the duration of protection offered by each vaccine may be updated.

Yes. The consultation fee is $65 for an adult, groups of 2 to 6 people travelling on the same trip are $54 per person. Travel prescriptions are included as part of the consultation fee. The fee for a booster dose is $20. The consultation fee for a non-travel related vaccination appointment (e.g. Shingles) is $25. Please note that cost of each vaccine is additional to the consultation fees.

RAMQ does not reimburse the cost of any vaccine. However, private health insurance companies often reimburse a portion of the costs.