A St. John’s pharmacist is offering a few tips to prevent travel-related illnesses for people eager to escape these cold winter temperatures.

Pharmacist and owner of Shoppers Drug Mart locations in St. John’s and CBS, Keith Bailey says common illnesses for travelers include gastro-intestinal bugs in addition to the usual viruses making the rounds.

He says the risk factors for exposure to things to make you sick are long.

That includes swimming or bathing in contaminated water, eating from a salad bar, consuming fresh seafood and shellfish, and even the ice in your drink can all lead to gastro-intestinal upset.

Bailey says in those cases, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and getting the appropriate vaccines and having the right medications on hand can make the difference between a sunny vacation and one spent locked in your hotel room.

He says pharmacists often have a check list of things to be aware of and plan for before you make your trip.