The medical director of the Canadian Olympic team was recently quoted in The Globe and Mail as saying, “One of the things we’ve always said to the athletes is, the Olympics is where the viruses of the world come to meet." Bob McCormack is warning his team of Canadian athletes to be especially careful about measles, which has been circulating in the UK and many other European countries. Members of the team have been encouraged to check their immunity and, if necessary, to get vaccinated.

This is sound advice for anyone travelling to the Olympics in London, regardless of whether they are a spectator or a competitor. Though, of course, the consequences of getting sick could be more significant for athletes. As McCormack says, “If you’re an athlete and you’ve been preparing for eight to 12 years for your one day to compete at the highest level, and you come down with measles – and when you get it as an adult it’s not fun – it would be a shame."

With only 11 days to go before Opening Ceremonies, it is worthwhile to check out the UK Health Protection Agency's vaccination advice for London 2012.