What is chickenpox? Usually an illness that takes effect during childhood, chickenpox is a very common disease. It is very rare to get chickenpox twice, so 90% of adults are immune because they have had it previously[1]. Symptoms are uncomfortable …
Vaccine preventable diseases
Meningitis: The Facts
Reviewed by Denise Chalkley RN, RM, RHV, BSc, AMFTM RCPS (Glas), Clinical & Operations Director for Travel Medicine (London Travel Clinic) What Is Meningitis? Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges—the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It …
What is HPV?
Do you know what the human papilloma virus (HPV) is? Do you know it can cause cancers? In men as well as women? And did you know, here in the UK, someone is diagnosed with an HPV related cancer every …
Measles: The Facts
Reviewed by Denise Chalkley RN, RM, RHV, BSc, AMFTM RCPS (Gl), Clinical & Operations Director for Travel Medicine What Is Measles? Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. …
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate?
Over the years, the topic of vaccinations has been a hotbed for discussion within the travel health industry and the general community; with the age-old debate of ‘should I get vaccinated before travelling’ coming up time and time again. Many …
How is Yellow Fever transmitted?
Yellow Fever is an RNA virus that is thought to have originated in East or Central Africa, with transmission of the disease from nonhuman primates to humans. The Yellow Fever virus can cause serious harm to humans and in some …
Are travel vaccinations safe during pregnancy?
Pregnancy affects the body in many ways. Due to these changes in the body, there are many precautions that you have to take when it comes to travel. None more so than when it comes to getting vaccinations while pregnant. …
Typhoid: Get the facts
Typhoid Fever is a potentially fatal bacterial infection. If it is not treated quickly, it can affect many organs and spread across the body causing serious complications. Typhoid Fever is most common in areas with poor sanitation and without access …
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is an infectious virus which causes inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A is contracted by the ingesting faecal matter from someone who has the disease, infection is typically contracted via contaminated food or water. Whilst it is rarely life …
Travelling to Visit Friends and Relatives Overseas
All travellers should prepare themselves when travelling to countries where there are potential health risks, but those visiting friends and relatives have a particularly high risk of acquiring infections.
