Heading off on your travels is an exciting adventure, with some trips being once in a lifetime. Travelling opens up so many opportunities allowing us to experience new cultures, try new foods, meet new people and try things we’ve never done before. There’s so much to think about before you go…where are we staying? What will we be eating? Who will we meet along the way? What will I pack? Alongside all of the exciting questions, thinking about heading on your travels can also bring up doubts and worries; What if I get sick? Is the water safe to drink? How do I best protect myself if I get sick? These are all normal feelings to have before a new trip, but we shouldn’t let these worries stop us from the adventures of a lifetime.

McKeevers Chemists are here to help you with any doubts or queries you may have before your trip.  Our Professional Travel Clinic is provided by expert Pharmacists who will put your mind at ease before your trip with advice tailored to your destinations, travel itinerary and health needs.

Ideally vaccination courses should be completed at least two weeks prior to travel. Some vaccines require a few doses at different intervals so it is best to plan ahead.

 

For more information on some of the Travel Vaccines we offer and why they are needed see below*

*Please note we can provide other vaccines and have only listed the most common vaccine in this article.

Book your Travel Consultation here

For Covid-19 Advice before traveling see the official updated government travel advice for specific countries here.

Typhoid

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by a bacteria, salmonella typhi (related to the bacteria that causes food poisoning). The areas with the highest rates of Typhoid Fever are South America, Africa, South & South East Asia, the India subcontinent.

Symptoms

  • Persistent high temperature that gradually increases each day.
  • Headaches
  • Aches and pains.
  • Cough.
  • Constipation.

Prevention

Vaccination is the best way to prevent Typhoid Fever

Other ways to reduce risk are:

  • Avoid tap water for drinking and brushing teeth – use bottled water.
  • Avoid Ice in drinks.
  • Don’t eat raw or undercooked meat and fish.
  • Avoid uncooked fruit or vegetable – only eat those you can peel yourself.
  • Practice good hygiene – regular hand washing with soap and water.
  • Avoid shellfish, seafood and salads.

Vaccination

A single dose of the vaccine will protect against Typhoid for 3 years

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver infection spread by a virus. Hepatitis A can spread by drinking contaminated water, eating food washed in contaminated water, eating foods handled by someone with the virus, close physical contact with an infected person.

 

Symptoms – will usually appear a few weeks after being infected.

  • High temperature.
  • Flu-like symptoms: unusual tiredness, headache, muscle pains.
  • Nausea & vomiting.
  • Changes in bowel habits – diarrhoea or constipation.
  • Pale yellow or pale grey stools.
  • Dark brown pee.
  • Itchy skin – may cause a rash.
  • Jaundice (Yellowing of the skin)

Prevention

Vaccination is the best way to prevent Hepatitis A

Other ways to reduce risk are:

  • Avoid tap water for drinking and brushing teeth – use bottled water.
  • Avoid Ice in drinks.
  • Don’t eat raw or undercooked meat and fish.
  • Avoid uncooked fruit or vegetable – only eat those you can peel yourself.
  • Practice good hygiene – regular hand washing with soap and water.

Vaccination

One dose of the vaccination covers for 1 year. A booster dose can be administered ideally between 6-12 months after the initial vaccination, and this will provide approx. 25 years protection.

 

Cholera

Cholera is a bacterial disease usually spread through drinking contaminated water. Cholera can be found in countries where access to clean water is limited or water cleansing/filtration is inadequate: South Asia, The Middle East, Central America, Caribbean,

Symptoms – usually develop within hours to a few days of infection.

  • Diarrhoea
  • Dehydration
  • Nausea / Stomach Cramps
  • Vomiting

Prevention

Good hygiene practices can help prevent contracting Cholera whilst traveling.

  • Avoid drinking tap water – drink bottled water and brush teeth with bottled water.
  • Avoid Ice in your drinks.
  • Wash hands regularly with soap & water.
  • Be careful with uncooked fruit & vegetable – peel if possible.

Vaccination

The vaccine for Cholera is not needed by all travellers, however if recommended, the vaccine is given orally (as a drink) in 2 doses and should be given at least a week before travelling. The vaccine can protect you for up to two years.

 

Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever is a serious infection spread by mosquitoes; they usually bite during the day. It is found in parts of Africa, South America, Central America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Symptoms – usually develop 3 to 6 days after being infected.

  • High temperature
  • Headache
  • Nausea & Vomiting
  • Muscle Pain & Backache
  • Eyes being sensitive to light
  • Loss of appetite / feeling unwell

 

The majority of people will only experience mild symptoms however some can develop more serious symptoms.

  • Vomiting blood or blood in stools
  • Bleeding from mouth, nose or eyes
  • Jaundice – yellowing of the skin and eyes

Vaccination

The Yellow Fever Vaccine is the best way to protect against the virus. However, it is importance to take precautions to reduce the chance of getting bit as mosquitoes can cause other illnesses such as dengue and Malaria.

  • Use mosquito nets
  • Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs
  • Use an insect repellent that contains 50% deet

The yellow fever vaccine is a live vaccine and therefore may not be suitable for everyone. A detailed medical history and travel itinerary will be reviewed prior to administration. This vaccine will give the individual lifelong protection.

 

For more information and advice on your trip book into our Travel Vaccination Clinic before you depart.

Travel Vaccination Clinic