Efficient Travel Vaccinations in Surrey and South West London

Known only to infect humans, cholera is an acute diarrhoeal illness caused by bacteria. Usually transmitted via contaminated water, the disease infects the small bowel and causes painless, watery diarrhoea. It is found throughout the world, usually in countries where sanitation is poor.

75% of people affected by cholera have a few mild symptoms and the illness is self-limiting, but more severe illness may occur in patients with underlying health problems such as immunosuppression, liver disease, or malnutrition. Urgent medical attention is required for severe cholera as this causes extreme dehydration and may be fatal without prompt intravenous fluid replacement.

Fatal if left untreated, diphtheria is a bacterial disease spread mainly by exhaled water droplets and occasionally through infected skin lesions. If they are likely to be at risk, travellers should ensure that they have a diphtheria vaccine within the last 10 years.

The bacteria that cause tetanus are present in soil worldwide and the disease occurs when it gets into a wound or even a small cut. The disease leads to uncontrollable muscle spasms and possibly death. Travellers should ensure they have had a Tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years before they travel.

Usually spread through contaminated food and water, polio is a disease of the central nervous system. Many countries have eradicated Polio through vaccination although it still exists in some African and Asian countries and cases continue to occur worldwide.

Hepatitis A affects the liver and is usually spread through contaminated food and water or close physical contact with an infected person. It is common in countries where sanitation is poor, and the safety of drinking water is not adequately controlled. Adults who contract Hepatitis A may take many months to fully recover from infection whereas children often have a mild but highly transmissible illness. In addition to pre-travel vaccination, “safe” food and water consumption can help prevent the disease.

Common in areas with poor standards in food hygiene and sewage treatment, typhoid is spread through food and water contaminated with faeces. It is also possible to contract typhoid from shellfish, raw fruit, or raw vegetables fertilised by “night soil” (human waste). The patient will develop a feverish illness 1 to 3 weeks after infection, and without correct diagnosis and treatment, the disease can spread through the gut wall and cause a serious infection throughout the body. You may also continue carrying the disease and infecting others when bacteria remain in the gut. This disease can be prevented by healthy eating and drinking, as well as pre-travel vaccination that lasts up to 3 years.

Hepatitis B and hepatitis A are viruses that attack the liver. The combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine provides immunity for at least 10 years – likely lasting a lifetime when the full series is complete. There are currently no recommendations for a healthy person to receive boosters of this combination vaccine if they have completed the full series.

Hepatitis A affects the liver and is usually spread through contaminated food and water or close physical contact with an infected person. It is common in countries where sanitation is poor, and the safety of drinking water is not adequately controlled. Adults who contract Hepatitis A may take many months to fully recover from infection whereas children often have a mild but highly transmissible illness. In addition to pre-travel vaccination, “safe” food and water consumption can help prevent the disease.

Hepatitis A affects the liver and is usually spread through contaminated food and water or close physical contact with an infected person. It is common in countries where sanitation is poor, and the safety of drinking water is not adequately controlled. Adults who contract Hepatitis A may take many months to fully recover from infection whereas children often have a mild but highly transmissible illness. In addition to pre-travel vaccination, “safe” food and water consumption can help prevent the disease.

Often associated with chronic illness and increased risk of cancer or cirrhosis, Hepatitis B also affects the liver and is 100 times more infective than HIV. There are approximately 350 million carriers worldwide, but the general infection rate is far higher in Asia, Africa, and China. Many infections cause mild symptoms and may not be recognised, but infected individuals may become lifelong carriers. Hepatitis B is usually spread through unprotected sex and transmission of blood or bodily fluids (e.g., blood transfusion, dirty needles, tattoos, and piercings.)

Often associated with chronic illness and increased risk of cancer or cirrhosis, Hepatitis B also affects the liver and is 100 times more infective than HIV. There are approximately 350 million carriers worldwide, but the general infection rate is far higher in Asia, Africa, and China. Many infections cause mild symptoms and may not be recognised, but infected individuals may become lifelong carriers. Hepatitis B is usually spread through unprotected sex and transmission of blood or bodily fluids (e.g., blood transfusion, dirty needles, tattoos, and piercings.)

Usually spread through mosquitos infected with the disease biting people at night, Japanese B Encephalitis is most common in rural farming areas in Asia. In most cases, infections have few symptoms and may not be recognised, but severe cases can lead to inflammation of the brain and other symptoms which may be fatal. Risks to travellers are generally low, but vaccination is an effective way of lowering risk for those who intend to spend a significant length of time in rural areas, especially during the transmission season/monsoon season.

A vaccine for Meningitis strains A, C, W135 and Y is now available and should be considered, especially for extended trips or if mixing very closely with the local population during risk season. A certificate of vaccination may be required if visiting Saudi Arabia.

3 Doses, Given at 1, 7, and 21 Days, Then Once Every 5 Years

Causing approximately 60,000 human deaths per year, rabies is endemic throughout most of the world. The virus is carried in the saliva of infected mammals (which may appear normal) and is usually spread by a bite, but licks on open wounds and scratches have been enough to transmit the virus to humans. In the event of possible exposure, the area should be washed thoroughly with soap and water, irrigated with iodine-based antiseptic or a high-percentage alcohol, and medical attention sought as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. The virus affects the nervous system, and once symptoms develop, death is inevitable – even with good medical care.

This disease is spread by the bite of infected ticks and, rarely, via the unpasteurised milk of infected cows, sheep, and goats. Travellers may be at risk if they plan to walk, camp, or work in long grassy or wooded areas for extended periods, especially during the spring, summer, and autumn months when the ticks are most active. If caught, symptoms include flu-like illness sometimes followed by neurological complications. If at risk, travellers should consider vaccination and avoid tick bites by covering up and treating clothing with tick-killing treatment.

3 Doses, Given at 0, 1, and 6 Months

This disease is spread by the bite of infected ticks and, rarely, via the unpasteurised milk of infected cows, sheep, and goats. Travellers may be at risk if they plan to walk, camp, or work in long grassy or wooded areas for extended periods, especially during the spring, summer, and autumn months when the ticks are most active. If caught, symptoms include flu-like illness sometimes followed by neurological complications. If at risk, travellers should consider vaccination and avoid tick bites by covering up and treating clothing with tick-killing treatment.

Common in areas with poor standards in food hygiene and sewage treatment, typhoid is spread through food and water contaminated with faeces. It is also possible to contract typhoid from shellfish, raw fruit, or raw vegetables fertilised by “night soil” (human waste). The patient will develop a feverish illness 1 to 3 weeks after infection, and without correct diagnosis and treatment, the disease can spread through the gut wall and cause a serious infection throughout the body. You may also continue carrying the disease and infecting others when bacteria remain in the gut. This disease can be prevented by healthy eating and drinking, as well as pre-travel vaccination that lasts up to 3 years.