Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (over 14 years)

Diphtheria is a bacterial disease spread mainly by exhaled water droplets and occasionally through infected skin lesions. It can be fatal if left untreated. Travelers are at risk when mixing closely with the local population in most developing countries. If they are likely to be at risk, travelers should ensure they have had a Diphtheria vaccine within the last 10 years.

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

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

For more information on Diptheria, Tetnus and Polio and vaccines required for specific countries please visit https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home

Hepatitis A + Typhoid (16+)

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 developing countries where sanitary conditions are poor and the safety of drinking water is not adequately controlled. The disease can incubate for 3 – 5 weeks before illness develops. Adults can take many months to fully recover from infection whereas children often have very mild illness but can easily pass it to others. Hepatitis A is prevented by eating ’safe’ food, drinking ‘safe’ water and pre-travel vaccination.

Typhoid is spread through faecally contaminated food and water. The disease is common in areas with poor standards in food hygiene and preparation and where suitable treatment of sewage is lacking. It is possible to contract Typhoid from shellfish, raw fruit or vegetables fertilised by ‘night soil’ (human waste). A feverish illness will develop 1-3 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. It is also possible to become a carrier of this disease when bacteria remain in the gut after symptoms have resolved but you continue to be able to infect others. This disease can be prevented by healthy eating and drinking and pre-travel vaccination that will last up to 3 years.

For more information on Hepatitis A + Typhoid and vaccines required for specific countries please visit https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home

Hepatitis B Accelerated regime (Adult over 18 years)

Hepatitis B is a disease which affects the liver. It is associated with chronic liver problems leading to increased risk of liver cancer or cirrhosis. Approximately 350 million people are carriers worldwide, and the general infection rate is far higher in Asia, Africa and China than elsewhere where it can exceed 8% of the population. Many Hepatitis B infections cause mild symptoms and may not be recognised, however, infected individuals may develop into being life long carriers. Hepatitis B is generally spread through unprotected sex and blood (via blood transfusion, dirty needles, piercing and tattoos etc) but may also be transmitted through body fluids. It is 100 times more infective than HIV.

For more information on Hepatitis B and vaccines required for specific countries please visit https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home

Japanese Encephalitis (2 months – 3 years)

This disease is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito normally between sunset and sunrise. It is most common in rural farming areas of Asia. Most infections have few symptoms and may not be recognised but severe cases can lead to inflammation of the brain and other symptoms which can be fatal. Risks to travelers are generally low but vaccination should be considered by people intending to spend a significant length of time in rural areas, particularly during the transmission season (monsoon).

For more information on Japanese Encephalitis and vaccines required for specific countries please visit https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home

Meningitis ACWY

A vaccine for 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.

For more information on Meningitis ACWY and vaccines required for specific countries please visit https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home

Tick Born Encephalitis (child 1 year – 15 years)

Spread by the bite of an infected tick and rarely, via unpasteurised milk from infected cows, sheep and goats. Travelers at risk include those planning to walk, camp or work in long grassy or wooded areas for long periods especially during spring, summer and autumn months as this is when the ticks are most active. If caught, symptoms include flu-like illness sometimes followed by neurological complications. If at risk, travelers should consider vaccination. They should also avoid tick bites by covering up and treating clothing with Permethrin (clothing treatment) which is a tick killer. Always remove ticks promptly.

For more information on Tick Born Encephalitis and vaccines required for specific countries please visit https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home