Travel Clinic London. 5 common Travel Illnesses.

Citydoc offers a variety of travel clinics in London, offering a wide range of vaccinations and professional advice. They are partnered with Superdrug to offer a selection of walk-in travel clinics in London and around the Uk.

It is advised that you take the precautions before departing on your holiday, such as visiting a professional to assess your vaccination requirements. However, there are several common travel illnesses that cannot be vaccinated against.

Norovirus

The Norovirus tends to strike when there are large concentrations of people in a confined area. For example cruise liners or long haul flights. It exhibits symptoms very similar to influenza, including a raised temperature, headaches, stomach cramps and aching limbs. Unfortunately there is no vaccination on offer for Norovirus. The best course of action in preventing the virus is a good hygiene regime including not sharing flannels and towels. Another tip is to avoid eating raw or unwashed produce and ensure oysters come from a reliable source.

Chikungunya

This virus is spread by mosquito bites and has now begun to spread across the world, rather than being limited to destinations around the Indian Ocean. Chikungunya (CHIKV) causes similar symptoms to Dengue fever although only lasting for two to five days. The symptoms include a maculopapular rash on the body and limbs and aching joints. Persistent headaches are also associated with the virus. The best way to protect against CHIKV is to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

Malaria

Malaria is a tropical disease, again carried by mosquitoes. While there is no immunisation against malaria, you should take a course of anti malarial pills, available from travel clinic London. Symptoms are similar to the flu, including fevers, sweats and chills, muscle aches and diarrhoea. IN conjunction with the medication, the best method of prevention, is too avoid being bitten. The use of netting around sleeping areas is especially useful.

Sun Poisoning

One of the most avoidable travel illnesses is also one of the most common. For some reason, common sense leaves the minds of many when they are faced with an alluring tropical beach setting. Even those who are conscious enough to use sunblock don’t understand the differences between the power of the sun in tropical locations versus their home towns and they tend not to use enough or forget to reapply.

Symptoms of sun poisoning include red skin, blisters, itchiness, and overwhelming nausea. You can prevent sun poisoning by remembering to frequently reapply suntan lotion, wearing a large sunhat, and by wearing long sleeves and pants. If you do get sun poisoning, make sure you use cold compresses to alleviate the itching and welling, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

For more information about travel clinics in london visit: www.moorgatemd.co.uk