Travel Health Advice Posted or Updated on 16 Jan 2024

In an emergency always phone 111 or 999 and mention the Country you have visited

Dear patients of Abridge Surgery,

As we gain confidence in travelling again, don’t forget that other diseases still exist!

For further information please look at the following websites, if you would like support to interpret the information, please arrange an appointment with a nurse or attend a travel specialist clinic. We may be able to offer you some travel vaccines, if availability and time frame allows.

www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home

www.travelhealthpro.org.uk

NHS Public Health England

We tend to remember the food and waterborne diseases such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid. We also usually check our tetanus is up to date. However other more rare and potentially serious conditions tend to slip our minds!

Rabies

What should I do if bitten, scratched or licked by an animal?

1. Immediately wash and thoroughly flush the area with soap and lots of water.
2. Seek medical attention locally – do not wait until you return to the UK. Even if you have had rabies vaccine before travelling, it is still important to seek medical advice promptly.
3. If advised, start the rabies post-exposure treatment abroad and do not wait until you get back to the UK.
4. But always contact your GP on return to the UK, even if you received postexposure treatment abroad or the exposure happened several weeks ago. You may need to continue a course of rabies vaccines. If you have a record of any treatment given, remember to bring this with you. Your GP will also be able to arrange for postexposure treatment if this hasn’t been started while you were abroad but is considered necessary by PHE.

For further information please access the website below or arrange to speak with a nurse or Travel Health Specialist.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/rabies

Legionnaires’ Disease

You can get Legionnaires’ disease from things like:

• Air conditioning systems
• Humidifiers
• Spa pools and hot tubs
• Taps and showers that are not often used

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include:

• A cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• A high temperature
• Flu like symptoms

Don’t forget Diseases spread by Mosquitos!

Bite prevention is key!

Don’t forget some diseases are spread by Mosquitos that bite during the day such as:

Dengue Fever

which is on the increase. Further information can be gained from the websites listed above.

If you think you may have contracted a travel related disease you can contact,

The Hospital for Tropical Diseases

• Email uclh.htdadmin@nhs.net to register with the clinic, including your name, date of birth and mobile phone number.

• Await email reply/phone call with our team, who will arrange your appointment.

• The timing of the appointment will depend on the urgency, but we aim to see all patients the same or the following day.

• We need to limit numbers in our waiting area so if you can’t email ahead, please call 07966775952. Please only use this number in an emergency.

• Please note, this email address and phone number are manned during opening hours (9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday). If you need medical attention out of these hours, please attend your local Emergency Department.

This information was up to date at time of writing 23/06/2023.