Healthy travel starts at West Bank Pharmacy.

You can get altitude sickness if you travel to a high altitude too quickly. Breathing becomes difficult because you're not able to take in as much oxygen.

Altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness (AMS), can become a medical emergency if ignored.

Your age, sex or physical fitness do not affect your likelihood of getting altitude sickness.

Also, just because you may not have had it before, this does not mean you will not get it on another trip. 

Our pharmacist can provide medication to prevent and treat the condition.

PREVENTION AND ADVICE

More information coming soon…

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is estimated that 1.3 to 4.0 million cases of cholera and 21,000 to 143,000 deaths worldwide occur each year due to cholera.

Cholera is a highly virulent disease that can cause no symptoms. The bacteria are present in the patient's faeces for 1–10 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people.

SYMPTOMS:

• The symptoms can include:
• Severe acute watery diarrhoea. It takes 12 hours and five days to show symptoms after ingesting contaminated food or water.
• Occasional vomiting
• Rapid loss of fluids can lead to dehydration and shock.
• In severe cases, when not treated, it can lead to death.

VACCINE DOSES REQUIRED:

Dukoral Vaccine:

2 years to 6 years: 3 doses, at least one week apart; booster required at six months.

6 years to 85 years: 2 doses, at least one week apart; booster required at 2 years.

Vaxchora vaccine:

2 years  to 85 years: 1 dose

See travel health price list >

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Diphtheria is a highly contagious infection that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the skin. You can catch it usually by inhaling infected droplets spread by coughing or sneezing. It is also transmitted by prolonged close contact with someone infected with the bacteria that causes the disease, including sharing items such as cutlery, clothing, or bedding. The incubation period between 2-5 days. Untreated subjects become infectious for up to 4 weeks. 

SYMPTOMS:

• The symptoms can include:
• Sore throat with fever
• Grey/white membrane (coating) in the throat, which can lead to difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• Swollen lymph glands in the neck which protrude
• Headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe infection results in paralysis and cardiac failure

VACCINE DOSES REQUIRED:

6 - 85 Years: 1 dose, booster required at 10 Years.

See travel health price list >

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. The virus is spread via the faecal-oral route via contaminated food & water or close physical contact with an infected person, including having sex and sharing needles to take drugs.

SYMPTOMS:

• Symptoms usually occur 2-4 weeks after being exposed. These include:
• Fever,
• general feeling of being unwell, 
• loss of appetite, diarrhoea,
• nausea, discomfort in the abdomen,
• dark-coloured urine
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
• In rare cases, hepatitis can cause life-threatening complications such as liver problems, especially for the elderly.

VACCINE DOSES REQUIRED:

2 yrs - 16 years: 1  dose (paediatric), booster required at 6-12 months after 1st dose. Lasts for 25 years.

16 – 85 years: 1 dose, booster required at 6-12 months after 1st dose. Lasts for 25 years

See travel health price list >

GENERAL INFORMATION

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver. Hepatitis B is spread in blood and body fluids. It can be caught through unprotected sex with someone infected with the virus or by exposure to contaminated blood through the reuse of needles or syringes (for example, while injecting drugs or during medical procedures).

SYMPTOMS:

• The symptoms can include:
• High temperature
• Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice),
• dark urine, 
• extreme fatigue, 
• nausea, vomiting
• pain in the abdomen.
• These symptoms usually take 1-3 months to pass but can sometimes take longer, leading to chronic hepatitis B.
• It can also lead to the development of cirrhosis (a scarring of the liver) or liver cancer.

VACCINE DOSES REQUIRED:

2 – 85 years: 4 doses, required at 0, 1, 2 months + at 1 year, booster only required unless high risk not required for travel.

2 – 85 years: 3 doses, required at 0, 1, 6 months, booster only required unless high risk not required for travel.

16 – 85 years: 4 doses (rapid schedule), required at 0, 7, 21 days + at 1 year, booster only required unless high risk not required for travel.

See travel health price list >

GENERAL INFORMATION

Malaria can have a life-changing impact on your health and can be fatal in some instances.

For some countries where malaria is a problem, tablets to prevent malaria (antimalarials) are recommended. 

It is important to avoid being bitten as well as taking antimalarial tablets; no antimalarial tablets are 100% effective.

There are a range of different antimalarial tablets available; the particular choice depends on a number of factors, including destination. How they are taken, age, weight and side effects; our travel health pharmacist can advise you on the most appropriate choice for you.

PREVENTION AND ADVICE

You can take the following precautions to help reduce your risk of infection:

Use a recommended insect repellent containing either 20% Picaridin, 50% DEET, PMD or OLE (oil of lemon eucalyptus), IR3535 or 2-undecanone

Wear appropriate clothing (e.g. loose-fitting long-sleeved clothes, long trousers, socks and shoes) to minimise exposed skin.

Use insecticide-treated mosquito nets if you are sleeping or resting in accommodation without air-conditioning or sleeping outdoors during the day or night.

Take malaria prevention tablets as per directions and complete the full course.

Seek medical advice or A&E if you have any of the above symptoms.

SYMPTOMS

Muscle pains, headache and vomiting., fatigue, abdominal pain, Fever,

MALARIA PREVENTION

Doxycycline, 100mg

Start 1–2 days before entering the endemic area and continue for four weeks after leaving (see notes above); for adults and children over 12 years, 100 mg once daily.

Atovaquone/proguanil

Start 1–2 days before entering the endemic area and continue for one week after leaving; for adults and children over 40 kg, one tablet daily.

Atovaquone/proguanil for children ("Malarone Paediatric")

Start 1–2 days before entering the endemic area and continue for 1 week after leaviDosedose is adjusted according to the child's weight. Body-weight over 40 kg, use Malarone® (‘standard’) tablets

Proguanil (100mg)

Preferably start 1 week before entering the endemic area and continue for 4 weeks after leaving (see notes above), 200 mg once daily; ChDoseen - dose is weight dependent; over 13 years body-weight over 45 kg, adult dose.

Lariam/Mefloquine

Start 2½ weeks before entering the endemic area and continue for 4 weeks after leaving (see notes above); adult and child body-weight over 45 kg, 250 mg once weekly; ChDoseen - dose is weight dependent.

Preventing infection

Medication can help to protect you (NOT 100% effective, so take additional precautions)

Use insect repellents containing DEET

Spray bedrooms where possible

Cover-up to minimise mosquito bites - long sleeve tops, hats and sleeping nets.

Note that the information above is for guidance only; speak to our pharmacist for advice specific to you.

See travel health price list >

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a rare disease in travellers but can have serious consequences. The disease is endemic in 25 Asian and Western Pacific countries, not just Japan. Most of these countries have it as part of the immunisation programme.JE is caused by bites primarily from mosquitoes which carry the JE virus. Even though it is rare -1/3 of people infected show no symptoms, 1/3 of people may be left permanently disabled both physically and mentally, and 1/3 of people have inflammation of the brain, which can cause coma, paralysis and death.

SYMPTOMS:

• The symptoms can include:
• Most people infected by the Japanese encephalitis virus have either no symptoms or mild, short-lived symptoms, which are often mistaken for flu.
• But around 1 in every 250 people who become infected with Japanese encephalitis develop more severe symptoms as the infection spreads to the brain.
• Fever
• Headache
• Confusion
• The death rate is high in symptomatic cases admitted to the hospital.

VACCINE DOSES REQUIRED:

3 – 85 years: 2 doses, required at 0, 28 days, booster required at 1-2 years (lasts for 10 years).

18 – 65 years: 2 doses (rapid schedule), required at 0, 7 days, booster required at 1-2 years ( lasts 10 years).

See travel health price list >

GENERAL INFORMATION

Jet lag occurs when your normal sleep pattern is disturbed after a long flight. Symptoms include feeling tired, groggy, confused, and lethargic. They usually improve within about three days as your body adjusts to the new time zone.

Simple lifestyle changes and prescription medication can help minimise the negative impacts of jet lag.

Melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone, helps control sleep. Please speak to our travel health pharmacist for more advice.

PREVENTION AND ADVICE

Jet lag cannot be prevented, but there are things you can do to reduce its effects. 

Get plenty of rest before you travel. You could start going to bed and getting up earlier or later than usual (more like the time zone of the place you're travelling to).

During your flight

Do

drink plenty of water

keep active by stretching and regularly walking around the cabin

try to sleep if it's nighttime at your destination

use an eye mask and earplugs if they help you sleep

Don't

Do not drink too much caffeine or alcohol – they can make jet lag worse.

After you arrive

Do

change your sleep schedule to the new time zone as quickly as possible

set an alarm to avoid oversleeping in the morning

go outside during the day – natural light will help your body clock adjust

Don't

do not sleep during the day – only sleep at night time

Short trips

If your trip is short (2 to 3 days), avoid changing your eating and sleeping times to the new time zone to avoid changing your schedule again when you return.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Meningococcal disease is caused by a systemic infection by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. It can cause both meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). Septicaemia and meningitis can trigger sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection. 

It can be spread through close contact with someone carrying the bacteria, such as through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing eating and drinking utensils. Mass gatherings, such as religious pilgrimages, can increase the risk of disease transmission. A certificate of vaccination may be required if visiting Saudi Arabia.

Our pharmacist, a trusted healthcare professional, can guide you in selecting the most suitable vaccine for you and your family.

SYMPTOMS:

• The symptoms can include:
• a headache
• flu-like symptoms, vomiting, a stiff neck
• A rash may also appear that can develop into a purple, bruise-like rash that does not fade under pressure,
• muscle and joint pain,
• a high temperature
• cold hands and feet
• drowsiness or difficulty waking up
• death

VACCINE DOSES REQUIRED:

2 – 85 years: 1 dose, booster required depending on risk assessment.

See travel health price list >

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The polio virus is a disease of the central nervous system with the potential to cause paralysis. The virus is transmitted through food or water contaminated by infected human faeces or by direct contact with an infectious person with a disease. Although less common, it can also spread through coughs or sneezes.

SYMPTOMS:

• The symptoms can include:
• Most people who get polio do not have symptoms.
• Some people get mild, flu-like symptoms, such as - a high temperature, extreme tiredness, headaches, vomiting, a stiff neck, and muscle pain.
• These symptoms usually last up to 10 days.
• In rare cases, polio can lead to more severe symptoms that affect the brain and nerves, such as weakness in your muscles (paralysis), usually in the legs; this can happen over hours or days. If the paralysis affects the muscles used for breathing, it can be life-threatening.

VACCINE DOSES REQUIRED:

6 – 85 years: 1 dose, booster required at 10 years.

See travel health price list >

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. Once symptoms are present, rabies is almost always fatal, so prevention and early treatment are crucial.

It is transmitted via bites, scratches and being licked by a rabid animal. Up to 99% of all human rabies infections are caused by a bite or scratch from an infected dog. However, you can be infected by cats, bats and monkeys. In 2018, a man from the UK died after a cat scratch in Morroco.

SYMPTOMS:

• The symptoms can include:
• pain and tingling/numbness around the site of the wound,
• nausea, vomiting,
• Sometimes, there is a fear of water (hydrophobia).
• As it spreads through the brain, it can cause hyperactivity, changes in consciousness and paralysis.
• If clinical signs of rabies appear and you have not been vaccinated, then death can occur.

VACCINE DOSES REQUIRED:

2 – 85 years: 3 doses, required at 0, 7, 21 or 28 days. Most travellers may not need a booster, depending on risk assessment.

18 – 65 years: Four doses (rapid schedule) are required at 0, 3, 7, and 365 days. Depending on the risk assessment, most travellers may not need a booster.

See travel health price list >

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Tetanus is a bacterial infection that gets into the body through a skin wound, scratch or animal bite. You can also catch the disease through unhygienic practices in hospitals, by injecting drugs, through body piercings and tattoos, as well as eye injuries and burns.

SYMPTOMS:

• The symptoms can include:
• a stiff jaw (lockjaw), which can make opening your mouth difficult
• painful muscle spasms, often in your back, tummy, arms, legs, hands and feet
• difficulty breathing
• swallowing problems
• a high temperature
• sweating
• a fast heartbeat
• fits (seizures)

VACCINE DOSES REQUIRED:

6 – 85 years: 1 dose, booster required at 10 years.

See travel health price list >

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection spread by tick bites. Infected ticks are found in parts of Europe (including the UK) and Asia. Most infections occur during hiking activities in these areas.

SYMPTOMS:

• The symptoms can include:
• Some people get flu-like symptoms about a week after being bitten, such as:
• a high temperature, tiredness, headache, aches and pains, feeling sick
• a stiff neck and a severe headache
• pain when looking at bright lights
• a fit (seizure)
• a change in behaviour, confusion or slurred speech
• weakness or loss of movement in part of the body

VACCINE DOSES REQUIRED:

2 years - 15 years: 3 doses, required at 0, 1-3 months. Booster required at 3 years, then every 5 years after if still at risk.

16 – 85 years: 3 doses, required at 0, 1-3 months after first, 5-12months after 2nd. A booster is required at 3 years, then every 5 years after if still at risk, 60 yrs+ every 3 yrs.

See travel health price list >

GENERAL INFORMATION

Travellers' diarrhoea is spread mainly through food and water, but also from person to person 

Travellers’ diarrhoea is defined as passing 3 or more loose/watery bowel motions in 24 hours. It may be accompanied by any of the following symptoms; fever, tummy cramps, urgent need to pass bowel motion, nausea or vomiting.

Mild/Moderate cases: Less than 6 loose stools per day, oral rehydration sachets (with clean water) is usually sufficient tomanage the condition.

Severe travellers diahorrea:

If characterised when more than 6 diarrhoea stools are passed in 24 hours and cause incapacitation, or there is blood or mucous in the stool, or marked vomiting, fever, tummy pain, medical attention must be sought.

Antibiotics can be prescribed to help treat severe  travellers diahorrea.

PREVENTION AND ADVICE

Tablets to prevent diarrhoea are not routinely recommended as their side effects may be worse than the diarrhoea.

Antibiotics are not routinely recommended to prevent travellers’ diarrhoea:

Preventative antibiotics might be offered to some people with severe medical problems that could be made worse by diarrhoea or dehydration. If you feel you may require antibiotics for travel, you should discuss this with your GP or a travel health practitioner.

All antibiotics have side effects, and can interact with other medicines that you may be taking. You should always read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine.

Non-antibiotic medicines

Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®, Pepti-calm®)

Can help to prevent travellers' diarrhoea.

Available in tablet (Pepto-bismol®) or liquid (Pepto-bismol® or Boots Pepti-calm®).

• Can be bought in pharmacies.
• Can cause blackening of your poo and tongue.
• It may interact with other medicines and is not suitable for everyone.
• You should check with the pharmacist if it is safe for you to take.
• Always follow the dose instructions on the medicine packet.

Pre/Probiotics

Pre- and probiotics are not recommended for either prevention or treatment of travellers' diarrhoea.  There is not yet any convincing evidence that they are effective.

Vaccination

No licensed vaccines are available in the UK against travellers' diarrhoea.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that can spread throughout the body, affecting many organs. Without prompt treatment, it can cause severe complications and can be fatal.

It's caused by a bacterium called Salmonella typhi, which is related to the bacteria that cause salmonella food poisoning.

Typhoid fever is highly contagious. You can become infected by eating food such as seafood, raw vegetables and salad or drinking water contaminated by faeces from someone infected with typhoid.

SYMPTOMS:

• The symptoms can include:
• A persistent high temperature that gradually increases each day
• Headache, general aches and pains, extreme tiredness, cough. Constipation
• As the infection progresses, you may lose your appetite, feel sick, have a stomach ache, and have diarrhoea. 
• Some people may develop a rash.
• If typhoid fever isn't treated, the symptoms will continue to get worse over the following weeks, and the risk of developing potentially fatal complications will increase.

VACCINE DOSES REQUIRED:

2 – 85 years: 1 dose, booster required at 3 years.

See travel health price list >

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The bite of an infected mosquito spreads yellow fever (YF), a vaccine-preventable viral infection transmitted predominantly by certain species of day-biting mosquitoes.

It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Central and South America. Outbreaks have caused up to a 50% mortality rate. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends vaccination if travelling to risk areas. Some countries require a certificate of proof of vaccination to enter. An International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) must be obtained from a registered yellow fever centre.

SYMPTOMS:

• The symptoms can include:
• a high temperature, headache, feeling sick or vomiting
• muscle pain and backache, eyes sensitive to light
• loss of appetite and feeling generally unwell
• Up to 1 in 4 people go on to get more severe symptoms, such as yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), bleeding from the mouth, nose, eyes or ears, vomiting blood or blood in stools. 

VACCINE DOSES REQUIRED:

2 – 85 years: 1 dose, 10 days before travel, booster required for lifelong immunity.

See travel health price list >