Author Archives: Jane Bell RGN

Shingles Vaccine – Zostavax – Now Available

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Jane Bell RGN

If you have ever had chicken pox you are at risk of getting shingles. The chicken pox virus stays in your system and can resurface as shingles later in life. The main symptoms are a painful rash that blisters and then scabs. Postherpetic neuralgia can occur after you have had shingles. This is nerve pain that can last for three months or more after the rash has gone.

In the UK it is estimated that about 3 people in every 1,000 have shingles in  every year. Although shingles can occur at any age it is more common over the age of 50 years. In those aged 80 years and over the incidence of getting shingles increases to about 11 people in 1,000 per year.

Vaccination

Zostavax is a vaccination that can reduce your risk of getting shingles. It is licensed for use in those aged 50 years and over. You can have the vaccine even if you have not had chicken pox.

You should not have the vaccine if:

  • you are allergic to any of its ingredients, including gelatin or neomycin.
  • you have a weakened immune system or take high doses of steroids.
  • if are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
  • you should not get ZOSTAVAX to prevent chickenpox.
  • Tell your nurse if you have had a vaccine against pneumonia in the last 4 weeks. It is best to have these 4 weeks apart.

Further Information

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Shingles/Pages/Introduction.aspx

http://www.zostavax.com/

 

 

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Blood Borne Infections and Travel

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Jane Bell RGN

Blood borne infections such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C are found worldwide, however, some countries have higher levels of infection. Blood borne infections are spread through  any activity causing contact with blood or body fluids. These include:

  • Unprotected sexual intercourse
  • Medical treatment with contaminated equipment
  • Activities that pierce the skin such as tattoos, acupuncture or  body piercings.
  • Contact sports such as rugby or boxing. This increase risk of contact with bodily fluids from an infected person.
  • Occupational exposure- health care workers are particularly at risk.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B(HBV) is a virus that can damage your liver and cause serious health problems.  This potentially fatal virus is spread the same way as HIV but it is 100 times more infectious. 350 million people are believed to be infected worldwide. .[1].   Thankfully, hepatitis b can be prevented through vaccination. If you are travelling to a high risk country you should consider a course of hepatitis b vaccine.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C (HCV) is similar to HBV in that it can be fatal and cause liver damage or serious health problems. HVC is found worldwide but is more common in Africa, Asia and South America. 3% of the world population are believed to be infected. .[2].   There is no vaccine to protect against HCV.

HIV

HIV infection occurs anywhere in the world. At the end of 2007 it was estimated that 33.2   million  persons were living with HIV infection  worldwide.[3].   Prevalence is highest in  Africa, South and South East Asia, and   Latin America and the Caribbean. Between 2001 and 2005,  41% of new diagnosis in UK citizens were aquired abroad. Highest risk countries were in Africa and Thailand.

Advice for Travellers

  • Practice safe sex – always use a condom and buy an adequate supply for your trip. Make sure condoms carry the
  • Avoid tattoos or body piercings in foreign countries
  • Carry a sterile medical kit with needles and syringes in if you are travelling to high risk areas
  • Have a course of hepatitis b vaccine before your trip
  • Consider joining the Blood Care Foundation – they can arrange screened blood worldwide for use in an emergency
  • Find out your blood group before travel

To book a hepatitis b vaccine or purchase a sterile medical kit call 01273 749100 or book online

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Injectable Typhoid Vaccine Now Back In Stock

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Jane Bell RGN

Sussex Travel Clinic now has injectable typhoid vaccine back in stock. Over the past few months there have been supply problems with injectable typhoid vaccine in the UK. Manufacturers Sanofi Pasteur have now confirmed that injectable typhoid vaccine is now available.

During the time that injectable typhoid vaccine was not available Sussex Travel Clinic offered the oral typhoid vaccine to travellers that needed protection. The clinic now has adequate supplies of both the oral and injectable vaccines. Oral typhoid vaccine is taken in tablet form over a period of five days and is ideal for those that are needle phobic.

To discuss further please call the clinic on 01273 749100 or book an appointment online.

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Sussex Travel Clinic – Easter Opening Hours

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Jane Bell RGN

The team at Sussex Travel Clinic would like to wish all our customers a Happy Easter.

The clinic will be closed on the following days over the Easter period:

Good Friday 6th April – Closed

Saturday 7th April – 10- 1 pm

Easter Sunday 8th April – Closed

Bank Holiday Monday – 9th April – Closed

You can still book an appointment over the break by using our online booking system or call us on our return on Tuesday 10th April on 01273 749100.

Our sister site World Wide Nets is having an Easter sale so if you need to stock up on travel products for your trip abroad now is the time to take advantage of our 10% discount offer. Simply enter the code EASTER12 at the checkout to get your discount.

 

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Travelling with an Allergy

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Jane Bell RGN

Travelling with an allergy can be difficult and without being prepared could end with you needing medical treatment following exposure to an unknown source of your allergy. Food allergies can cause problems when ordering food in restaurants and communicating can be difficult. Follow our advice to make sure you have a safe and healthy trip.

What is an allergy?

Allergic reactions are caused by allergens. Almost anything can be an allergen for someone. Common allergens include: pollen, house dust mite, food, animals and chemicals. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from a runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rashes to the more severe form of allergy; anaphylaxis. Allergy is very common and it affects approximately one in four of the population in the UK. Each year the numbers are increasing by 5% with as many as half of all those affected being children.

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can affect the whole body, often within minutes of exposure to an allergen but sometimes it can occur after several hours. Anaphylaxis can be fatal if not treated quickly.

What causes anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis can be caused by many different things. These include foods such as nuts: peanuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews, Brazils, sesame, fish, shellfish, dairy products and eggs. Non-food causes include wasp or bee stings, natural latex (rubber), penicillin or any other drugs or injections.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include:  flushing of the skin, hives, swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, collapse and unconsciousness.

How is allergy treated?

Most allergic reactions can be treated successfully with antihistamine tablets or cream. If you have had a previous anaphylactic reaction your doctor or specialist will have prescribed you an Epipen which contains Adrenaline (also known as epinephrine). Adrenaline works by constricting blood vessels and relaxing smooth muscles in the lungs to improve breathing. It stimulates the heartbeat and helps to stop swelling around the face and lips. The Anaphylaxis Campaign have produced a video on how to use your Epipen.

 

Advice for Travellers

If you have a known allergy you should follow these advice tips to make sure you stay safe and healthy on your trip:

  • Carry an adequate supply of allergy treatment – antihistamine tablets or cream or inhalers.
  • If you have been prescribed an Epipen make sure you have an adequate supply for your trip. Make sure they are in date and carry a copy of your original prescription and a doctors letter stating your allergy and treatment plan. Always carry your Epipen in your hand luggage.
  • Wear a MedicAlert bracelet or necklace  that is engraved with the wearer’s main medical condition(s) or allergies, It has a  24 hour emergency telephone number which accepts reverse charge calls that allows emergency and medical professionals to access their details from anywhere in the world in over 100 languages. Membership to the MedicAlert  service costs £25 per year and emblems cost from £19.95. To join call 0800 581 420.
  • Carry a translation card stating your allergy. This is particularly useful for food allergies. Many countries use nut oils to in cooking and communicating your allergies can often be difficult. Allergy UK produces translation cards in 27 languages. A set of three cards costs £15. To order phone Allergy UK on 01322 619898.
  • If you are travelling by plane contact your airline before travel to read their allergy policy. Many airlines still serve snacks such as nuts so it is worth checking this information before you book. Always carry your Epipen on the plane with you and inform cabin crew that you have an allergy to minimise exposure to allergen during your flight.
  • Make sure you have adequate travel insurance and disclose your allergy and any other medical conditions to your insurers when you take out your policy.

 

Further information can be found on the following websites:

http://www.allergyuk.org

http://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk

http://www.medicalert.org.uk

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