Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever Yellow Fever is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, jaundice, severe malaise and bleeding The death rate is up to 50% Countries where yellow fever is present includes parts of South America and sub-Saharan Africa It is a legal requirement for all travellers returning from a yellow fever endemic […]
Women’s Health
Things women need to consider when travelling include: Availability of sanitary products Oral contraception – affected by some medications and illness Infections such as thrush Cultural attitudes and expectations of women Travel is not likely to be a problem for the healthy pregnant traveller, however, there are a few risks that need to be considered. […]
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
A highly contagious bacterial infection spread by aerosol droplets eg sneezing or coughing. Thousands of cases of whooping cough occur each year and they can last for months. Clinical features include: Cold like symptoms, runny nose Low grade fever Respiratory symptoms include rapid coughs followed by a whooping sound This routine vaccination is usually combined […]
Vaccinations
National routine vaccinations recommended for all travellers include: tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, measles,mumps, rubella, varicella and polio as per the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Hepatitis B, meningococcal c, influenza and pneumonia vaccination are recommended for those at risk, including those with asthma and respiratory or cardiac conditions, metabolic conditions such as diabetes and those over 65 years of age. Country specific recommended […]
Varicella (Chicken Pox)
A viral infection spread by droplets. Symptoms include feeling unwell, headache, fever a typical rash with blisters and sores Complications including pneumonia and encephalitis (brain inflammation) It causes 1200 hospitalisations and more than four deaths in Australia annually This disease is more severe in adults and the immuno-compromised Varicella is now a routine vaccination for […]
Typhoid Fever
Is a bacterial infection of the gut and blood spread by contaminated food or water. The disease is related to hygiene practices Incidence is highest in undeveloped countries with poor sanitation Symptoms include abdominal cramps, nausea, constipation, fever and a typical rash (not always present) Resort level of accommodation does not guarantee against typhoid Up […]
Tuberculosis (TB) (BCG Vaccination)
TB is a bacterial infection primarily affecting, but not limited to, the lungs. Over 1/3 of the world’s population has TB Respiratory symptoms include feeling unwell, nightsweats, cough and blood stained phlegm Spread by droplet, ie sneezing in confined spaces such as public transport and in unpasturised dairy products A Mantoux test can determine if […]
Tetanus
When toxin from bacteria in soil enters skin wounds. Commonly transmitted through cuts from gardening (particularly rose thorns), animal bites and rusted metal Those most at risk include the very young and the very old Symptoms include painful muscle spasm (lock jaw) and convulsion About 1 in 10 people with tetanus die The vaccination is […]
Sexual Health and Sexually Transmitted Infections
Recent research has shown an alarming incidence of unprotected sexual contact in overseas business and holiday travellers. An estimated 90% of overseas sex workers in some cities have HIV and hepatitis B. Abstinence is the only way to completely avoid all sexually transmissible diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, herpes and warts. The […]
Rubella (German Measles)
A viral infection spread by droplets. Symptoms include rash, fever, swollen glands Less commonly, bruising, bleeding, and encephalitis (brain inflammation) Infected pregnant women have a high risk of having babies with severe malformations It is now given combined with measles and mumps vaccination Rubella is a routine vaccination which may need to be updated prior […]
