Travelpharm

27/03/2015

Chikungunya Outbreak in the Caribbean – The Facts

If you are headed to the Carribbean anytime soon you may have heard or be concerned about the outbreak of the Chikungunya. This virus was first reported as an outbreak in the region by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in December 2013. This blog aims to separate fact from fiction using information provided by the WHO, so you can enjoy your holiday safe in the knowledge you are doing all you can to stay protected. Chikungunya (Chikv for short) is a virus spread from human to human through the bite... Read More

25/02/2015

Top 10 Medical Essentials for Hiking Holidays

As a Pharmacist working in travel health I think I can safely say that packing a comprehensive medical kit is not high on anyone’s list of fun things to do pre adventure of a lifetime. It is a tedious, often overlooked but crucially ESSENTIAL part of the packing process for those about to embark on a hiking holiday in any climate. I have drawn on both my personal experience as a backpacker and my professional experience working in travel health when compiling this list.  My aim is to provide you... Read More

21/01/2015

How to avoid traveller’s diarrhoea

Delhi belly, the trots, the runs…whatever you prefer to call it, the vast majority of us have fallen victim to a few loose bowel movements whilst exploring pastures new. The more politically correct term ‘Traveller’s Diarrhoea’ can be defined as three or more loose bowel movements over a 24 hour period with at least one symptom of cramps, fever, nausea or vomiting. Traveller’s diarrhoea typically affects us in the first 1-2 weeks of travel to a foreign environment and can be caused by a range of organisms including bacteria, parasites... Read More

23/12/2014

What is Altitude Sickness?

Thinking of heading off to visit the Ancient Inca ruins at Macchu Picchu high in the Andes in the Cusco region of Peru? Altitude or ‘Mountain’ sickness is something you may want to think about before you travel. Altitude sickness can occur at any height above 2,500m and usually occurs when a person climbs to a high altitude too quickly. Macchu Pichu is set at around 2,430m above sea level. This means your likelihood of developing mountain sickness here is actually low. However, many travellers end up flying to or... Read More

04/12/2014

Getting to know Atovaquone and Proguanil

Atovaquone and Proguanil – What is it? Let me set the scene…. You’re headed off for the rural adventure of a lifetime in Malaysian Borneo. You’re extremely excited; who knows what you might see and who you might meet. You’ve sorted out the basics- flights, accommodation, itinerary… now you’re onto the slightly less exciting but equally important health bit. What pills, potions and jabs will you need? You’ve visited your local travel clinic and (alongside other recommendations) your travel health professional has recommended that you need prescription only antimalarials for... Read More

07/11/2014

The ABCD of Malaria Prevention

Learn the Malaria Alphabet. The ABCD approach could save your life! Mosquitos are so much more than just irritating insects which feed on human blood- they can also carry and transmit parasites which cause Malaria. Malaria has the potential to be fatal. Symptoms include fever, shivering, vomiting and flu-like symptoms. Over half of the world’s population are at risk of Malaria and there are around 207 million illnesses each year. The good news is that Malaria is often preventable and treatable. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has developed a simple... Read More