Travelpharm

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