Cholera is a bacterial infection characterised by painless yet copious watery diarrhoea, which can quickly lead to dehydration. Additional symptoms may include vomiting and leg cramps, with the severity ranging from mild to life-threatening if left untreated. The Cholera bacteria typically spread through water or food contaminated with infected faeces, and outbreaks can occur explosively, especially in situations like floods or other disasters where sanitation is compromised. Raw or undercooked seafood from polluted waters can also trigger outbreaks. The risk of contracting Cholera depends on various factors and should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Vaccination against Cholera is widely available and should be considered when planning travel. Treatment involves prompt replacement of lost fluids and salts, often through oral rehydration solutions, with antibiotics sometimes prescribed depending on the circumstances.

By adhering to food and water safety measures and ensuring you receive the necessary cholera vaccination tailored to your destination, you can decrease the likelihood of contracting the disease. For travellers spending more than 2-3 weeks in cholera-prone areas, getting vaccinated is strongly advised. The cholera vaccine offers timely, safe, and straightforward protection against infection.

Treating cholera is straightforward and effective with prompt replenishment of fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhoea. Patients can utilise oral rehydration solutions like Gastrolyte, included in the Travel Vaccination Health Care's Gastro Kit.

Polio, short for Poliomyelitis, is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. Symptoms may include minor ailments like fever, sore throat, and headache, alongside more significant manifestations such as muscle weakness leading to paralysis. Vaccination against polio is the most effective preventive measure, readily available and highly recommended for travellers to areas where the virus is present. Seeking advice from a healthcare professional about polio vaccination prior to travel is crucial for ensuring a safe journey.

Rabies is a viral disease primarily affecting animals, but it can be transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites. Common carriers include dogs, cats, and monkeys. Symptoms usually appear 2-8 weeks after exposure and can be severe, including fever, headache, weakness, paralysis, and eventually death due to breathing difficulties. Prevention through vaccination is highly effective, especially for individuals with occupational risks or those travelling to endemic areas. Additionally, travellers participating in high-risk activities like trekking, cycling, or caving should also consider vaccination. Prompt medical attention is essential for anyone bitten or scratched by a potentially infected animal, followed by thorough wound cleansing and post-exposure rabies vaccination.

Japanese Encephalitis is a serious viral infection causing flu-like symptoms such as headache, neck stiffness, and confusion, with the potential for severe outcomes like loss of consciousness or long-term brain damage. The virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly in rural areas of Southeast Asia, China, and other regions.

The primary prevention method involves scheduling a Japanese encephalitis vaccination before travelling and taking measures to avoid mosquito bites by using repellents and appropriate clothing.

For travellers planning to spend a month or more in rural areas or considering long-term residence in urban areas where Japanese encephalitis is prevalent, vaccination is strongly recommended. A multi-dose vaccination program is available, which should be completed at least 10 days before travelling. This vaccination provides over 95% protection and is recommended for all travellers aged over 1 year.

It's important to note that some individuals may experience a reaction to the vaccine, such as a sore arm, slight fever, or general aches and pains. Approximately 1% of patients may experience a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine, necessitating all patients to remain under observation for 30 minutes after immunisation.

Furthermore, it's advised to refrain from consuming alcohol for 48 hours after vaccination.

Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in parts of Africa and South America, with symptoms including fever, vomiting, jaundice, and kidney disease. Vaccination is essential for travellers to endemic areas, providing nearly 100% protection and is often required for entry into certain countries. A single dose is typically effective within 10 days and provides lifelong immunity for most individuals, although there may be exceptions. Your doctor will evaluate your health history to determine if further doses are necessary, particularly if you have received the vaccine before. It's important to consult with your doctor if you are pregnant, allergic to eggs, or have weakened immunity due to chemotherapy or HIV-AIDS, as these factors may affect your suitability for the yellow fever vaccine.

It is important to adhere to general precautions for avoiding mosquito bites in addition to receiving a yellow fever vaccination. These precautions include wearing protective clothing, using mosquito netting, and potentially treating clothing with Permethrin should be discussed with your travel doctor.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection causing symptoms like loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal discomfort, potentially leading to liver cirrhosis or cancer in chronic cases. It is prevalent in regions such as Asia, Africa, and South America, primarily transmitted through activities involving blood exposure or sexual contact with carriers. Vaccination is recommended for travellers to endemic areas, especially for long-term stays or those with increased exposure risks. Healthcare providers can assess individual vaccination needs based on travel plans and health history.

Travellers should ensure they are protected by receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine and should endeavour to avoid all activities or exposures as mentioned above.

All travellers planning to reside in endemic areas for more than one month should receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. Additionally, travellers staying for less than one month but engaging in activities involving direct contact with blood (e.g., health workers) or having sexual contact with residents in endemic areas should also schedule a Hepatitis B vaccination.

Note: Hepatitis B vaccination is routinely administered to babies and school children; however, many young adults at risk may not have been vaccinated. These specifics should be discussed with your travel doctor to determine your eligibility for Hepatitis B vaccination.

Hepatitis A is a viral disease spread through poor hygiene or contaminated food and water, causing symptoms like nausea, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort. Vaccination is vital for travellers visiting endemic areas, with protection lasting up to a year and booster doses extending immunity. Preventive measures also include minimising exposure to contaminated food and water. Healthcare providers can advise on vaccination schedules and risk reduction strategies based on travel plans and destinations.

To minimise the risk of contracting Hepatitis A, all travellers should take precautions to avoid potentially contaminated water or food.

Those aged over 1 who are visiting highly endemic areas should receive the Hepatitis A vaccine. A single dose provides protection for up to one year, and a booster dose administered at 6–12 months extends protective levels. Current data suggests that the vaccine may offer protection for 30–40 years, although drug product information states 20 years. The vaccine is known to be very safe and highly effective in the long term. Ensuring Hepatitis A vaccinations are kept up to date is crucial when planning travel.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and water, causing symptoms like fever, lethargy, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Vaccination is recommended for travellers to endemic regions, particularly for prolonged stays or in areas with poor sanitation. Simple precautions like food and water safety can also help prevent infection. Healthcare providers can administer the typhoid vaccine and offer guidance on preventive measures tailored to individual travel plans. The injectable form of the typhoid vaccine is available and provides protection for three years.

Treatment for typhoid typically involves a course of antibiotics lasting 10 to 14 days.