Risk areas for Whooping Cough Whooping cough (pertussis) – Travellers around the world should watch out for this menacing microbe that affects the lungs and airways. Following initial cold-like symptoms, it causes cough bouts which can last for several months and may leave you gasping for breath. Symptoms Symptoms start with a runny nose, sore…
Shingles (also known as Shingles Herpes Zoster) is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV) -the same virus which causes chickenpox. Symptoms The first signs of shingles can be an itching, tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin and a headache/generally feeling unwell. The rash (fluid-filled blisters) forms a few days later on…
Risk areas for Pneumococcal Pneumonia Pneumococcal Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection affecting the lungs caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. Each year in the UK, 8 in every 1000 adults develop pneumonia (around 220,000 people per year) and approximately 29,000 people die. Symptoms Common symptoms are a persistent cough, fever, breathlessness, feeling generally unwell,…
Risk areas for Measles Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) is a highly contagious virus found in many countries. Travel is a major factor in the spread of the virus, and outbreaks are reported worldwide. Measles is one of the leading causes of childhood deaths globally Symptoms High fever lasting 4-7 days, conjunctivitis, runny nose, cough…
Varicella (Chickenpox) is a highly infectious viral disease. Most children in the UK have the disease before the age of 10. After a chickenpox infection the virus stays dormant in the body and may reactivate at a later date, causing shingles. Chickenpox for most children is a mild, self-limiting disease; adults are more prone to…
Risk areas for Tetanus Tetanus is caused by a bacteria that releases a powerful toxin (poison) into the body. It is a serious disease, which can be fatal even with medical treatment. In developed countries, such as the UK, tetanus is rare due to vaccination programmes, but it is found worldwide. Symptoms Symptoms include fever,…
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. Symptoms Symptoms can include: a runny or blocked nose, a cough, sneezing, tiredness, a high temperature. Usually mild and self-limiting RSV can be severe in infants and older adults who are at increased risk of lower respiratory tract infection, including bronchiolitis in infants.…
Risk areas for Meningococcal Meningitis (ACWY) Meningococcal Meningitis (ACWY) is an infection caused by a bacteria or virus, which affects the brain and spinal cord. There are different forms of meningitis – A, C, W, Y and B are the most common. Left untreated it has a very high fatality rate. Symptoms Sudden fever, intense…
Flu (influenza) is an infectious respiratory disease caused by a virus. Symptoms Symptoms can include; a sudden fever, headache, aches, sore throat and a dry chesty cough. How do you catch Influenza? Flu is spread by coughs, sneezes and contact with those who already have the disease Incubation period 1 to 4 days Diagnosis Based…
Risk areas for Diphtheria Diphtheria is an infection caused by bacteria. It mainly affects the nose and throat, but can also affect the skin. It is very infectious and can become serious very quickly. Most cases occur in people who have never had a diphtheria vaccine, or who did not complete the initial course. Symptoms…