Family Medical Centre

Yellow Fever

webtastix — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 09:24:13 +0000

Infected mosquitoes spread Yellow Fever. Although Yellow Fever still impacts significantly on indigenous people it’s impact on travelers is minimal because of the effectiveness of the vaccination. Distribution and Transmission Yellow Fever is present in tropical Africa and South America. Signs and Symptoms. The main symptoms are fever, jaundice, hemorrhage and renal failure. Additional Information Yellow Fever vaccination is the only remaining vaccination that is required by the World Health Organization. This vaccination is documented on a Yellow Fever Certificate. This certificate is required by some countries before you enter.

Malaria

webtastix — Sun, 21 May 2023 16:39:21 +0000

Infected mosquitoes spread malaria. The species that spreads malaria tend to bite between dusk and dawn. Distribution and Transmission of Malaria: Malaria is a transmitted disease that affects Africa, South and Central America, Asia and the Middle East. Because mosquitoes prefer humid conditions and need fresh water to breed, there is often a seasonal increase noted particularly in those areas that experience heavy rainfall. Prevention of mosquito bites is the first stage of defence. This includes wearing long sleeve shirts and trousers, using a good mosquito repellent, using mosquito nets while sleeping and being especially careful at dawn and dusk. Malaria tablets are also recommended – there are several different prevention medications that are recommended depending on the countries which you are travelling too. Please feel free to contact us so we can best assist with the necessary travel vaccines. Should you require prescription tablets we are able to arrange this for you. Signs and Symptoms of the incubation period ranges from 2 weeks – 35 days. The disease presents itself with a range of symptoms that may include: Fever, Headache, muscle pain, Malaise, (tiredness), Rigors, (shivering) extreme sweating, Diarrhea, abdominal pain, Dry cough, Jaundice and Anemia. Emergency Treatment: If you develop a fever while travelling or having returned from your trip, it is essential to seek medical advice. Emergency treatments should be carried if you are travelling to remote areas where medical facilities are unavailable.

Hepatitis A

webtastix — Sun, 21 May 2023 16:38:14 +0000

Distribution and Transmission Hepatitis A is present in all countries with poor sanitation and public hygiene. Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water, particularly shellfish, or person to person contact when poor hygiene is an issue. Travellers from countries where hygiene is good are at risk because few would have developed immunity from pre-exposure. Signs and Symptoms: Hepatitis A has an incubation period of 3 – 6 weeks. The number of people infected with Hepatitis A who exhibit symptoms is less than 10%. The symptoms experienced by these people can include mild fever, an upset stomach, sometimes a rash, nausea/vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms are followed by jaundice and itching. Once jaundice is established patients usually feel better by themselves.

Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio

webtastix — Sun, 21 May 2023 16:36:23 +0000

Tetanus is a toxin produced by an anaerobe called Clostridium Tetani which causes tetanus. The spores are distributed widely in the environment and infection generally results from these spores entering wounds at the time of injury. Polio is predominantly contracted through contaminated food and water, although acute infections may be passed on through the nasopharyngeal droplets. Diphtheria is usually contracted by respiratory droplet infection but can also be contracted by articles soiled by infected persons. Skin infection is common on the limbs of children in the tropics who go around barefoot. Distribution and Transmission Tetanus distribution is worldwide. Polio has impacted significantly on developing countries resulting in many people being crippled. Effective vaccinations have virtually eradicated the disease, with the exception of Asian and African developing countries. Diphtheria is in most of sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South East Asia and South America. These countries present a high risk of contracting diphtheria. Signs and Symptoms: Tetanus has an incubation period of 3 – 21 days. During this time muscle rigidity begins to increase, finally resulting in Trismus the inability to open the mouth widely, and rigidity of spinal and abdominal muscles. Further deterioration follows resulting is facial grimacing and back arching, and finally tetanus can prove to be fatal. Polio has an incubation period of 7-14 days. With 90% of cases there are no symptoms. Sometimes resulting in lifetime immunity. A mild flu like illness with a fever presents in 8% of cases, and the remaining 2% of cases, symptoms include paralysis, bladder dysfunction, impaired swallowing, breathing and speech (bulbar poliomyelitis) which may be fatal. Diphtheria incubation period is usually 2-5 days. Toxicity is most severe in pharyngeal diphtheria. Can cause death. Recommendations for Travellers: It is strongly recommended that travelers vaccinate against Tetanus, Polio and Diphtheria.

Diarrhea

webtastix — Sun, 21 May 2023 16:34:25 +0000

Signs and Symptoms: Is usually caused by consuming contaminated food or water, seldom lasts for more than a few days. If it persists for more than a week or if at any time blood is seen in the motions, a more serious infection should be suspected, you should consult with your doctor. May be severe with frequent watery stools with symptoms of dehydration (thirst, dry mouth and tongue, headache and weakness) due to loss of body fluids and salt. Is treated by taking Oral rehydration Salts (ORS) mixture and drinking plenty of fluids. Treatment Should be started early to prevent dehydration. If dehydration is already present it is essential to treat it to prevent further deterioration. 1) Pre-packed ORS mixtures are available at pharmacies and should be taken according to the instructions on the packet. 2) If not available, make up the following simple but effective remedy and take 1-2 glassfuls for each loose stool passed: One level teaspoonful of salt and eight level teaspoons of sugar dissolved in 1 liter of clean water (5-6 cupful’s), taken in frequent small amounts (large swallows may cause nausea) 3) Drink extra fluid to maintain a good output of pale urine. A total of three or more liters a day may be necessary. If only small amounts of dark yellow or brown urine are being passed, drink more water. Vomiting: If vomiting is severe, the rehydration solutions should be taken in small sips every few minutes. If there is no improvement after a few hours, consult with a doctor. Anti diarrhea drugs may ease the symptoms in a mild attack but are best avoided unless the need is urgent. Antibiotics may make the condition worse and should only be taken on the advice of a doctor. If preventative anti-biotics are being taken, they should be discontinued. Milk and alcohol should be avoided.

Cholera

webtastix — Sun, 21 May 2023 16:23:08 +0000

Cholera is usually rare in travellers other than those living in very poor sanitary conditions. Large numbers of the organism are required to make people sick – it is thought that there are probably many mild cases which do not result in investigations Distribution and Transmission Via contaminated water and food. Prevention It is believed that taking care with drinking water is more effective than vaccination. Signs and Symptoms After an incubation period of 6 – 72 hours the infection results in mild to extreme diarrhoea and extreme dehydration. This can last from 1 – 7 days. Fever is not present. Treatment Antibiotics and fluid replacement.

Altitude Sickness

webtastix — Sat, 20 May 2023 19:25:24 +0000

Everyone going to altitude is potentially at risk. Altitude sickness or Acute Mountrain Sickness (AMS) is a very real problem that kills people every year. Many people feel somewhat off colour if they travel directly by plane or train from sea level to altitudes above 3500m (11500 feet).

Most problems occur between 8000 to 13000ft (13000 – 18000 is usually only reached by serious climbers) 80 – 90% of travellers will develop AMS if they ascend too rapidly to 5000m (16400ft). Acute Mountain Sickness is a result of the depleted level of oxygen at altitude. As you ascend there is less oxygen available in the air to breathe, this places strain on the body. Given time the body can adjust to these depleted levels.

Prevention
The fit and healthy may be more at risk of developing AMS. If either traveller ascends too quickly due to fitness levels or flying into destinations AMS may develop as inadequate time has been allowed for the body to acclimatise.

Reputable tour companies will be aware of AMS – listen to their advice – tragedies have occurred when people have pushed on regardless
Familiarise yourself with signs and symptoms
The question of ‘how high how fast’ – is difficult to answer because of individual responses however – healthy people under 65 years may travel rapidly to altitudes up to 3500m though some people will develop mild symptoms of AMS. Above this height the speed of further height gain should be gradual.
Spending a few days – a week before ascending further is sensible. If any symptoms of AMS persist you should descend and seek medical attention.
Acute Mountain Sickness is usually a self-limiting condition without serious long-term consequences.
Malignant AMS: This is a severe form of Altitude Sickness that could be potentially fatal if not treated correctly.
It is not possible to predict who will develop Altitude Sickness. Patients with heart disease, lung disease, high blood pressure, and the elderly should seek specialist advice if they plan trips above 4000m.

Signs and Symptoms
Headache
Fatigue
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Difficulty sleeping
Un-due breathlessness on exertion
Sensation of the heart pounding

1. Pulmonary
Caused by fluid building up in the lungs – the symptoms are:
Severe breathlessness after exercise or even at rest (this can come on in a matter of minutes)
Coughing – with white or frothy pink sputum
Blueness of the lips

2. Cerebral
Caused by fluid building up in the brain the symptoms are:
Headache (sometimes with double vision)
Unsteadiness on the feet
Unusual behaviour/drowsiness which may lead to coma

Treatment
Drugs and oxygen have little part to play in the treatment. The best treatment is to descend. The sufferer may be irrational and not in a position to help themselves. They must be brought down AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Even 1000ft can help. Descent by 2000-3000ft can bring rapid relief. DO NOT WAIT FOR A HELICOPTER. DIAMOX (Acetazolamide) – this drug reduces fluid retention and can help prevent AMS. It must be started at least 3 days before ascent. In a dose of one 250mg tablets twice daily. Side effects include nausea and tingling in the fingers.

US Immigration Medicals – Q & A

webtastix — Sat, 20 May 2023 19:14:22 +0000

Question – What is involved in a US immigration medical exam?

A US immigration medical exam includes a thorough physical examination, medical history review, and screening for certain diseases as required by the US immigration authorities

Flu Jabs – All you need to know

webtastix — Sat, 20 May 2023 19:04:56 +0000

What is Flu?

Flu (or influenza, to use the full name) is a highly infectious illness which spreads very rapidly via coughs and sneezes of people who are already carrying the virus. Flu immunisation (flu jab) gives you good protection and lasts for one year. The vaccine is normally available in the autumn and is made from the strain of flu that is expected in the coming winter. In order to remain protected, you need to ensure that you have an annual flu jab.

Flu Symptoms

A flu jab’s main purpose is to protect those who are most at risk of developing complications that can result from flu. The symptoms hit you suddenly and severely.They usually include fever, chills, sore throat headaches, aching muscles, and you can often get a cough at the same time. Colds are less severe, and usually start gradually when you get a sore throat and stuffy or a runny nose. Catching Flu is a much more serious illness and is a nasty experience for most of us and it can lead to bronchitis and pneumonia and may require hospital treatment. Every winter, a large number of elderly people die from influenza.

When should I get the Flu Jab?
The best time to have a flu jab is in the autumn. Don’t wait until the winter when there’s a flu epidemic. The virus circulates every winter, usually over a period of a few weeks and, as a result, a lot of people get ill around the same time. In a really bad year, this can amount to an epidemic.