Why use a travel clinic?

It’s a scary fact that up to 50% of overseas travellers suffer illness sometimes serious diseases requiring extended hospitalisation. However, most of these illnesses can be prevented with the right advice from a travel medicine expert! Our highly skilled Travel doctors keep up with the continual changes in travel medicine, so that you can avoid incorrect advice and unnecessary vaccinations. They take the time to learn about each patient so that you can be given specific advice for your situation, taking into account important factors such as duration of stay, type of travel and accommodation, season, current health and medical history

Points to consider when choosing a travel doctor

• Travel Clinics Australia are;
• World Health Org. approved yellow fever vaccination centres
• Local experts in all aspects of travel health
• Have an online database with continually updated information not just for vaccinations but a complete travel health service (jet lag, ear problems in flight, altitude sickness, motion sickness)
• Malaria and other advice for areas at risk
• Save patients cost of vaccines partly claimable on extras health insurance cover
• One stop medical experience with everything on site

Overseas travellers, especially to Asia, Africa and South America, should seek medical advice at least 6 weeks prior to departure. Our clients receive up to date advice, a free personalised destination report, pocket guide and international vaccination certificate. Vaccinations, medications and travel health kits are all available on site at competitive rates.

Yellow Fever Vaccinations

Yellow fever is a viral disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes in parts of Africa and South America. One in seven patients develop severe, frequently fatal disease characterised by multi-organ involvement. Travellers are at risk of yellow fever in endemic areas, especially in forested and rural regions and during urban outbreaks. In addition to anti-mosquito measures, it is important to prevent yellow fever by vaccinating where there is true risk. Vaccination is also a mandatory requirement for entry into some countries even for in-transit travel.

Vaccination must take place at an approved vaccination centre and a record entered and validated in an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) Yellow fever must be given at least 10 days before entering a country that requires you to have it.

Routine Vaccinations

As well as considering vaccinations for travel to specific destinations, it is important to ensure that you are up to date with your routine vaccinations for your appropriate age as according to the National Immunisation Program Schedule. Many of these vaccines are inexpensive. The total cost of any vaccine is less than the cost of a hospital stay.

Some of these vaccinations include:

Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) routinely been given to most students by the time they leave school.

One of the most common injuries while travelling is a simple cut or scrape from a fall, which may require a tetanus injection. Hence, travellers to countries where health services are difficult to access and hygiene may be of concern should consider vaccination if more than five years have elapsed since their last dose.

Poliomyelitis – Most people are vaccinated against polio in early childhood, however a booster dose should be given to travellers to areas where poliomyelitis is epidemic or endemic. This applies particularly to the Indian subcontinent, parts of Africa and the Middle East Indian subcontinent, parts of Africa and the Middle East.

Measles, mumps, rubella and Varicella (chicken pox) – The regular measles and chicken pox outbreaks that have occurred as a result of non-immunised individuals importing this disease into Australia and several European countries indicate that these childhood infections remains a significant threat to non-immune children and adult travellers. Measles in non-immune adults is more severe than it is in children and readily preventable. Measles, mumps, rubella vaccination (Priorix) is recommended before international travel for adults born during or after 1966 who do not have evidence of having had two doses of a measles-containing vaccine in the past. A combined measles, mumps, rubella, varicella vaccine is expected to become available in the near future.

Influenza – This is one of the most common diseases in travellers and is potentially fatal either from the infection itself or secondary pneumonia. Vaccination is therefore recommended for all travellers. This especially applies to those with chronic medical conditions including heart disease, asthma, diabetes and other cardio-respiratory diseases as well as those with lowered immunity.

Pneumococcal disease – Pneumonia remains one of the more common reasons for travel health insurance claims. Pneumococcal vaccination is also advised for all travellers with chronic medical conditions, especially cardio-respiratory disease or diabetes.

The flu is spread by sneezing, coughing or even talking. It typically starts suddenly with fever, chills, sweating, headache, aching muscles, joint pains, and a cough or other respiratory symptoms. While most people recover without complications in a few weeks, the flu can cause serious illness and death, especially in the very young and the elderly.

Flu epidemics occur mainly in the winter months. A vaccine is produced every year based on the strains of virus expected to be circulating. Immunisation should occur before the onset of flu season, between March and May, as protection develops a few weeks after the injection and lasts for up to one year. Following the H1N1 swine flu pandemic in 2009, the 2010 seasonal flu vaccine will include the H1N1 swine flu strain.

The East Perth Medical Centre is currently offering a choice between intradermal and intramuscular delivery system immunisations. Intradermal delivery is where the injection is given into the skin, and intramuscular delivery is where the injection is given directly into the muscle. Intradermal delivery reduces the pain and may be a more effective delivery for you.

For more information view the Government of Western Australia Department of Health fact sheets, or discuss with your doctor.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that has become a major international public health concern in recent decades. Caused by the bite of a mosquito infected with a Dengue virus, a mosquito can acquire the virus by biting an infected person and then be able to transmit the virus to another person. The mosquito remains infectious for the rest of its life.

Dengue is usually found in tropical and sub-tropical regions including South East Asia, India, the Carribean, South and Central America and Africa. Most cases of Dengue reported are associated with travel to South East Asia and India. Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia have all reported an increase in cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there may be 50 million Dengue infections worldwide every year.

After being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus, the incubation period ranges from 3 to 14 days before symptoms may appear. Some people who contract Dengue do not have any symptoms at all, with young children often having a fever with a rash, but other symptoms being minor. Older children and adults may have mild symptoms; however they are more likely to experience a sudden onset of high fever and the following symptoms:

• severe headache (especially behind the eyes)
• muscle and joint pain (ankle, knees and elbow)
• flushing of face and neck
• unpleasant metallic taste in mouth, loss of appetite, sickness, vomiting and diarrhoea
• a bumpy red rash which starts on the chest, back or stomach and spreads towards the limbs and face.

There is currently no vaccine to protect against Dengue. To control and prevent yourself from Dengue (see fact sheet):

• elimiate mosquito breedint sites (e.g.: tyres, buckets)
• wear insect repellent
• spray insect surface spray in dark and shady places where mosquitoes like to hide.

If any symptoms of Dengue are experienced, apply insect repellent and see a doctor immediately.

For more information view the World Health Organization (WHO) fact sheet, visit the Queensland Health Department website or discuss with your Travel Clinic East Perth travel doctor.

Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. The virus is secreted in saliva and is commonly transmitted to humans through a bite from an infected animal. Less commonly, rabies can be transmitted when saliva from an infected animal comes into contact with an open cut or wound.

You should seek medical attention for any animal bite and wash the wound vigorously with soap and lots of water. Prompt and appropriate treatment after being bitten and before the disease develops can stop infection and prevent the disease from developing.

The period between infection and the first symptoms (known as the incubation period) can be anywhere from one week to more than a year. The closer the bite is to the head, generally, the shorter the incubation period. Most people first develop symptoms of pain, tingling, itching or shooting from the bite or virus entry site. If the bite is not treated in time, they may experience flu-like symptoms including fevers, chills, fatigue, muscle aches and headaches; and then progress to involve the respiratory, gastrointestinal and/or central nervous system. Gradually, if left untreated, people with rabies will be come extremely ill, developing a variety of symptoms including high fever, confusion, agitation and eventually seizures and coma. The primary cause of death is usually respiratory insufficiency.

Wound cleansing and immunizations, done correctly and as soon as possible, can prevent the onset of rabies in virtually 100% of exposures. Once the signs and symptoms of rabies begin to appear, there is no treatment and the disease is almost always fatal.

For more information view the World Health Organization (WHO) fact sheet or discuss with your travel doctor.

All adults and children over 10 years of age will have the vaccine immediately available, with the vaccine available to younger children once registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Click here to find out more information.

The virus is mainly spread through contaminated food or water, especially untreated water supplies.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is most prevalent in developing countries, and it’s important to know that resort level accommodation does not always exclude the risk of infection.

The disease, which is more likely to be fatal in the older traveller, often causes a major disruption for all travellers – cutting short holiday and business travel and/or requiring time (up to months) off work.

Full immunisation requires two doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine.

According to the WHO, over 125 million international travellers visit countries endemic with malaria every year.

Malaria is one of the world’s most common and life-threatening diseases. Proper medical intervention in the early stages of infection usually leads to a full recovery.

However, sometimes health care overseas, particularly in developing countries, is not always reliable.

Malaria

Malaria can occur in pockets of many tropical and subtropical countries, it can be resistant to some anti-malarial medications and it is more prevalent at certain times of the year.

Travellers in moderate to high risk areas generally take insect avoidance measures and preventative medications where necessary.

Travel Clinics Australia recommends travellers visit a Travel Clinic if they are visiting a malaria zone, are unsure if they require anti-malarial medication and/or to discuss anti-malarial options and insect avoidance measures.

TCA clinics stock a range of antimalarials medications and insect avoidance products.

Signs and symptoms of malaria may vary and include: fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and weakness, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, hallucinations and convulsions.

Travel health information and advice on the internet is not necessarily accurate or to Australian standards. This can lead to confusion and anxiety for the traveller.

Global health conditions and legal requirements frequently change. Only a few information sources are able to keep abreast of new disease outbreaks and treatment. Without up to date, specific information, travellers put their health at risk, possibly spoiling their holiday or worse.

Sometimes the internet focus is on ‘exotic’ diseases, ignoring more routine illnesses such as measles, chicken pox, mumps and influenza which often break out overseas and can be debilitating in themselves.

Travel blogs and travel health sites can miss hand washing, yet personal hygiene is one of the most important factors in preventing traveller’s diarrhoea. Gastro accounts for up to an estimated 80% of illness overseas.

While it is useful to have a general idea of travel health requirements, the best advice is to seek individual advice with a doctor well versed in travel medicine 6 – 8 weeks before leaving Australia.

Experienced Travel Clinic doctors consider many factors when advising travellers of the best way to look after their health overseas.

A client’s general health, age, vaccination history, destination, length of stay, areas visited, time of year, mode of transportation, accommodation and current disease outbreaks and treatment are all carefully taken into consideration.

Advice for a 21 year old backpacking through Vietnam will be vastly different to an asthmatic 55 year old cruising the Pacific Islands.

Guidelines are just that – guidelines. The best travel health advice comes from seeing a doctor who can match the latest travel health information with your specific needs.

Gym Training

Strength training is a crucial factor in losing fat. Not only does it make your body and bones stronger, it also helps to raise your metabolism so you burn more calories all day long.

Strength training is also important for getting your body ready for summer activities like gardening, swimming, golfing, tennis, hiking, bike riding or any number of things we often don’t do in the winter. If you haven’t been exercising this winter, you set yourself up for injury when you jump into summer sports with little preparation. Even a simple total body workout twice a week can help you get strong, even better is a sports specific program.

The physiotherapists at the East Perth Medical Centre can assist you by designing an appropriate exercise regime, giving advice on your gym program and by educating and supervising you at the appropriate levels for your individual needs.

Cardio

Cardio, like weight training, is crucial for losing fat as well as building endurance and making your heart strong for summertime activities. Choose activities you enjoy and make sure you get your heart rate up. If you are unsure as to an appropriate heart rate, ask your physiotherapist.

Workout Tips

1. Scheduling your workouts: Treat them like any important appointment.
2. Keep track of your workouts: Knowing your have to write them down is added motivation.
3. Find someone to workout with: You’ll be more likely to show up.
4. Start at your level: Don’t start too hard too early. Ease into exercise and allow your body time to get into shape.
5. Don’t give up: You may fall off the wagon. If that happens, don’t waste energy kicking yourself. Just get back to your routine and know it happens to all of us.
6. Do things your enjoy: There’s no reason you have to do activities you hate, so find cardio exercises that are accessible and enjoyable for you.

Physiotherapy

Choose a Perth physiotherapist who can recommend exercises that are designed specifically for you to achieve your desired level of fitness. The more you repeat and become aware of an activity, the easier it becomes. At the East Perth Medical Centre we look at types of exercises/activities, specific workloads, durations of activities/sessions and intensity guidelines and can devise a plan to help you achieve your target fitness level and get your body ready for activity this summer!