Most of us shrug off an insect bite. A bit of itching, maybe some swelling, and within a few days it’s forgotten. But sometimes a bite does not settle the way it should, and it can be hard to know whether you are dealing with normal healing or something that needs treating. We see this …
If you are travelling to an area where yellow fever is present, you may wonder what symptoms to look out for. They usually begin within three to six days of an infected mosquito bite and often feel like flu. Most people recover, but a small number develop more serious illness. For more on symptoms, progression …
If you’ve been feeling tired for weeks and can’t quite work out why, you’re not alone. Ongoing tiredness can have several possible causes, and a blood test can help narrow down what might be behind it. Low iron, low vitamin D and thyroid problems are among the possible triggers. This guide explains which blood tests …
Heading to the Andes, the Himalayas or another high-altitude destination? Altitude sickness can affect fit, healthy travellers, not just inexperienced ones. This guide explains what causes it, how to spot it early and how our Travel Clinic in Wembley and Stonebridge can help you prepare. What is altitude sickness? Altitude sickness develops when you climb …
Some travel vaccines are free through the NHS. Others are only available privately, and you pay for these yourself. Many travellers assume that if a vaccine is recommended for their trip, it must be free, but this is not how NHS funding works. The difference between free and private vaccines is based on NHS funding rules …
If an animal bites or scratches you while travelling, act quickly. Wash the wound thoroughly and seek medical advice without delay. Rabies is rare but serious, and prompt care matters more than the size of the wound. What should I do if an animal bites or scratches me abroad? Wash the wound with soap and …
Deciding between the oral typhoid vaccine and the injectable version is a common question for anyone preparing for a trip abroad. Both offer good protection, but they suit different travellers depending on how soon you are travelling, your medical history and whether you prefer capsules or an injection. This guide explains how each option works …
Planning a trip to a country where yellow fever is a risk? You may wonder whether the yellow fever vaccine lasts a lifetime. The guidance has changed in recent years. This guide explains where things stand now, what your yellow fever certificate covers, and how our Travel Clinic in Wembley can help. Is one dose of the yellow fever vaccine …
Most people received their childhood vaccinations without a second thought. But here is something worth checking before your next trip abroad: when did you last have a booster? For many adults, tetanus, diphtheria and polio protection have quietly expired, leaving them unknowingly vulnerable. If you are searching for the diphtheria, tetanus and polio jab in …
Cholera is not something most UK travellers think about until they are already planning a trip to a high-risk destination. Yet for those heading to parts of the world where clean water and sanitation cannot be guaranteed, it is a genuine risk that deserves serious attention. If you are looking for the cholera vaccine in …