Travel Clinic – London Risks Rise in Infections

August 9th, 2011

When it comes to outbreaks of contagious viruses and infections, individuals need to take responsibility for vaccinating themselves and their families at a travel clinic – London is not immune.

Throughout the world there are countless outbreaks of various diseases, from yellow fever to measles that are entirely preventable thanks to modern medicine. Anyone who lives in the UK has no excuse not to book an appointment with a travel clinic – London populations are perhaps even more at risk thanks to its fast moving demographic of migrants and ever-shifting population. Unlike developing countries and third world nations, the majority of people can attend a travel clinic: London has some of the best medical facilities available in the world.

Travel Clinic: London Measles Outbreak

And yet, a rise in measles has been reported by travel clinics in London and across the UK. Although the back story to this development is not because of the lack of available vaccines, but because of unfounded fears around the MMR jab that were stirred up in a media flurry. As a result, measles – a potentially fatal disease – has increased dramatically in the UK. Now Americans are being advised to attend a travel clinic before they fly to London to ensure their measle vaccines are up-to-date.

Travel Clinic: London Risks

The Health Protection Agency said measles is endemic after 14 years of being absent from UK shores, but the impact of low vaccination coverage is now being felt. The news reinstates the importance of vaccinations – especially for those who travel to countries where certain diseases and risks are high. If you are considering flying, book into a travel clinic – London travellers are at risk from various outbreaks that are currently affecting regions of the world, including cholera in India, South Africa and Uganda. The monsoon season and heavy rains has triggered the outbreak, as drinking water becomes contaminated with bacteria. By attending a travel clinic, London travellers can take an oral vaccination that will protect them against cholera for two years.

Western Travellers: No Excuse

The World Health Organisation says that being prepared and taking speedy steps in response to a cholera outbreak is necessary to reduce death rates. Although for the communities struck by an epidemic the long term solution depends on clean water supplies and effective sewerage systems, there is no excuse for the Western traveller to find themselves with cholera – a simple trip to a travel clinic London health experts say, is all it takes.

Choose CityDoc for all your Travel Clinic needs

At CityDoc, you can book over the phone or walk into one of our travel clinics for a same-day appointment. Don’t travel abroad without ensuring that you’ve had the right vaccinations. CityDoc provides a complete travel clinic service, customized to your individual needs. Our pre-travel consultations are with experienced General Practitioners who will assess the impact of any pre-existing chronic medical conditions on your vaccine requirements. We have the full range of travel vaccines in stock including rarer vaccines such as Japanese Encephalitis. CityDoc is a registered yellow fever centre and is able to dispense anti-malarials directly from our in house pharmacy for your added convenience. Choose from our three travel clinic locations in London and Birmingham for ease of access.

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