Have you been vaccinated?

Tetanus is a bacterial infection which is known to spread via wounds or cuts. The incubation period of the tetanus bacteria varies between 3-31 days depending on the bacterial strain. It produces a strong neurotoxin which enters into the bloodstream and spreads rapidly. This causes spasm of the muscles closet to the infection site and it produces a wide range of symptoms such as tightness of the jaw-muscles, this is often referred to as lock-jaw. The tightness that occurs makes food-swallowing so difficult to perform.

Tetanus thrives in moist soil and its infection is a common occurrence in developing countries such as African countries. Hepatitis B is a liver infection-which spreads majorly through contaminated blood- via sexual intercourse, sharing of sharp objects and blood transfusions. Developing countries located in Africa and Southeast Asia among other countries carries a higher risk of exposure than other countries. Hepatitis B is known to present with symptoms such as Fever, gastrointestinal upset, abdominal pain, and sometimes-jaundice. Being a serious disease, it might last up to six months or more. Those who become chronically infected with it are at the risk of having cancers of the liver.

Diphtheria is also another infectious disease with high occurrence in developing countries. It is an acute respiratory infection with a high mortality rate and it is transmitted via droplets of the nose or throat of an infected person to a non-infected person. Possessing an incubation period of 2-5 days, the diphtheria bacteria present with symptoms such as a sore throat, coughing and breathing difficulties. It can also lead to heart and nervous system damage in advanced cases.

Malaria is known to be a serious and life-threatening disease usually transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. The infected mosquito releases plasmodium parasite into the bloodstream when it bites. Although malaria can be treated, it can very give very fatal outcomes if not properly treated, deaths from malaria can be prevented. Malaria occurs rapidly in developing countries and can result in death in very severe cases. There are no vaccines for malaria but prophylactic treatment with anti-malaria drugs can go a long way in providing protection.

The Miles Pharmacy in Epsom runs complete services to provide you with the required vaccines and anti-malarial drugs for your safety. Not only will you be able to book appointments for free travel consultations, but you will also be guided as regards the right kind of vaccines required for your travel needs.