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Heading off on hols? Some advice on what you can do to mitigate against possible health risks before you go

Posted by Eamonn Brady on

Holiday Tips Part 1

Several diseases travelers should be aware of include hepatitis A, typhoid and malaria.

Hepatitis A: a liver viral infection contracted from contaminated food or water or from close contact with an infected person.  Practicing good hygiene will protect against catching the hepatitis A.  A vaccine is also available.

Typhoid is contracted in the same way as hepatitis A but is caused by a bacterium instead of a virus.  The bacterium, called Salmonella typhi, enters the intestines and can spread to the bloodstream. Antibiotics are used to treat typhoid. It is recommended to get vaccinated against the disease if visiting at-risk areas including large parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America.  

Malaria: No anti-malarial drug is 100pc effective but can significantly lessen the chances of getting the disease.  The newer varieties like Malarone have fewer side effects than previous medications.  Different anti-malarial drugs are needed in different parts of the world due to different strains of malaria and hence different resistance to drugs. You need a prescription to obtain malaria medication.

Flying

Changes in the air pressure on planes can exacerbate sinus problems and discomfort in the ears. Taking a decongestant on the day of travel can reduce this problem. Avoid decongestants if you have high blood pressure. Flight socks can reduce the chances of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Drinking plenty of water and avoiding drinks that dehydrate such as tea, coffee and alcohol reduces risk of DVT.

 

Covid 19 Booster for travel

Some countries still need Covid-19 Boosters to enter or if you don’t you will need a certified PCR or Antigen test before entering. Find out more form your airline. Whelehans Pharmacy Pearse St have a weekly walk in Covid 19 vaccine clinic which include boosters. Check our website or ring 0449334591 for more info.

 

What is BPro Cardio Screen?

Measures artery stiffness to identify risk of blockages and cardiovascular and circulatory disease. BPRo is placed like a watch on your wrist and is pain free. A pulse wave reads and calculates a wave signal that indicates the elasticity of large, small, and peripheral artery walls as well as tests for stress, central blood pressure, heart rate, and more. It is now €35 (was €50).  The next clinic is Saturday August 27th (from 9am to 5pm) at Whelehans Pearse St. Book online on the Whelehans Website or by calling Whelehans at 04493 34591.

 

For comprehensive and free health advice and information call in to Whelehans, log on to www.whelehans.ie or dial 04493 34591 (Pearse St) or 04493 10266 (Clonmore) or info@whelehans.ie.

 


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