The answer is, yes.
Croatia sits on the Dalmatian coast of Europe and is only a short flight from the UK. With abundant sunshine, long coastlines and fascinating history and architecture, Croatia is an enchanting country with so much to discover beyond Dubrovnik.
There is a common misconception that only far flung exotic destinations require travel vaccinations. This simply isn’t true. Whilst certain diseases such as malaria are found within the tropics, travellers to Europe should still seek out pre-travel advice to ensure that they are protected for their trip.
Depending on the activities you have planned for Croatia, you can consider additional vaccinations.
The Fleet Street Clinic stocks travel sickness medication, travel vaccines and medical travel kits. Our experienced travel clinic nurses can help advise with any queries or more information on Croatia.
Fleet Street Travel Clinic
Book your travel appointment today
By Anna Chapman | Travel Nurse | June 2018
How many times have you come down with an illness after taking a flight? Are you concerned about germs when flying? If so, you may (or may not!) want to read the findings of a study showing how infections spread on planes.
The Telegraph reported the study with advice from Fleet Street Clinic’s medical director, Dr Richard Dawood.
Essentially, where you sit in relation to sick passengers and cabin crew will determine your chances of catching an infection.
It’s not all bad for passengers though, as cabin crew were reported more likely to infect one another than passengers. To avoid catching anything, make sure you wash their hands and avoid touching your face throughout the flight. If you feel ill yourself, make sure you keep your hands clean, avert your face when you cough and turn on the air to reduce the spread of bugs.
Dr Richard Dawood said airlines should not allow anyone to travel who was obviously ill.
“It’s a contravention of airline regulations for someone who’s showing overt signs of infection to be allowed to travel in the first place,”
– he said.He said the best way travellers could protect themselves was by asking someone to wear a face mask.
“The ideal thing to do would be to get the person who’s ill to wear a face mask. You could escalate it to captain level and say, here’s a person who’s a danger to other passengers and they should wear a face mask. However, you could end up with a pretty nasty incident if someone digs in their heels,”
– he said.
You can read the full article here.
For travel advice, you can book a travel consultation appointment here. Or you can learn more about our travel clinic.
Island hopping in Greece is an enchanting way to explore the country’s vast collection of 6,000 islands. With whitewashed houses, tavernas and beautiful beaches at every stop, it’s a trip everyone should take once in their life.
There are many ferry routes between the mainland and islands. Some people can manage travelling by boat, whereas others may suffer from sea sickness. Days or weeks on a boat can be miserable for those who are prone to sea sickness, yet there are effective treatments and tips for those who are vulnerable to reduce the risk.
What is Sea Sickness?
Sea sickness is similar to motion sickness, caused by repetitive movements when travelling, like floating up and down on a current. The inner ear sends signals to your brain as well as signals from your vision, with the two signals contradicting each other it confuses the brain. These confusing messages cause you to feel unwell and can cause dizziness, vomiting and nausea.
Despite being common, those prone to travel sickness may wish to take sea-sickness medication with them if they intend to do any island hopping. There are some tips that you can take on board and put your body and mind at ease:
Prevention
The Fleet Street Clinic stocks travel sickness medication, medical travel kits and our experienced travel clinic nurses can help advise.
Book your travel appointment today
By Anna Chapman | Travel Nurse | June 2018
The World Cup is about to kick off. If you’re planning to visit Russia and watch some games in person, here’s some travel advice from one of our expert travel nurses at Fleet Street Clinic, Anna Chapman.
Travellers to Russia should be up to date with measles, mumps and rubella (usually given in childhood), Hepatitis A and Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio.
Russia also has a risk of:-
As always, make sure you take precautions with food and water and pack basic medications and first aid supplies. We have several medical kits available to purchase online.
Book your travel appointment today
By Anna Chapman | Travel Nurse | June 2018
It’s officially the start of summer! Good news for feet – it’s time to swap shoes for lighter footwear and sandals. But before you reveal your toes, give your feet some attention so look and feel their best.
Healthy skin should be smooth and supple. Rough, thickened or callous skin, often occurs on areas of the feet which have to work particularly hard and this can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Additionally, your skin can become very dry which causes it to harden and crack, especially around the heels. In the summer, when open shoes or sandals are worn, dryness can become even worse.
Painful callouses can be pared away by a podiatrist who can advise you on how best to care for your skin. There are excellent creams and lotions available to improve your skin’s texture and comfort which, when used regularly, can make a lasting difference.
Some people suffer from skin that sweats excessively, a problem that tends to be made worse in warm weather or after activity and sports. This makes your skin more prone to chafing, blisters and fungal infections (athlete’s foot) and verrucas (plantar warts). Using a good antiperspirant can help with this (eg Dri-clor), as can dusting powders and a better choice of sports socks.
Having lots of small, itchy blisters on your skin, splits between your toes or flaky patches usually means a fungal infection, while verrucas are caused by a viral infection and both need specialist products to treat them. Podiatrists are experts in advising on and treating skin infections.
You can help protect yourself against infections by wearing flip-flops when walking in areas used by many people, by drying your feet thoroughly and by airing sports footwear well after use (fungi love soggy trainers!)
Finally, don’t forget your feet can get sunburned. If you are walking in sandals on a sunny day, remember to apply suncream regularly to the top of your feet.
As with all types of footwear, summer shoes and sandals need to be well-fitting and appropriate for the activities you are doing. Feet get bigger throughout the day, especially in hot weather, so sandals need to be adjustable to allow for this.
Flip-flops are beach shoes and are not suitable for day-long wearing on pavements. Your muscles have to work hard to keep these on your feet, so they will be tired and sore by the end of the day. Instead, choose sandals with a thicker, shaped sole, sometimes known as Fit-flops, which are held in place by a strap and give much greater support and cushioning to your foot. This is especially important if you are planning a day’s walking and sight-seeing.
Serious trekking requires a well-designed walking shoe – don’t skimp on cheap shoes or socks! You can find these in specialist retailers for outdoor activities.
Walking is an excellent activity to improve your fitness. It gives benefits to all your bodily systems, strengthens muscles and bones, improves mood and concentration and can help you to lose weight too. Aim to walk at least thirty minutes a day and keep up a brisk pace. If you are visiting the coast, walking barefoot on a sandy beach gives your foot muscles a good workout and helps to keep your feet strong and supple.
For further advice and information on treatment and how to look after your feet, see our podiatry page. Or you can book an appointment online.
Dr Richard Dawood, Medical Director of Fleet Street Clinic, was featured in an article published in The Telegraph: ‘Is there a doctor on board? What really happens during a medical emergency at 35,000 feet’.
The article discusses the issue of a medical emergency in the air, and Dr Dawood recounts some of his experiences where his medical expertise has been required during a flight.
Dr Dawood shares how he is happy to volunteer if a doctor is required, and details his experience of caring for a cabin crew member after she was taken ill during an 11 hour flight to Toyko. As an eminent Travel Medicine specialist, Dr Dawood is accustomed to helping with all kinds of travel-related health issues both pre and post travel, and as the article demonstrates, sometimes during travel as well!
As founder of Fleet Street Clinic, Dr Dawood has developed a multidisciplinary medical practice with a strong focus on Travel Medicine. If you require a travel appointment, you can book online.
Exposure to high temperatures increases sweating and results in loss of fluid and electrolytes causing rapid dehydration. This can result in heat exhaustion or heatstroke which can be life threatening if not dealt with promptly.
Any traveller can be at risk of sun and heat related injuries but the highest risk is in the elderly, babies, children and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Travellers who perform strenuous physical activity will increase the risk of illness related to the heat.
It can take the body up to 10 days to acclimatize to the heat, so it is important that travellers are prepared to prevent heat related illness.
What can travellers do?
*Seek shelter and shade during the middle of the day (11am -3pm) when temperatures are at their hottest
*If you are outside, ensure you protect your skin against the sun with a high factor sun cream
*Wear lose fitting light weight and light colour clothing
*Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and eating food with a high water content (such as fruit)
*Ensure you are taking in sufficient salt in your diet (sweating leads to electrolyte and salt depletion).
*Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen heat related illness
Heat stroke can be a life-threatening emergency and medical help should be sought.
For more travel health advice, you can book a travel consultation appointment with one of our nurses.
Anna Chapman, one of our experienced Travel Nurses, gives her top 5 reasons why having a travel consultation is so important … food for thought if you’re planning a trip abroad.
Clinics that specialise in travel have practitioners who have completed extra qualifications in travel medicine, such as a Diploma in Travel Medicine, Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Certificate of Travel Health. These qualifications ensure the practitioner gets specialist knowledge that is kept up-to-date by attending conferences and participating in research in the field. Many practitioners who work in travel medicine have experienced health care abroad, through extensive personal travel or through working or volunteering. This means the travel advice that a patient receives is always current and accurate.
Our travel nurses at the Fleet Street Clinic have a Diploma in Tropical Nursing and a Certificate in Travel Health and both GPs have a Diploma in Travel Medicine and a Certificate in Travel Health. All the practitioners in our Travel Clinic have travelled extensively and practiced their profession in developing countries. This means they are more aware of the risks that travellers face and have a greater understanding of how to deal with health issues on the road.
No two people are the same and no two travel itineraries are the same. Travel consultations take this into account and give detailed and bespoke travel advice, not only for the itinerary but also for the individual. Seeing a practitioner face-to-face means that personal risks can be evaluated to ensure all travel health needs are met, rather taking a “one size fits all” approach.
Whilst vaccinations are important, there are many aspects to staying healthy while abroad. In addition to vaccinations, there are considerations such as avoiding insect bites, use of medical kits, coping with jet lag, use of stand-by medications and coping with altitude sickness – all things that can be discussed when you have a travel consultation
Just because you have had your vaccinations before your trip, it doesn’t mean that your care ends when you leave the clinic. Specialist clinics can provide on-going care for subsequent trips and/or post-travel health concerns
When a clinic has a specialist travel service, ample time is allocated to each appointment. Having a team of dedicated staff committed to travel medicine means that appointments can be completely flexible and can accommodate individuals, groups or families, both at the clinic or off-site, as well as offering appointments for last minute travellers.
You can book a travel health consultation online. Or see here, or more information about our travel health services.
Cases of measles have risen rapidly in recent months in Europe, United Kingdom but most recently, Brazil. Measles is a highly contagious virus with potential for serious complications. It is a serious viral infection, spread by airborne droplets and is highly infectious. It is recommended that two doses of the measles vaccination should be given to individuals to prevent infection. Although many countries include the vaccination as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule, international travellers should check that they are immune before departure.
Natural immunity can be assumed for those born before 1970, where individuals would have been exposed to the infection naturally.
Having received two doses of vaccination against measles. The vaccination was introduced in 1970 and is usually given in combination with rubella and mumps as the MMR vaccine.
Initial symptoms can include:
A rash appears after 2-4 days which can present as blotchy spots, often starting at the head and progressing down.
If you are in doubt about whether you have immunity to measles, a simple blood test can be taken to determine your immunity status. If you have no immunity to measles, you can be offered the MMR vaccination.
Infants normally receive the MMR vaccination at 13 months old, as part of the national schedule. However, if you are travelling to a country where there is a significant risk of infection, the vaccination can be given to infants from 6 months.
If you think you may be suffering from measles, or are concerned about the risk of infection when travelling, please see your doctor straight away.
The Fleet Street Clinic stocks travel sickness medication, travel vaccines and medical travel kits. Our experienced travel clinic nurses can help advise with any queries or more information on Measles.
We have 2 options available, the Copper IUD and the Mirena IUS. Both options are fitted into the womb and are 99% effective against unwanted pregnancies, working straight away.
The main difference between the IUD and the IUS is what it releases into the womb. The IUD releases copper and the IUS releases the hormone progestogen. In most cases, the choice is down to personal preference but you can speak with our nurse/ GP in your appointment if you’re undecided which option you’d prefer.
The coil is a popular choice as it works straight away after insertion, it doesn’t interrupt sex and doesn’t interrupt other medications. In addition, for those who’re planning a family, once removed, it is possible to get pregnant straight away. It is also safe to use if planning on breastfeeding.
The coil requires a removal and replacement after a set time period and is dependant on the type of coil fitted.
Your coil can be removed at any time by a trained doctor or nurse. Find out more about the contraceptive coil.
Copper IUD Coil Fitting is £375*
Duration: 45 minutes
Mirena IUD Coil Fitting is £375*
Duration: 45 minutes
Coil Removal is £195*
Duration: 30 minutes
All examinations are carried out by a female doctor in a comfortable and private setting.
Book your Coil Appointment Online
*Pricing is subject to change, this is based on 2021 clinic pricing and includes appointment fee.
Globally, this vaccine is in extremely short supply and full supply is unlikely to be able to meet the demand for a number of years. This is even the case in the USA, where the vaccine was first launched since the vaccine has been recommended for routine use in over 50’s. There is unlikely to be an NHS program for the foreseeable future.
‘We believe we are the first medical practice in the UK to be able to offer our patients the new Shingrix vaccine, which provides powerful protection against a deeply unpleasant disease. As a full service medical practice with a longstanding commitment to cutting edge care, this follows an established tradition of UK vaccine “firsts” – including HPV for both sexes, Meningitis B, Zostavax, and Quadrivalent Flu.’
– Richard Dawood, Medical Director
What is Shingles?
Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash caused by the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus).
After you’ve recovered from chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus lies dormant in your nerve cells and can reactivate at a later stage when your immune system is weakened. Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles.
Who can get Shingles?
While you can get shingles at any age, the odds start climbing at 50, then more sharply with each decade. As your immune system weakens with age, that puts you at an increased risk for shingles.
Your risk for shingles increases as you age. Previously we had recommended the Zostavax vaccination for shingles; which is still available. The difference in vaccinations being, Zostavax is only around 50% effective in preventing shingles, but Shingrix efficacy is up to 90% in preventing shingles and it’s complications.
Shingrix Vaccination Schedule…
The primary vaccination schedule consists of two doses of 0.5 ml each: an initial dose followed by a second dose 2 months later. If flexibility in the vaccination schedule is necessary, the second dose can be administered between 2 and 6 months after the first dose.
> Due to the scarcity of the vaccine, we recommend all those having the Shringrix vaccination to prepay for the second dose in advance.
At Fleet Street Clinic, we specialise in providing vaccinations and occupational health, often working with medical staff to make sure they have all vaccines, tests and ‘fitness for work’ checks needed to work for agencies supplying the NHS.
We offer services to Medical, Dental and Ophthalmic performers requiring occupational health clearance to join the National Performers List.
There are three lists of National Performers, which are maintained for dentists, GPs and opticians. Managed by NHS England, these National Performers Lists “provide an extra layer of reassurance for the public that GPs, Dentists and Opticians practicing in the NHS are suitably qualified, have up to date training, have appropriate English language skills and have passed other relevant checks such as with the Disclosure and Barring Service and the NHS Litigation Authority.”
These checks include occupational health screening to check the practitioner is fit to work and has had the necessary tests and immunisations required for their role.
Dentists, GPs and opticians applying to join the National Performers List must obtain their Occupational Health Clearance from a SEQOHS-accredited occupational health provider, which Fleet Street Clinic has. We have vast experience in providing occupational health clearance in accordance with Department of Health guidance. Immunisation requirements can sometimes be complex and Fleet Street Clinic provides a personal service with clear, informed and helpful advice.
If you need health clearance to join the National Performers List, contact the clinic or occupational health team prior to making an appointment.
Fill out the form below and we will send you the forms and information needed to submit your application.
Many people in the UK view tuberculosis as a Victorian disease, but in fact even today, 5000 people a year are affected by TB.
World TB day gives the opportunity to raise awareness of tuberculosis and lead to fewer cases. An easy way to help stop the spread TB is by having a BCG vaccine, which can be given to newborn babies soon after birth.
In some parts of London, the BCG is not readily available on the NHS, in which case you might consider getting the BCG vaccine privately.
BCG Vaccine for Children
At the Fleet Street Clinic in Central London, we have been providing specialist vaccination services for over 20 years.
We run a BCG clinic once a week for babies and children under the age of 6. Our baby/child BCG clinic runs on Wednesday’s.
Why have the BCG Vaccine?
The BCG vaccine protects against tuberculosis. TB is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs in most cases but can affect other parts of the body such as the bones and kidneys. Typical of many bacterial infections, tuberculosis can be spread through long-lasting exposure to an infected person via sneezing or coughing. The BCG vaccine is a proven way to ensure protection against the tuberculosis bacteria.
Do you want to take steps to manage your weight? Are you looking to lose weight or gain muscle? If so, the first step to changing your body is to get accurate measurements of your current stats.
Here at the Fleet Street Clinic, our Inbody scanner provides you with a detailed analysis of your body’s composition. This gives you an accurate way to measure your weight g oals.
You can use the InBody scanner by booking an appointment. Our nurse will measure your height, document your age and the scanner does the rest! Accurately measuring your weight, body fat, muscle mass, BMI and basal metabolic rate, the InBody scanner tells you if you are above, below or in the normal range for your age and height. You’ll receive your results as a one-page analysis, which we will talk through with you. From this, you can set your achievable long-term health goals.
If you’re looking to get some more direction on how to achieve your health goals, our dietitian provides weight management advice to improve your health to optimal levels.
The NHS and the Department of Work and Pensions now list fibromyalgia as ‘real’, which is a step in the right direction.
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is thought to be related to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain and changes in the way the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) processes pain messages carried around the body.
It may connected to other conditions, including various arthritis’s and may be genetic but even this is unsure. We do know it can be triggered after a traumatic or stressful event; anything from a virus to a divorce. Anyone can develop fibromyalgia at any age, but it predominantly affects women between the ages of 30 and 50. Some studies believe up to 1 in 20 people may be affected.
Unfortunately there is no specific test for fibromyalgia, so diagnosis is made purely on presentation and history. This makes life difficult as the symptoms of fibromyalgia vary according to the person, both in specifics and intensity. Symptoms may be aggravated by many things, from stress to the weather.
If you have fibromyalgia, one of the main symptoms is likely to be widespread pain. This may be felt throughout your body, but could be worse in particular areas, such as your back or neck. The pain is likely to be continuous, although it may be better or more severe at different times.
The pain could feel like:
Fibromyalgia can make you extremely sensitive to pain all over your body, and you may find that even the slightest touch is painful.
If you hurt yourself – such as stubbing your toe – the pain may continue for much longer than it normally would.
You may hear the condition described in the following medical terms:
You may be sensitive to things such as smoke, certain foods and bright lights. Being exposed can cause your other fibromyalgia symptoms to flare up.
Cognitive problems are issues related to mental processes, such as thinking and learning. If you have fibromyalgia, you may have:
Other symptoms that people with fibromyalgia sometimes experience include:
If you think you may be depressed, it’s important to get help from your GP or your fibromyalgia healthcare professional, if you’ve been seeing one.
First and foremost you need a good diagnosis from your heathcare practitioner to make sure they think you have fibromyalgia and not other conditions that may need treating differently, or more importantly investigating differently to be safe.
Once this is done and other conditions have been ruled out, and fibromyalgia has been diagnosed, you may need to try a variety of treatments to find a combination that suits you.
Fibromyalgia has numerous symptoms, meaning that no single treatment will work for all of them. Treatments that work for some people won’t necessarily work for others.
These treatments include medication, lifestyle changes (from diet to identifying and avoiding trigger factors), exercises, physical treatment, relaxation techniques, counselling and CBT.
Article by Andrew Doody – Osteopath for Fleet Street Clinic
There are many helpful bodies out there who can help and support if you are concerned you may suffer from fibromyalgia including UK Fibromyalgia, Fibromyalgia Action UK and the Fibromyalgia Association.
You can find more information about out osteopathy services here. Or book an appointment with out osteopath, Andrew Doody.
The HPV vaccine is now offered to girls aged 12-18 years in the UK for free by the NHS.
Since its introduction in 2008, it has already shown to be very effective in reducing the cases of cervical cancer in females*. But the HPV virus doesn’t only cause cervical cancer, it can lead to other cancers such as anal, head, neck and throat cancers. Men are as much at risk of these cancers as women, so why are boys ineligible to receive the HPV vaccine as part of the NHS vaccination schedule?
The BBC has reported the case of Jamie Rae today, to highlight the issue. Mr Rae is campaigning for the HPV vaccine to be introduced, after undergoing radiotherapy for his throat cancer which he believes could have been prevented if an HPV vaccine had been available.
The article also reports that Professor Francis Vaz, a head and neck surgeon at University College London Hospital, paid privately to vaccinate his three sons, to protect them from certain cancers like anus, penis, mouth and throat. He said he saw on a daily basis that cancers driven by the HPV virus had been increasing in the past decade.
“I regularly see the bad end of that spectrum, so I thought the vaccination would be suitable for my sons,”
– he said.
“It’s just unfortunate it wasn’t available for them on the NHS. I was happy to pay for it because I think it’s a good vaccine.”
Source: HPV Action
Our HPV vaccine page explains how get an HPV vaccine at Fleet Street Clinic.
Fleet Street Clinic is a specialist vaccination clinic offering all vaccinations from travel jabs, to childhood immunisations to flu vaccinations programmes.
You can book an appointment online.
Our travel clinic nurse Anna has been travelling in East Timor, the South East Asian nation inhabiting half of the island of Timor, which became independent from Indonesia in 2002. Here, Anna shares with us her top travel health tips from the area.
East Timor is ringed with rugged beaches and pristine coral reefs. It is one of the most exciting places to dive in the world.
In terms of insect borne diseases, Timor Leste has them all. It has a high risk of dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis and malaria.
Whilst vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis can be sought prior to travel, and malaria prophylaxis can be used, it is still essential to avoid getting bitten in the first place.
To help keep mosquitos at bay, you can purchase our Ultimate Bug Kit online.
Book a travel consultation today.
By Anna Chapman | Travel Nurse | May 2018
The summer months are great for exploring Scandinavia. What many people don’t realise is that vaccinations against Tick-borne encephalitis should be considered if your travel plans take you out into the countryside. If you plan on spending time in forested areas, particularly around Gothenburg, Upland, Sodermanland and the Islands around Stockholm, you could be at risk of the disease.
What is Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) ?
TBE is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system. It is spread via the bite of a tick, or by ingesting unpasteurised milk and dairy precasts from animals that carry the diseases. Transmission season is usually in the summer months between April and October. There is an effective vaccination available against tick borne encephalitis to prevent the disease. It requires 2 vaccinations 14 days apart with a booster dose given 1 year later.
Other countries that have a risk of the disease include Eastern and Western Europe, Russia, Finland, China and Japan.
In addition to the vaccination, preventing tick bites is really important, especially if you plan to do outdoor activities such as camping, hiking in rural areas during transmission seasons.
Prevention
You can prevent ticks by:
All travellers going to Sweden should ensure that they are in date with their routine immunisations including diphtheria, tetanus and polio (DTP) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
Some travellers may be recommended to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B.
Although rabies is not present in terrestrial animals in Sweden, bats can still carry the virus. Those travellers who plan on exploring caves, such as in Abisko in Lapland may wish to consider being immunised against rabies prior to travel.
Wandering with wildebeests this summer?
The spectacular wildebeest migration sees over 2 million animals traverse the plains of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania into the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya. The best time to witness this breathtaking event this year is in June.
If you’re planning to travel to East Africa this summer, here are our top tips for staying healthy:
By Anna Chapman | Travel Nurse | May 2018
We are pleased to tell you that the Shingles Vaccine (Zostavax) is now in stock at Fleet Street Clinic.
This vaccine is given as a single dose and costs £170 plus a £20 appointment fee.
For further details and appointments call us today on 0207 353 5678, email us at info@fleetstreetclinic.com or book an appointment online here.
Zostavax will eventually be superseded by a newer and more effective vaccine (Shingrix), but unfortunately, this is not likely to become available in the UK in the near future. Zostavax is therefore recommended for anyone needing protection in the interim until the new vaccine becomes available.
Around 8 in 10 people don’t know what encephalitis is and so World Encephalitis Day aims to raise awareness of this illness, which causes brain inflammation and affects 6,000 people a year in the UK and has a high mortality rate.
Infectious encephalitis usually begins with a ‘flu-like illness’ or a headache. Typically more serious symptoms follow hours to days, or sometimes weeks later. The most serious finding is an alteration in the level of consciousness. This can range from mild confusion or drowsiness to loss of consciousness and coma. Other symptoms include a high temperature, seizures (fits), aversion to bright lights, inability to speak or control movement, sensory changes, neck stiffness or uncharacteristic behaviour.
Autoimmune encephalitis often has a longer onset. Symptoms will vary depending on the type of encephalitis related antibody but may include: confusion, altered personality or behaviour, psychosis, movement disorders, seizures, hallucinations, memory loss, or sleep disturbances.
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. It is caused either by an infection invading the brain (infectious encephalitis) or through the immune system attacking the brain in error (post-infectious or autoimmune encephalitis).
Anyone at any age can get encephalitis. There are up to 6,000 cases in the UK each year and potentially hundreds of thousands worldwide. In the USA there were approximately 250,000 patients admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of encephalitis in the last decade.
The inflammation is caused either by an infection invading the brain (infectious encephalitis) or through the immune system attacking the brain in error (post-infectious or autoimmune encephalitis). Viruses are the most frequently identified cause of infectious encephalitis (e.g. herpes viruses, enteroviruses, West Nile, Japanese encephalitis, La Crosse, St. Louis, Western equine, Eastern equine viruses and tick-borne viruses). Any virus has the potential to produce encephalitis, but not everybody who is infected with these viruses will develop encephalitis. Very rarely, bacteria, fungus or parasites can also cause encephalitis.
Infectious encephalitis usually begins with a ‘flu-like illness’ or a headache. Typically more serious symptoms follow hours to days, or sometimes weeks later. The most serious finding is an alteration in the level of consciousness. This can range from mild confusion or drowsiness to loss of consciousness and coma. Other symptoms include a high temperature, seizures (fits), aversion to bright lights, inability to speak or control movement, sensory changes, neck stiffness or uncharacteristic behaviour.
Autoimmune encephalitis often has a longer onset. Symptoms will vary depending on the type of encephalitis related antibody but may include: confusion, altered personality or behaviour, psychosis, movement disorders, seizures, hallucinations, memory loss, or sleep disturbances.
Symptoms alone often do not allow sufficient ability to distinguish between the many diseases that can mimic encephalitis. Therefore, doctors perform a variety of hospital tests – it is important that investigations are carried out as soon as possible as prompt diagnosis reduces mortality and improves the outcomes.
With increasing numbers of people travelling worldwide, it is important to highlight the risk of infectious encephalitis which can be spread by mosquitoes (Japanese encephalitis ), ticks (Tick-borne encephalitis,) or other animals (Rabies).
If you are concerned about travelling to an area with the possibility of encephalitis infection, please visit our country vaccination guide for specific advice on your destination.
Information from The Encephalitis Society
You can protect yourself from Japanese Encephalitis and Tick-borne Encephalitis with vaccinations. Book your travel vaccination appointment today.
Are you looking for a flu vaccine in London?
Fleet Street Clinic’s flu vaccination clinic in central London is open until March 2021. We have highly-qualified staff on hand, experienced at vaccinating all ages, including young children and babies.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are inviting all patients to book in their chosen appointment. This was we can manage the number of people waiting at any given time.
Please arrive at your appointed time and you will be seen by our welcoming team. Help us keep you safe by booking in your appointment and turning up to it alone, wearing a face covering.
Here are a few useful things to know before you come:
We are based in central London at Fleet Street Clinic, 29 Fleet Street, London, EC4Y 1AA. Our flu vaccine service runs by appointment-only most weekdays, Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.
Find all available dates and times here.
You can be vaccinated against flu at Fleet Street Clinic most weekdays between 9am – 5pm (please note these opening times are different to those of Fleet Street Clinic). Check availability and book an appointment prior to turning up.
The flu clinic is open until March 2021.
View a full list of costs here.
As a specialist centre, we offer a wide choice of flu vaccine types and technologies available. Find out more…
The Fleet Street Clinic is the only UK medical practice to offer point-of care flu diagnosis using molecular technology. We can provide a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of flu and other upper respiratory viruses including Covid-19 – in just over an hour. We don’t just vaccinate against flu, we can diagnose and treat in a single visit.
If you have any further questions about the flu jab or other travel vaccinations, our experienced team of nurses can help.
Are you living with arthritis or know someone who is? Many people have experience of arthritis – there are currently 10 million people in the UK affected. Sufferers can often resign themselves to living with the pain, without realising there are a number of ways to manage it. For World Arthritis Week, we take a look at arthritis and the benefits of using osteopathy to help treat the condition.
Arthritis is a common condition which causes pain, swelling and inflammation in the joints of the body.
The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a result of wear and tear of the joints in the body. It is common in people over 50 and can affect the knees, hips, neck and back, feet and hands.
Arthritis may be hereditary but can often be caused by poor posture, heavy manual work and previous injury, symptoms include:
The Institute of Osteopathy purports osteopathy as a way to manage arthritis and the associated symptoms. Mobilising arthritic joints and treating surrounding muscles can help reduce pain. Osteopaths work on the general mobility of the other joints and muscles in the body to improve overall function. Osteopaths may advise on posture, diet, exercise and health improvements.
Top Osteopath, Andrew Doody works at Fleet Street Clinic in London and is able to treat arthritic conditions and help to alleviate pain. Osteopathic treatment can be used in conjunction with help from a dietitian, use of acupuncture and support from your GP to ensure a holistic treatment of the condition.
How many of us know that European travel can pose a threat to our health? Health risks aren’t normally associated with European travel – we think of quick flights and familiar cultures so assume we’ll be relatively safe on short-haul holidays. However, there are actually several diseases to watch out for, especially if you are not vaccinated.
Stay aware of these key diseases so that you can prepare properly to have a safe and happy holiday.
The good news is that all these diseases are vaccine preventable and can be avoided by organising vaccines before you travel.
Measles – All travellers should ensure that they have had at least 2 doses of vaccinations against measles. This is usually given as a routine vaccination in childhood (MMR vaccine) at 1 year of age, and then again as a pre-school booster
Tick-Borne Encephalitis – vaccination against the disease is available for individuals aged 1 year and above. It requires 2 vaccination 2 weeks apart.
Hepatitis A – A highly effective vaccination is available against Hepatitis A and can be given to children from 1 year of age. Once the schedule of 2 Hepatitis A vaccinations has been given, immunity lasts for 25 years.
Rabies – a vaccine-preventable disease which requires three doses of vaccination to be given prior to departure. Those who have not received the vaccination with potential exposure to rabies require more extensive treatment which is not always accessible.
Fleet Street Clinic is a leading vaccination centre and offers all travel vaccinations at our clinic in the heart of London.
Book your appointment online today.
By Anna Chapman, Travel Nurse at Fleet Street Clinic
Although Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations are currently in short supply in the UK and globally, Fleet Street Clinic is committed to maintaining the stock of all vaccines and currently has a good supply of both.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that is spread through food and water contaminated with the virus. It occurs world wide including Central and South America, Africa, Eastern Europe, Middle-East, Asia, and the Indian Subcontinent.
Hepatitis A affects the liver causing jaundice, and whilst most people make a full recovery, it can result in chronic liver disease and be fatal.
Hepatitis A is easily preventable through vaccination, and there are several types of vaccination available in the UK that offer protection. The vaccination is available to adults and children over the age of 1 year. It can be given alone (Avaxim, Vaqta) or in combination with typhoid (Viatim), whereby a single injection provides protection for 12 months. A second injection given 6 months later will provide 25 years of protection against Hepatitis A.
The vaccination is available to adults and children over the age of 1 year. It can be given alone (Avaxim, Vaqta) or in combination with typhoid (Viatim), whereby a single injection provides protection for 12 months. A second injection given 6 months later will afford 25 years of protection against Hepatitis A.
It is also possible to receive Hepatitis A in combination with Hepatitis B (TwinRix or Ambirix) whereby 2 or 3 doses of the vaccination can be given between 3 weeks or 6 months.
In addition to the vaccination, travellers should exercise caution with food and water by:-
Hepatitis B is contracted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. These can include:
A Hepatitis B vaccine is available and can be given from birth. It requires a primary course of 3 vaccinations to be given over a 6 month period (0, 1 months, 6 months) with a booster dose given 5 years later. Those who require the vaccinations to be given more quickly, such as last-minute travellers, can receive the primary course over a shortened 3 week period. Hepatitis B can also be given in combination with Hepatitis A when protection against both diseases is required. TwinRix is available for both adults and children and adheres to the vaccination schedule outlined above. Ambirix is licenced for children under the age of 15 years and requires 2 doses 6 months apart.
The beginning of April marked the start of Bowel Cancer Awareness month. Bowel cancer is very treatable and one of the most common cancers in the UK.
40,000 cases are diagnosed every year. 1 in every 20 people will develop bowel cancer in their life time.
Symptoms of bowel cancer are often ones that you may find difficult to talk about or explain to your doctor. Nobody enjoys an uncomfortable conversation, especially when it comes to being candidly honest about something so private but the earlier it’s diagnosed, the greater the chance of survival is. It’s difficult, but let’s talk about it.
Currently we do not know what causes this cancer. We have been able to identify some factors that can increase your risk of getting the disease:
There is no way to 100% prevent bowel cancer unfortunately. Things like family history, you cannot change.
However, there are some ways you can help yourself as recommended by the NHS.
You can read all about these tips here on the NHS website.
If you are concerned about possible symptoms and are not eligible for NHS screening (aged between 60 – 74 and registered with a GP), you can make an appointment to speak with one of our experienced GPs (male or female GP’s).
If you need advice, get in touch with our expert GP’s and dietician at Fleet Street Clinic.
To book an appointment, head to our online booking system here. Alternatively, call us on 020 7353 5678 or email us at info@fleestreetclinic.com.
A Public Health England Health Protection Report highlights 204 confirmed cases since June 1st, 2016.
The cases are mainly associated with travel to Mexico, specifically the Riviera Maya Coast. The average incubation period is a week and infection is characterised by watery diarrhoea, fatigue, muscle pain, weight loss, nausea and low-grade fever. The foods previously involved in cyclospora outbreaks include soft fruits, such as raspberries, and salad products such as coriander, basil and lettuce. If untreated the illness can last for several weeks.
The Fleet Street Clinic can run a stool sample test that can diagnose Cyclosporiasis among many other causes of diarrhoea in returning travellers, and you will get your reults back in an hour of the test being done. If you are worried about any symptoms you have post travel to Mexico or any other country then call our reception team on 02073535678.
Or you can book an appointment online.
At the Fleet Street Clinic in Central London, we have been providing specialist vaccination services for over 20 years. Our excellent relationship with a range of suppliers enables us to maintain good stock levels of vaccines, even where there may be supply shortages elsewhere.
We run a BCG clinic once a week for babies and children under the age of 6. Our baby/child BCG clinic runs on Wednesday’s.
The BCG vaccine protects against tuberculosis. TB is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs in most cases but can affect other parts of the body such as the bones and kidneys. Typical of many bacterial infections, tuberculosis can be spread through long-lasting exposure to an infected person via sneezing or coughing. The BCG vaccine is a proven way to ensure protection against the tuberculosis bacteria.
The BCG vaccination is not offered to all children by the National Health Service. Some NHS boroughs do offer it as routine but are unable to supply at present due to the national shortage. The TB vaccination has to be sourced privately instead. With two decades of experience providing vaccination services, the Fleet Street Clinic provides a safe, child-friendly environment and the guarantee of an expert medical support service.
To protect your baby with the BCG Vaccine, you can book an appointment online.
With the new football season in full swing, it’s apt time to address one of the most common football injuries; hamstring pulls.
This injury occurs when there’s a tear or strain to the muscles at the back of the thigh. By definition, hamstrings are a set of three muscles at the back of the thigh that all cross both the knee and hip joint, with only half of one (the biceps femoris) originating from the thighbone. Rapid acceleration movement is the main course of hamstrings getting injured. With football being a sport that relies heavily on quick movement in this area of the body, it is an injury your favourite footballer is highly likely to suffer from this season. There are three levels of severity to hamstring injuries. These are:
This depends on what grade of the injury the player has.
There are initial steps that can be taken to treat hamstring injuries including compression, applying ice, elevation and good rest. Taking painkillers such as paracetamol can help reduce pain. Full recovery time will depend on the grade of injury. Professional footballers have access to equipment and health professionals that can help speed up recovery. Although self-treatment is an option for the everyday person, seeing a healthcare professional is advised if you’re concerned the injury is severe, the symptoms worsen or healing is very slow.
Osteopathy is a medical specialty focused on musculo-skeletal problems. An osteopath deals with diagnosing, management and treatment of these types of injuries. If you’re concerned that you might be suffering from a hamstring injury or your self-treatment is not working out, book an appointment online and we can book you a session with Andrew Doody, our osteopath.
There’s no surefire way of preventing an hamstring injury but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood. These include;
As the media has reported, the UK is in short supply of the BCG vaccine, impacted by global shortages.
The BCG vaccination gives worthwhile protection against tuberculosis, a serious infection spread by coughs and sneezes. In 2014, more than 6,500 TB cases were reported in the UK. Babies most at risk of contracting TB are those living in London and the Midlands, so if you live in these areas it is strongly recommended to have your baby inoculated.
At the Fleet Street Clinic, we have over 20 years experience as a specialist vaccination centre. We have a good supply of the BCG vaccine and run a designated BCG clinic for babies and children on Wednesday’s each week. All our vaccines are administered by highly qualified nurses or doctors, who will be happy to answer any queries or concerns.
TB is a bacterial infection spread through coughs and sneezes and affects the lungs, lymph glands, bones, and nervous system.
The Fleet Street Clinic is located in Central London. Our address is 29 Fleet Street, London EC4Y 1AA.
Dr Richard Dawood, our Medical Director and Travel Medicine specialist answers frequently asked questions about Yellow Fever and the Yellow Fever vaccine in our new video.
India is currently experiencing a heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 47 degrees Celsius. The heat wave has now spread westwards, with temperatures in Pakistan and the Middle East reaching 50 °C. The highest temperature ever recorded was in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi at 50.5 °C.
Up to 2000 people have died in India as a result of sunstroke and dehydration related to the heat. It is expected that heat waves will continue through summer with Eastern Europe and the Balkans expecting temperatures exceeding 38 °C throughout July and august.
Exposure to such high temperatures increases sweating, and results in loss of fluid and electrolytes causing rapid dehydration. This can result in heat exhaustion or heatstroke which can be life threatening if not dealt with promptly.
Any traveller can be at risk of sun and heat related injuries, but the highest risk is in the elderly, babies, children and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Travellers who perform strenuous physical activity will increase the risk of illness related to the heat.
It can take the body up to 10 days to acclimatize to the heat, so it is important that travellers are prepared to prevent heat related illness.
What can travellers do?
*Seek shelter and shade during the middle of the day (11am -3pm) when temperatures are at their hottest
*If you are outside, ensure you protect your skin against the sun with a high factor sun cream
*Wear lose fitting light weight and light colour clothing
*Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and eating food with a high water content (such as fruit)
*Ensure you are taking in sufficient salt in your diet (sweating leads to electrolyte and salt depletion).
*Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen heat related illness
Heat stroke can be a life-threatening emergency and medical help should be sought.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/06/heat-wave-spreads-pakistan-gulf-150603102018356.html
Since January 2015 over 400 cases of dengue fever have been reported, resulting in one fatality.
Cases of dengue fever also soared in Malaysia with over 40,000 reported cases this year. It is estimated between 6-10 cases of dengue are diagnosed each day – double the rate of last year. The most dramatic increases have been seen in Penang, Johor and the state of Selangor.
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine or medication that can prevent dengue. The only way to reduce the risk is to prevent mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours.
Our Ultimate Bug Kit contains everything you need to help keep mosquitos at bay and is available to purchase online.
For more information on Dengue or any other travel-related topic, you can book travel consultation appointment online.
Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow. It’s clinically known as lateral epicondylitis and often occurs after strenuous overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm, near the elbow joint. You may notice pain: on the outside of your upper forearm, just below the bend of your elbow when lifting or bending your arm when gripping small objects, such as a pen when twisting your forearm, such as turning a door handle or opening a jar. You may also find it difficult to fully extend your arm.
The name tennis elbow is because the tennis backhand shot is a common way to develop the problem, however, any strain or overuse can cause it. The condition is easy to get but can hang around for weeks and months if left untreated. This is largely due to the fact that lots of the muscles in the hand and forearm attach to either side of the elbow. This means that once the area is inflamed, almost everything you do with the hand can re-aggravate it, from drinking a cup of tea (or Pimms) to opening a door (or raising a trophy).
Once diagnosed, treatment involves firstly reducing the inflammation with rest, cold compresses and medication, followed by massage and careful mobilisation to help relieve pain and stiffness and restore the range of movement. Specific supports can also be quite beneficial at this time. Preventing tennis elbow Preventing tennis elbow is tough but here are a few pointers: If you have tennis elbow, stop doing the activity that is causing pain, or find an alternative way of doing it that does not place stress on your tendons. Avoid using your wrist and elbow more than the rest of your arm. Spread the load to the larger muscles of your shoulder and upper arm. If you play a sport that involves repetitive movements, such as tennis or squash, getting some coaching advice to help improve your technique may help you avoid getting tennis elbow.
Before playing a sport that involves repetitive arm movements, warm up properly and gently stretch your arm muscles to help avoid injury. Use lightweight tools or racquets and enlarge their grip size to help you avoid putting excess strain on your tendons. Wear a tennis elbow support when you are using your arm, and take it off while you are resting or sleeping to help prevent further damage to your tendons. Ask your GP or osteopath for advice about the best type of brace or splint to use. Increasing the strength of your forearm muscles can help prevent tennis elbow. An osteopath can advise you about exercises to build up your forearm muscles.
If you think you might be suffering from tennis elbow and are seeking treatment or advice, you can book an osteopathy appointment online.
Book your Podiatry appointment today. Or find out more about our podiatry clinic here.
You can find out more about our occupational health services here.
Alternatively, fill out the form below and we’ll propose suitable services for your consideration.
The Zika Virus has been making headlines recently for it’s frightening links to rare birth defects. Brazil has even gone as far as to warn women to avoid falling pregnant whilst an epidemic is rife. The link between 400 cases of new-borns with microcephaly in the north-east of Brazil is being investigate by health authorities.
The increase in microcephaly, a neurological disorder that stunts the growth of the baby’s cranium, limiting it to a circumference of less than 33cm, has increased in Brazil from 59 cases in 2014, rising to 1,248 cases throughout 2015. Typically, life expectancy for babies born with the condition is reduced. In 90% of cases, brain function is also reduced. There are currently no travel restrictions in affected areas.
The Zika virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Outbreaks have been seen across Africa, Asia, Central and South America.
The common symptoms, usually mild and often lasting from a few days to one week, can be a rash, fever, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. There is currently no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat the virus. Pain killers can be used to alleviate these symptoms which often go mistaken as a fever, and can easily be missed, especially in the early stages of pregnancy.
Insect bite precautions is paramount, especially for pregnant women in the affected areas. The NHS travel website, Fit For Travel, recommends:
If you are travelling to Brazil or any of the infected areas, book an appointment with one of our dedicated Travel Clinic nurses for information on vaccines and travel wellbeing now on 020 7353 5678.
Zika Virus – Additional Resources
Zika virus: medical advice for travellers – The Telegraph – Richard Dawood
Zika Virus – Video
Watch Fleet Street Clinic’s Dr Richard Dawood discuss Zika Virus on Victoria Derbyshire.
Do you often find yourself trawling through Instagram just before going to bed? Waking up and checking your emails before you even have a shower or a coffee? Former Facebook chief marketing officer Randi Zuckerberg hit the nail on the head when she said that people need to understand that while “the phone is an amazing tool, we own our devices, they don’t own us.” It’s time for your digital detox.
The average smartphone user checks their phone 221 times a day. The Oxford English Dictionary defines a digital detox as “a period of time during which a person refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones or computers, regarded as an opportunity to reduce stress or focus on social interaction in the physical world.”
By periodically unplugging, you can start reclaiming real life experiences rather than living in a virtual world. So how can we get this started?
Appreciate the silence – We have become so accustomed to filling every spare moment with digital noise. Try hitting reset on your brain from time to time and take a few moments to just let your mind wander. Be comfortable with silence, slow down and be present in the moment without the glow of a screen.
Kick technology out of the bedroom – Give yourself a technology curfew and when you say “lights out” actually mean it. Harvard researchers have found that technological devices such as phones, tablets and laptops can disrupt melatonin production, sleep quality and mood. To avoid temptation, banish your devices from the bedroom and try using an old fashioned alarm clock!
Socialise in the real world – Let’s face it, how many of the people you follow on your social media are actually your close friends? At 1am when you are struggling to sleep, do you really need to look at pictures of what they ate for lunch? Whilst social media can have its uses and be a positive influence, it can have a negative effect on our wellbeing as a result of comparing our lives to those carefully edited for show.
Hit the pause button – Be conscious of how often you check your phone – next time you go to reach for technology, hit the metaphorical pause button. Take a breath and think about what you are going to get out of it. Is there a more meaningful and productive way to spend your time, such as going for a walk and getting some fresh air and movement instead?
We get 525,600 precious minutes a year, how you choose to spend them is up to you.
“If it doesn’t add to your life it doesn’t belong in your life”
Speak to our occupational health experts for advice on how to take a digital detox today on 020 7353 5678.
Since 2017, the World Health Organization has supported a group of 21 malaria-eliminating countries through a special initiative called the “E-2020”. This report charts their progress towards a common goal: eliminating malaria within the 2020 timeline. According to this report, 8 E-2020 member countries reported zero indigenous cases of malaria in 2020, a remarkable achievement in view of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining zero cases is a testament to their commitment to protect hard-won gains and keep the disease at bay. You can find more on this report here.
Read more about malaria and how to you can prevent it.
For further information and a consultation with an experienced member of our travel team, you can book an appointment online here.
Meningitis Now Offers Advice for World Meningitis Day, to spread the word about meningitis, how to spot it and what causes it, as well as the importance of vaccines.
The theme for World Meningitis Day 2018 is #AllMeningitisMatters.
There are several different causes of meningitis and vaccines can help protect against certain strains of bacterial and viral meningitis.
The key messages for this year are:
The WHO states that reported measles cases (provided by each country) currently show that about 229,000 cases have already been reported, compared with 170,000 for 2017. Worryingly the 2018 number is likely to rise as the reporting deadline ends April ’19.
With a 50% increase in measles cases last year, it is important to understand the benefits of vaccinating against measles:
“I recently heard about a patient suffering a bad attack of shingles. She didn’t believe in doctors, medicines or vaccines, I was told, and was languishing at home, with a dreadful, crusted rash across her body, and burning with pain. She had stuck to her beliefs and refused to take antiviral medication that could have aborted the attack or reduced the probability of ending up with long term nerve damage and lingering pain. Shingles can strike more than once, but since she doesn’t believe in vaccines (there is a good one that is 95% effective) she will have to take her chances of a recurrence in future. I disagree with her opinions, but her latest actions will harm nobody but herself.
But measles is different: when it comes to vaccination, personal choices and opinions have a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of others – individually as well as for entire communities. Measles vaccination is a major public health issue. Memories of the past outbreaks, epidemics, tragic disability and loss of life that drove research and ground-breaking vaccine development now belong to a previous generation. In these days of “fake news”, “influencers” and social networks, it has become too easy to undermine confidence in matters of public health. In the case of measles, concerns about vaccine safety are down to the “fake research” of Andrew Wakefield, who was struck off the medical register for concocting a spurious link with autism in the 1990s. But the damage was long-lasting.
The complications of measles are most severe in babies who are not yet old enough to be vaccinated, and children with reduced immunity. When the rate of vaccination in the general population falls below 95%, outbreaks occur and can easily spread, with the highest impact on those most vulnerable populations, undermining years of hard work around the world to bring measles under control.
That is what is happening now”.
‘The highly contagious disease can cause severe diarrhoea, pneumonia and vision loss. It can be fatal in some cases and remains an important cause of death among young children”, according to the WHO.
The disease can be easily prevented with two doses of a safe and efficient vaccine that has been in use since the 1960s’.
Make sure you are up-to-date with your vaccinations including the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Although the NHS immunisation schedule offers the vaccine to children from 12 months of age, the MMR can be given from 6 months. If you have not had measles or if you have not had two doses of MMR, you may be at risk. Measles is easily passed from person to person and can be a serious illness in adults as well as children. It is never too late to have the vaccine.
Out travel clinic nurse Anna has just returned from the beautiful islands of Cape Verde. At Fleet Street Clinic, we’re seeing increasing numbers of people who are planning to travel to this area, known for its stunning beaches and Creole Portuguese-African culture.
Anna said “The highlights of my trip were definitely walking through the lunar-like landscapes on the Serra Malagueta on Sao Tiago Island, seeing humpback whales and dolphins off the coast of Maio Island and the windswept beaches of Porto Ingles, Maio”.
Are you planning a trip to Cape Verde? Here’s what you should remember before you go:
Ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date. Here is a list of recommended vaccinations travellers should consider.
Whilst Cape Verde islands are over 400 miles away from mainland Africa. Both the Aedes and Anopheles mosquito have found a home there, bringing the risk of viral infections such as dengue fever and Zika virus. Late 2017 there had also been reports of malaria cases in the capital Praia, Santiago Island. Whilst the risk to travellers is low, it is essential to avoid mosquito bites by covering up with long loose clothing and using insect repellent with DEET.
Cape Verde lies within the tropics which means the suns rays are incredibly strong. The main allure of this country is its long sandy beaches and crystal clear waters which can pose a risk of sunburn and heat-related illness. Ensure you apply a high factor sunscreen, avoid direct sunlight between the hours of 11am-3pm whilst at it’s strongest and stay hydrated to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Cape Verde is popular with water sports enthusiasts, especially surfers, windsurfers and divers. The warm sea temperatures mean that any cuts and scrapes can become easily infected, so taking minor first aid items such as antiseptic and plasters should be taken to treat any injuries promptly.
Those who are undertaking water sports should consider wearing sunglasses with polarised lenses to help reduce the glare from the water.
Those who are prone to ear infections can consider taking an ear spray to reduce the risk. All travellers should ensure that their travel insurance policy covers such activities.
Thinking about polarised sunglasses? Come along to our Maui Jim event at Whitby and Co on Friday to find out more.
Cape Verde is made up of 10 islands, and inter-island transport often involves a flying. Apart from the capital Praia, many islands have limited shops and pharmacies. Therefore if you become sick whilst away, obtaining medications to treat minor illnesses and injuries can be difficult. It is best to be self-sufficient. If you take prescription medication, ensure you pack enough to last you your trip, and take the prescription with you. Taking medications such as painkillers, antihistamine and medication for an upset stomach is also sensible as mild illnesses can often ruin a holiday and simple medication may not be readily available. Fleet Street Medical Kits contain everything you need.
If you’re planning to travel to Cape Verde or elsewhere and you’re unsure about the health precautions you should be taking, talk to us at Fleet Street Clinic, your travel health experts in central London. You can book an appointment online.
Rio carnival is a huge pull for travellers heading to Brazil. With over 2 million people attending, it is the biggest carnival in the world, and probably the most colourful!
If you’re lucky enough to be going to the carnival this year, you’ll get the most out of the experience if you prepare beforehand and have a worry-free trip! Here are our top travel health tips to read before you go.
Yellow Fever:
Hepatitis A is a viral infection spread via contaminated food and water. A first dose of the vaccination protects for a year, a second dose given 6 months later protects for 25 years+
Typhoid is a bacterial infection through contaminated food and water(gives 3 years protection)
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio is a routine immunization given in childhood, but travellers should ensure they have received a dose of the vaccination in the previous 10 years
Measles, Mumps, Rubella – make sure you have received a primary course of MMR vaccinations (usually given in childhood) and unimmunised adults should receive their vaccine
Rabies – Travellers should be aware that Brazil is a high-risk country for Rabies and an intermediate risk country for Hepatitis B and those considering visits to remote regions or for prolonged visits may wish to be vaccinated; especially as urgent Rabies treatment can often be difficult to obtain in certain areas.
Malaria – a parasitic infection that is spread via mosquitos that are most active between dusk and dawn. It occurs in the Amazon region and the northeast of the country, and malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended if visiting these regions or if going to Manaus.
Dengue Fever, Chikungunya Fever and Zika virus can occur throughout all of Brazil. Brazil These viruses are spread by mosquitos that are most active during daylight hours. There is currently no vaccination or preventative medication for such illnesses.
Minimising insect bites that can transmit disease is essential. This involves covering up with clothing and ensuring insect repellent that contains a minimum of 50% DEET is worn to prevent mosquito bites. Using plug-in vaporisers in rooms to reduce mosquitoes and sleeping under bed nets will help.
Our Ultimate Bug Kit contains everything you need to keep mosquitos at bay.
Zika virus is especially serious in those individuals who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant at the time of travel. As Zika is an emerging virus, it is essential to keep informed with the most up-to-date advice. We are able to offer Zika testing and counselling if you have concerns about Zika virus.
The average temperature in Rio in February is 29 degrees. This means that both heat and sun protection is required. This means avoiding direct sunlight between 11-3pm and seeking shade and wearing a sun cream with a high SPF to prevent burning.
Often travelling to different countries can result in travellers’ diarrhoea, which can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. It is important to practice safe food and hygiene practices such as:
For more advice from our expert travel team on safe travels in Brazil, book a travel consultation appointment.
By Anna Chapman | Travel Nurse | February 2018
Ski season is upon us, and it’s time to prepare yourself physically for your adventures on the slopes!
Skiing once a year can easily lead to injury – no surprise for such an intense activity, involving a range of muscle groups. And it’s not just skiing that’s physical; lifting skis, boots and using lifts can all take their toll on your body! In order to stay healthy this ski season, a little preparation is all that’s required.
Our Consultant Osteopath, Andrew Doody BSc (Hons), gives advice on how to avoid injuries so that you enjoy your holiday on the slopes.
Want more professional support and advice before your ski trip?
Book an appointment to see Fleet Street Clinic’s Consultant Osteopath Andrew online.
The HPV Vaccine, Gardasil 9, is back in stock at Fleet Street Clinic.
The vaccine is available to men and women. It protects against a range of cancers including cervical, head and neck cancer and other HPV-related diseases including genital warts.
In order to protect against the virus, the HPV vaccine is strongly recommended. For more information, visit our HPV Vaccine page.
You can book an HPV appointment online.
Fleet Street Clinic is delighted to be attending the Adventure Travel Show at Olympia in London, Saturday 20 – Sunday 21st January 2018.
Our travel nurses Anna and Leigh-Ann will be on Stand E19 to share their travel expertise, offer travel advice and health guidance to help you get in great shape for your next trip.
Come along to meet us and receive special prizes and discounts. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for live updates from the show.
The Adventure Travel Show is dedicated to travel enthusiasts who want to take a trip off the beaten track.
With a range of specialist adventure travel companies exhibiting and informative talks from experts, including explorer Ranulph Fiennes, the event is sure to inspire you before your next travel adventure!
To get your exclusive discount code for The Adventure Travel Show and save 15% on admission, please email info@fleetstreetclinic.com. You receive an email with your code and a link to buy the tickets.
January is here and with it comes a fresh New Year, a good time to shed any extra weight gained over the party season. Sadly, despite all the ‘quick fix’ diets, and a variety of diet pills on offer that promise you will ‘drop ten sizes in ten days’, there is no miracle cure.
A fad diet is normally endorsed by a celebrity of some sort and or a non-healthcare professional and will usually cut out one or more food groups. What will usually happen is that you try the fad diet and lose weight very quickly. So what’s the catch? You’ll inevitably get bored as the diet will be unsustainable, and then return to your normal eating habits and put all the weight back on and more.
Does your new diet:
Yes to any of the above? It’s a fad.
There are many people out in the world today promoting all sorts of diets to help you feel great and lose weight, however many of them are not medically trained.
Be aware of practitioners who use tests such as:
None of these have any clinical evidence that they can help with weight or any other nutritional issues.
Let’s go back to basics:
If you’d like more support from a professional, you can book an appointment with Dietitian Ruth Kander for some much needed January motivation.
Following particularly bad flu seasons in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, the NHS has been told to prepare for a severe winter flu epidemic, the BBC reported today.
The Chief Executive of the NHS Simon Stevens said,
“The signs from Australia and New Zealand, who are just coming out of their winter, are that it has been a heavy flu season and many of the hospitals down there have struggled to cope.”
Research indicates that health services in Australia and New Zealand are recording double the amount of cases of flu this winter, compared to the average of the previous 5 years.
Every year, a few different strains of flu circulate and one normally becomes dominant. In Australia and New Zealand, the H3N2 strain has been the main problem. The good news is, that if the UK flu season follows the same pattern, the vaccine produced for Winter Flu 2017/ 18 is effective against this strain.
Source: The BBC
Fleet Street Clinic offers a flu vaccination service for businesses and individuals between September 2017 and February 2018. Adults and children are welcome at our Fleet Street Flu Jabs drop-clinic. Flu Jabs are offered on a walk-in basis (to attend at a specific time, please book an appointment with a doctor or nurse, a separate appointment fee applies).
Our service runs Monday through Friday 9am – 5pm. (PLEASE NOTE: these hours are shorter than those offered for other services at Fleet Street Clinic). Book your appointment today.
If you have any further questions about the flu jab or other travel vaccinations, our experienced team of nurses can help.
Today is World Asthma Day. Asthma is a very common respiratory condition, with 300 million people affected globally. And the numbers of asthma sufferers is increasing each year.
At Fleet Street Clinic we deal with asthma-related complaints on a regular basis and stock medication for dealing with symptoms.
Asthma is caused by inflammation in the airways, which narrow and can become blocked with mucus, leading to breathing difficulties.
Some may grow out of asthma, whilst others will have to manage the condition for life.
Asthma sufferers may notice wheezing, coughing, breathlessness and a tight chest. Severe symptoms may leave sufferers struggling to breathe which results in an asthma attack.
Treatment can be provided with inhalers and various steps can be taken to deal with asthma triggers to lessen symptoms.
Managing your asthma is very important to maintaining your health. Keep a diary of asthma flare-ups to see if you notice any particular triggers and visit your doctor regularly for check-ups. If your symptoms worsen, make sure to seek medical help without delay.
If you are travelling, make sure to check you have the medication necessary for your trip. Remember hayfever seasons can vary around the world. Fleet Street Clinic stock necessary medication to cover any last-minute requirements.
If you think you may have asthma, book a GP appointment today.
The aim of this seminar is to provide a briefing for newsgatherers on the current crisis in West Africa, plus a hands-on training in biohazard protection.
Frontline Club, 13 Norfolk Place, London W2 1QJ
Thursday 2nd October 2014
9:30 – 14:30
The current outbreak of Ebola virus disease is unprecedented in scale and severity. The affected countries of West Africa do not have the resources or the public health infrastructure necessary to bring the outbreak under control, and massive external intervention will be needed. How long might it continue? How will it be covered as a news story? Will the need for news put newsgatherers at risk, and if so, how can risks be minimised? How should Ebola be reported upon? What impact is news reporting having upon the regional economy, and the global response?
These are some of the questions we hope to address in a special seminar aimed at print and broadcast media: bureaux chiefs, health & safety managers, and frontline news crew themselves, with a briefing from an internationally renowned expert in the field, and a practical, hands-on training session conducted by an expert in biohazard protection.
The event is free to attend, but places are limited, so please let us know if you would like to attend.
| 9:30 | Coffee, registration | |
| 10:00 | Ebola: background and analysis of the current West African outbreak | Prof David Heymann |
| 10:45 | Q&A / Discussion | |
| 11:15 | Coffee break | |
| 11:30 | Protecting News Media Personnel in a High Risk Environment: Introduction | Dr Richard Dawood |
| 11:45 | Biohazards: Principles of Personal Protection | Ian Samson |
| 12:15 | Lunch | |
| 12:45 | Biohazards: Personal Protection – Practical session | Ian Samson |
| 14:30 | Finish |
Professor David Heymann, CBE
David is Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; head of the Centre on Global Health Security at Chatham House, London; and chairman of Public Health England, UK. He has frontline experience of working with Ebola in Africa, having personally investigated some of the original outbreaks in central Africa going back to 1976. He is actively involved in the current international response.
Ian Samson
Ian is the EMEA Regional Training Specialist for DuPont Personal Protection. DuPont is currently supplying personal protective equipment to the WHO, MSF and other public health and aid agencies, including tens of thousands of coveralls. Ian’s expertise in this field is well known, and he has previously trained news media personnel during other public health emergencies, such as during news coverage of avian flu in Asia, in 2005/6.
Dr Richard Dawood
Richard is the medical director of the Fleet Street Clinic, a specialist in Travel Medicine, and a consultant to several news media organisations.
Personal Protective equipment will be available for delegate training, supplied by courtesy of DuPont and CES Ltd.
Will you be traveling to Rio de Janeiro to attend or work on the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics games? It is a common phenomenon for people to focus heavily on attending or working at the Olympics – then having to spend much of their time seeking medical care, having to leave early, or even be hospitalised, for a problem that should have been resolved prior to travel.
Take a moment to review our travel health checklist for Rio 2016 to help keep you enjoying your time at the games!
>>Come and see us four weeks before you depart – don’t forget to bring along a record of any past vaccines you have received.
Routine vaccines should be up to date.
Travel vaccines: The following travel vaccines may also be recommended for your trip:
Dengue, chikungunya and Zika are mosquito-borne virus infections that cause rash, fever, joint and muscle aches, and eye pain or conjunctivitis.
Rio de Janeiro is malaria-free, with no risk of yellow fever at present.
If you will be travelling to the Amazon basin or other places in South America that have a risk of malaria, you may need to take preventive medication.
Vaccination gives long term protection against yellow fever and malaria medication is an important precaution if you are at risk.
Bite avoidance is the best available approach.
Preventing bites
Reduce your risk of dengue, chikungunya, Zika, yellow fever and malaria by doing all you can to reduce the numbers of bites. Disease-carrying mosquitoes bite during the day as well as in the evening and at night:
Gastro-intestinal illness is by far the most likely problem that visitors to the Olympics will encounter. On a recent 8-week stadium tour of South America, up to 40% of tour members experienced travellers’ diarrhoea. Hot, crowded conditions and a “mass gathering” environment add to the risk: it is very important to take extra care with food hygiene.
It is worth investing in a gastro medical kit which contains all the necessary medicines should you get sick at any point during your travels.
There are very high rates of sexually transmitted infections, blood-borne infections, and HIV. Avoid putting yourself at risk, or travel with appropriate barrier contraception.
This has been a real problem in Rio in the past, and in other parts of Brazil: be alert to the risks. According to the FCO, “Crime levels are high. Violence and crime can occur anywhere and often involve firearms or other weapons. You should be vigilant, particularly before and during the festive and carnival periods.” Visiting favelas is not advisable.
Rape and other sexual offences against tourists are rare, but there have been attacks against both men and women. Some have involved ‘date rape’ drugs. Buy your own drinks and keep them within sight at all times.
Brazil has a high road traffic accident rate and a zero tolerance policy on drink driving. Always wear seatbelts.
Pack a travel medical kit. Include all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you rely on using at home – medicines you take only occasionally as well as regularly (most medicines are easily available in Brazil but are packaged in Portuguese with much scope for confusion). Take first aid items. Include medicines for travellers’ diarrhoea (oral rehydration solution,nausea medication, loperamide, antibiotics). Take insect repellent, plug-in mosquito killers, and permethrin. Consult us for further advice, or to provide bespoke supplies. See more about our kits here.
Public hospitals provide free emergency care but are not recommended. English is not widely spoken, you may need an interpreter. Many private hospitals offer a very high standard of care.
Recommended hospitals:
The emergency ambulance number is 192.
There are no reciprocal health agreements in place so comprehensive travel insurance is essential. We recommend membership of the Blood Care Foundation, available at very low cost, to guarantee access to safe blood for transfusion.
The direct flight time from London to Rio is approximately 12 hours: consider the risk of DVT, wear comfortable non-restricting clothing for the journey, keep well hydrated, stretch and move frequently, and don’t take sleeping pills or excessive alcohol if the journey will be spent in an upright, seated position. Consider wearing compression stockings. If you have any increased risk factors for DVT, talk to us about further steps that may be advisable.
Use our free calculator to see your DVT level of risk by clicking here.
Report symptoms (e.g. fever, flu-like illness, rash, continuing diarrhoea) promptly, seek medical advice.
Don’t forget to mention your time in Brazil to anyone looking after you, if you need medical attention for any reason up to one year following return home.
If you need a pre-travel consultation, or have a health concern following a trip abroad, you can book an appointment online.
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (US advice): http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert/2016-summer-olympics-rio
National Travel Health Network & Centre (NATHNAC) UK: http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/olympic-and-paralympic-games-2016-brazil/
Health Protection Scotland: http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/advice/general-travel-health-advice/rio-2016-olympicparalympic-games-brazil.aspx
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control: http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/Publications/Risk-assessment-mass%20gathering-Rio-2016-10May2016.pdf
Lancet Infectious Diseases: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(16)30069-X/fulltext
Blood Care Foundation: http://www.bloodcare.org.uk
Foreign & Commonwealth Office: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brazil/safety-and-security
A new medical paper in Lancet Infectious Diseases has highlighted some of the countries at the highest risk for a major Zika virus outbreak. The study looked at air traffic between countries in the Americas, where Zika is already established, and places in Africa and Asia where the Aedes mosquitoes, the mosquitoes that can spread Zika, are most prevalent. The study also took other factors into account such as seasonality of transmission, population density, and economics to come up with a “hit list” of countries where Zika could potentially have the biggest impact.
Countries with larger volumes of travellers arriving from Zika virus-affected areas of the Americas and large populations at risk include:
Of the countries with the largest at risk populations, the authors suggested that India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Bangladesh might be most vulnerable to impact because of their limited per capita health resources.
Dr Richard Dawood, Medical Director and co-founder of the Fleet Street Clinic, discussed the paper with one of its authors, as well as the current situation faced by travellers, on the Victoria Derbyshire programme on BBC2 on 2nd September.
“We have always known Zika could spread everywhere Aedes mosquitoes abound,” Dr Dawood told the programme. “This study tells us about the seasonality of risk of spread, and when/where it might take root, but does not model travel/risk of spread within Africa or Asia – so more studies are still needed.”
The study’s publication coincided with the arrival of Zika in Singapore – a major hub for Asian travel and Malaysia, with clear implications for further spread. With this news came the new evidence that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are capable of passing the infection on to their offspring.
There is currently no vaccination available for the Zika Virus. If you have any questions and would like some more information and advice, please contact the Fleet Street Clinic on 020 7353 5678 or you can book a travel consultation appointment.
Coeliac disease is an auto-immune condition, defined as
a disease in which the small intestine is hypersensitive to gluten, leading to difficulty in digesting food.
We’ve all heard the term “gluten free” of late, something that has become synonymous with the fad diet of the moment, but for suffers of this fairly common disease, what does being a coeliac actually mean?
Gluten is a type of protein found in many types of food. Let’s be clear, being a coeliac does not mean that you have a gluten intolerance. When you are a coeliac, your immune system responds to the gluten in your food like it is a threat and attacks it. This in-turn damages the lining of the small intestine and hinders your body’s ability to digest nutrients from food properly.
Any food containing:
There are many varied symptoms of being a coeliac but some of the most common symptoms are:
Although there is no cure for being a coeliac, you will need to follow a gluten free diet to appease the symptoms. With a little time and effort, most sufferers can follow the diet and carry on about their regular life with no further complications from the illness.
This can be tricky at first as there are so many products you would pick up from your local supermarket that contain gluten. It’s best to speak with an expert for advice on how to manage your diet. At Fleet Street Clinic we can screen for many food intolerances as well as assisting you in every step of the way should your tests coming back positive for an allergy.
If you have any concerns regarding coeliac disease or any other type of food intolerance, please book an appointment online. Or you can contact on 020 7353 5678 for more information.
