Travelling to Central America

Malaria is present. Certain areas have much higher risk than others. There is no vaccine for Malaria and a course of medication is to be taken instead. One of our Travel Doctor's will assess your risk and advise whether anti-malarial medications are recommended for your journey. If you expect to stay for a long period of time or will be outdoors a lot, please make an appointment with us.

Travellers diarrhoea (popularly referred to as Bali Belly) is very common and is generally contracted through drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated foods. It is generally not life threatening and clears up after a few days.

Symptoms

• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Urgency to use the toilet
• Weakness or general discomfort

It is highly recommended you are well prepared for this common illness by packing the appropriate medications and hydration. Please talk to one of our doctors about getting a customised travel kit for your destination.

For anyone travelling to Panama, it is recommended you acquire a yellow fever vaccination. However, there is a risk of contracting the disease in other Central American countries so it is strongly advised to speak to one of our doctors ahead of your trip to assess your risk. If you plan on going to South America before your Central American journey, it is often required that you have a yellow fever vaccination card.

For more information about yellow fever requirements click here.

Hepatitis A is a debilitating viral infection of the liver. It is highly common in developing countries due to poor sanitation. It is strongly recommended you get vaccinated against hepatitis A at least 21 days prior to travelling. Hepatitis A with a follow-up booster shot 6 months after your first generally lasts for around 10 years. If you haven't had a shot in a while it's best to check with one of our doctors if you need another.

Hepatitis B is a highly dangerous and potentially fatal infection of the liver. Hepatitis B can lead to liver cancer if untreated. Most people diagnosed with liver cancer in Australia die within one to two years – many in the first month after diagnosis. It is strongly recommended you protect yourself against this deadly virus when visiting developing countries. Most Australian's born after 1988 would have received a series of 3 Hepatitis B vaccinations between the ages of 0 - 6 months. The shots are expected to last your lifetime, however, it is recommended you have your blood tested prior to travelling to risky locations or engaging in high-risk Hepatitis B transmission behaviour in which case you may need a booster shot. If you have not had a vaccination or cannot recall the last time you were vaccinated it is best that you contact us and our doctors will make a recommendation based on your circumstances.

Typhoid is a bacterial disease spread through contaminated food, water or unwashed hands as well as flies. The illness may not be noticeable for 1-2 weeks after transmission and symptoms can include fever, headache, loss of appetite, muscle aches and a dry cough. All travellers should be vaccinated against typhoid as it is quite common in developing, rural or remote areas. Vaccinations generally last 2-3 years but are only 60-70% efficient so it is highly recommended to conduct safe practices when it comes to the handling and consumption of food and overall sanitation. Please discuss with one of our doctors for more details specific to your journey.

Influenza is the most common preventable disease among travellers. It is highly contagious and has a range of uncomfortable symptoms that are sure to ruin any holiday or trip away. An annual flu shot is recommended to keep the flu at bay. As the flu virus is constantly adapting itself, it's necessary to continue getting shots to ensure your protection against the latest strain of the viral infection. Play it safe and get a flu shot if you plan on travelling.

Rabies is typically contracted through a bite from an infected animal. Unless treated immediately, rabies is universally fatal. The required treatment for a rabies bite is not readily available in many parts of the developing world. A vaccine can prevent infection so it is highly recommended you get a vaccine if you expect to be coming into contact with animals in countries that have a risk of rabies. If you're unsure we recommend to speak to one of our doctors who will assess whether you need the vaccine. 

Note: A course of 3 shots is required over 3 weeks. Please ensure you plan and check the price in advance.

Symptoms

• Fever
• Headache
• Excess salivation
• Muscle spasms
• Paralysis
• Mental confusion

Cholera is an infection of the intestine which is typically contracted through the consumption of contaminated water. It is present in few areas and risk of contracting the disease is low, however, it is recommended you speak with one of our doctors to discuss your specific travel plans so we can assess whether you are at risk and will require a vaccination.