Many destinations around the world require travel vaccinations to protect you from a wide range of diseases, including Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
What is Hepatitis A?
Hep A is a preventable illness that isn’t treatable as it’s viral. Those with Hep A will generally get better through resting; however, it may take up to several weeks to recover. In severe and rare cases, often more common with the elderly, the illness can be fatal, though fatalities are highly irregular.
The symptoms of Hepatitis A are:
Nausea
Fever
Loss of appetite
Yellowing of the skin and eye (jaundice)
The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. Some will have mild symptoms, and others will have severe while some will have little to none.
Hepatitis A is spread through feces. So, typically, the illness is contracted through contaminated food or water, but it can even be transmitted through touching something contaminated feces has touched, such as money.
Why travellers should get vaccinated against Hepatitis A:
While you can get Hep A anywhere, it is more common in the developing world. As the disease isn’t treatable and has to run its course, if you get it, you will be ill an average of one to three weeks, ruining your holiday and potentially costing you in medical fees. Read this article for tips on what to do if you get sick while overseas.
What is Typhoid?
Typhoid, also known as typhoid fever, is an infection that is spread through the intestines or bloodstream. Like with Hep A, typhoid can be contracted anywhere, but it is more prevalent in the developing world, areas with poor sanitation and some countries within Asia, South America and Africa. Depending on where you are staying on your trip, it may be wise to get the vaccination
A notable difference between Hep A and Typhoid is that Typhoid can be treated with antibiotics. However, in developing areas, it may be difficult to access medical care, and in rare cases, it can be fatal. So, it is best to avoid the illness altogether, so it’s important to receive a vaccination before your trip.
The symptoms of Typhoid are:
Headaches
Constipation or diarrhoea
Fever
Fatigue
What is the Vivaxim vaccine?
The Vivaxim protects you from Hepatitis A and Typhoid Fever. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines can be administered separately, or for your convenience, they have been combined into one vaccine, Vivaxim.
Are travel vaccinations necessary?
Travel injections also referred to as holiday vaccinations, are for your protection. Travelling overseas is an exciting time, but remembering to get your vaccinations ahead of time (ideally six-weeks before your trip), can help keep your holiday as enjoyable a possible.
Popular holiday destinations for Australians, such as Bali and Thailand, carry diseases that can be harmful. While you don’t have to get vaccinations, we strongly recommend you do to protect you from contracting diseases that may not only ruin your holiday but stick around for a long time too.
However, some countries may not let you enter if you haven’t had specific injections. Please see your doctor for advice, or make an appointment to see one of our travel doctors at our Travel Clinic in Werribee.
Travel injections at The Clinic
Our Travel Clinic provides same-day travel vaccinations to our patients. We always welcome new patients, so please get in touch if you would like to book an appointment. We can also give you advice about the areas you are visiting for health and safety tips.
Call us on 9741 1200 or book an appointment online.