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It is hard to think why anybody would ever want to go to a place like this for a holiday isn't it ? Who would ever want to swap the cold, damp, grey weather in England for this sort of place ? I mean, apart from the warm sun, miles of pristine beach, and crystal blue water, it has not really got a whole lot going for it.

I am sure that peaceful ,hot, sunny days spent on glorious sandy beaches are probably much over-rated. Compared to Skegness in November what can this sort of place possibly offer ?

Sadly, in a tropical climate evern short visits can end with illness unless certain precautions are observed. These are mainly common sence, however to refresh the memory.

Vaccinations. There are a number of infectious diseases such as Hepatitis or viral meningitis, which are common in many popular holiday areas, but which are simly preventable by vaccination in advance. Make sure that you contact your Doctor 6-8 weeks before you travel to arrange these.
Malaria is endemic in most of tropical and sub-tropical Africa, Asia and South America. Malaria can be fatal and is prevented by taking the right sort of anti-malaria pills throughout the time that you are exposed, as well as doing all you can to avoid mozzy bites.

Water supplies are often not purified to the standards that your stomach is used to. Drinking only bottled water can help but beware the man filling the bottles from the tap where the tourists can't see him doing it !! Also watch out for ice cubes and ice creams. These are probably not made with bottled water.

Farndon Surgery is a designated yellow fever vaccination clinic, and a complete range of immunizations and prophylactic drugs can be provided.

Many travel immunizations fall outside the limit of NHS services and are provided on a private basis. In this situation, while the practice provides the vaccine, the traveller has to pay the cost of it and a fee for its being administered and any associated advice A full scale of charges is available from the reception. Before commencing a course of immunization, the charges will be fully explained

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Holiday vaccination request

What diseases are prevalent in what places, and particularly what Malaria prophylaxis is needed is constantly changing. To keep well it is vital that travellers get accurate and up to date information and advice.

At Farndon Surgery Practice Nurse Kate Booth has access to constantly updated information from the Malaria Reference Laboratory and WHO via the international Travax system.

For whatever reason long-haul holidays to places like this are rapidly growing in popularity, with thousands of people flocking to places previously reserved for explorers, the mad and the stinking rich.

The downside to paradise is that most tropical countries are well stocked with unpleasant noxious bugs who can't wait to sink their teeth into some nice, soft, warm and preferably moist part of your body.

Even more entertaining for the local insect life is when the victim has never had an opportunity to develop any immunity to the diseases the bugs carry with them. Better still if they have not had the necessary vaccinations and prophylaxis to keep healthy in a tropical climate.