Are you planning to travel abroad? Cholera is a severe sickness caused by contaminated water or food and can spread quickly through a population. While an estimated 3-5 million people contract cholera annually worldwide, it’s easily preventable with prompt treatment and cholera vaccination.
But where can you get a cholera vaccination for travel? This blog post will discuss how you can ensure you’re safely vaccinated before your next trip abroad. Read on to learn more!
What is cholera?
Cholera is a minor intestine infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera. The main symptom of cholera is watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and death if untreated. Cholera is spread through contaminated food or water. It is a severe concern in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to safe water.
Vaccination is the best way to protect against cholera, you can get vaccinated from travel clinics and there are two vaccines available: Dukoral and Shanchol. Dukoral protects against diarrheal and asymptomatic (without symptoms) infections, while Shanchol only protects against symptomatic infections.
Both vaccines require two doses, given at least a week apart, and watched for up to two years. It is recommended that travellers get vaccinated at least four weeks before their trip.
What are the symptoms of cholera?
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholera. It has a short incubation period, from less than one day to five days, and produces an enterotoxin that causes copious, watery diarrhea that can quickly lead to severe dehydration and death if untreated.
A person with cholera may have several daily stools (rice-water stool). Vomiting also occurs in most patients. Dehydration follows, leading to sunken eyes, cold extremities, wrinkled skin, decreased skin elasticity (tenting), and, eventually, shock. Travel clinics can educate you about this and also your vaccination process before travelling.
How is cholera treated?
Cholera is most often treated with oral rehydration therapy (ORT). This involves drinking lots of fluids to replace the fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea. A cholera vaccine can also help to prevent the disease.
Antibiotics may also be prescribed to reduce the severity of symptoms. Additionally, zinc supplementation may be recommended for children to help reduce the duration of diarrhea. If you are travelling then you can get vaccinated by travel vaccination service.
Who should get vaccinated against cholera?
Cholera is a severe disease that can be deadly. It is caused by a bacterium called Vibrio cholera, found in contaminated water or food. The best way to prevent cholera is to get vaccinated against it.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all people living in or travelling to areas where cholera is endemic or epidemic should get vaccinated. This includes people at high risk for developing severe diseases, such as young children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
People at increased risk of acquiring cholera due to frequent travel or contact with contaminated water sources should also consider getting vaccinated.
Travel Clinics are available for all travellers to areas where cholera is present, and they should be vaccinated against the disease. This includes countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America where cholera is endemic (constantly present). Vaccination is also recommended for travellers to outbreak areas, even if they are not staying long.
What are the side effects of the cholera vaccine?
When taken as directed, the cholera vaccine is very safe. However, like any vaccine or medication from travel clinics, there is a small risk of side effects. The most common side effect of the cholera vaccine is mild diarrhea. Other possible side effects include
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Fever.
These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days. Please seek medical attention immediately if you experience severe side effects after receiving the cholera vaccine.
Where can you get vaccinated against cholera?
One of the best ways to protect yourself from cholera is to get vaccinated before you travel.
There are two types of cholera vaccines available: oral and injectable. The oral vaccine is given in two doses, 2-3 weeks apart, and protects for up to six months. The injectable vaccine protects for up to two years.
You can vaccinate against cholera at your local health department or travel clinic.
Many health insurance plans will cover the cost of the vaccine, but you should check with your insurer before you travel.
Those needing up-to-date vaccinations before international travel may do so at the Swift Clinics in Milton, Ontario. They offer various travel medical services, including pre-trip consultations, vaccines, and tailored suggestions for maintaining healthy habits while away from home.
Different variables, such as a traveller’s home country and medical history, may affect how simple it is to receive a particular vaccine. Get your shots and expert advice on staying healthy on your trip by scheduling an appointment at swift clinics. Their goal is to ensure everyone who travels has access to the information they need to be safe and healthy while on the road.
Conclusion
Cholera is a severe and potentially deadly illness that can affect travellers, so getting vaccinated against it before you leave for your trip is essential. Fortunately, plenty of options are available to get the cholera vaccine. Many local doctor’s offices and clinics and some significant pharmacies offer vaccination.
Additionally, you can contact your travel health clinic for more information about where to get a cholera vaccination before embarking on your journey. With a few simple steps, you’ll be able to ensure that you’re adequately protected while away from home.
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