Private GP for Holiday Travel Illness - Before and After
Your holiday should make you healthier, not sicker. But sometimes you come back feeling worse than when you left.
Whether you are preparing for travel or recovering from it, proper medical support makes the difference between holiday disaster and holiday success.
Pre-Travel Health Preparation
Different destinations carry different health risks. Preparing properly protects you.
Travel vaccinations vary by destination. Some countries require proof of certain vaccines for entry. Others have recommended vaccines based on disease risk.
Common travel vaccines include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever (for which we are a certified centre), rabies, Japanese encephalitis, meningitis, and others depending on your itinerary.
Malaria prevention is essential for many tropical destinations. We advise on antimalarial medications, prescribe what you need, and explain how to use them properly.
Travel health advice covers food and water safety, insect bite prevention, sun protection, altitude sickness, and other destination-specific concerns.
Ideally, seek travel health advice four to six weeks before departure. Some vaccines need time to become effective. But last-minute travellers can still be helped.
Need travel health advice? Message us on WhatsApp
Illness During Travel
Falling ill while abroad is stressful. You are far from home, potentially with language barriers, and unsure of local healthcare.
Video consultations provide access to a UK doctor while you are away. We can advise on symptoms, help you decide whether local medical care is needed, and provide reassurance when symptoms are minor.
For ongoing medication needs, we can sometimes assist with prescriptions that can be filled locally or upon return.
Post-Travel Illness
The most concerning symptoms often appear after returning home.
Traveller's diarrhoea usually resolves within days but sometimes persists or recurs. Parasitic infections, bacterial infections, and other causes may need investigation and treatment.
Fever after tropical travel requires assessment. Malaria must be excluded if you visited a malaria zone, even if you took prophylaxis.
Skin problems including rashes, bites that will not heal, and unusual lesions may relate to travel exposures.
Respiratory illness picked up during travel or from close contact in aeroplanes and airports.
Fatigue and general unwellness that persists after return may indicate infection requiring treatment.
If you are unwell after travel, especially tropical travel, prompt assessment is important. Some conditions are serious if not treated quickly.
Unwell after travel? WhatsApp us now
Same Day Appointments
Travel illness often cannot wait for standard NHS appointment times.
Fever after tropical travel needs same day assessment. Persistent diarrhoea causing dehydration needs prompt attention. Concerning symptoms need evaluation before they worsen.
We offer same day appointments for travel-related illness. The doctor will take detailed travel history, assess your symptoms, arrange appropriate tests, and initiate treatment.
Testing for Travel-Related Illness
Stool samples can identify parasites and bacterial pathogens. Blood tests screen for malaria and other infections. Specific tests are arranged based on your symptoms and travel history.
We can arrange comprehensive testing with results typically within 24 to 48 hours.
Common Post-Travel Conditions
Giardia and other parasites cause persistent diarrhoea, bloating, and fatigue. Diagnosed by stool test and treated with antibiotics.
Bacterial gastroenteritis including salmonella, campylobacter, and others may need antibiotic treatment.
Malaria is a medical emergency if contracted. Any fever after tropical travel needs malaria testing.
Dengue fever causes high fever, severe headache, and body aches. Supportive care is usually sufficient but monitoring is important.
Skin infections picked up from swimming, insect bites, or minor injuries can spread if not treated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon before travel should I get vaccinations? Ideally four to six weeks. Some vaccines need time to work. Some require multiple doses. But last-minute travellers can still be helped.
I had diarrhoea abroad but feel fine now. Should I get checked? If symptoms have fully resolved, testing is usually unnecessary. If any symptoms persist, assessment is worthwhile.
I took malaria tablets but still worried. Can I be tested? Yes. Malaria prophylaxis reduces but does not eliminate risk. Testing is sensible if you have concerning symptoms.
How much do travel vaccinations cost? Varies by vaccine. We provide clear pricing for all recommended vaccinations before you commit.
Can you help with travel insurance medical documentation? Yes. We can provide letters and reports documenting illness for insurance claims.
Do not let illness ruin your travels or your return.
