When planning a trip abroad, most travellers prioritise booking flights, packing bags, and researching the best sightseeing spots. However, many overlook an equally important part of travel preparation & protecting their health. While vaccinations are often prioritised, several underestimated travel health risks can spoil a holiday or even lead to serious complications.
From altitude sickness and food-borne illnesses to insect-borne diseases like malaria, these risks vary depending on your destination, itinerary, and overall health. That’s why a pre-travel consultation at your local pharmacy is essential. At Hodgson Pharmacy, our travel clinic, available through our Longfield clinic near Dartford and Gravesend, offers expert advice and comprehensive support to help you stay safe and healthy throughout your journey.
Beyond Vaccines: Overlooked Travel Health Risks
While vaccines are an important part of your travel health checklist, they are just one element. Here are some of the most common yet often ignored health threats travellers may encounter abroad.
1. Altitude Sickness
If you’re heading to high-altitude destinations like Peru, Nepal, or parts of East Africa, you may be at risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Breathlessness
Why It Matters:
AMS can escalate into serious conditions such as high-altitude cerebral or pulmonary oedema, which can be life-threatening without prompt treatment.
How We Help:
During a travel consultation, we can advise on gradual ascent plans, preventive medications, and tips to acclimatise safely.
2. Food- and Water-Borne Illnesses
Traveller’s diarrhoea is the most common illness affecting travellers, particularly in areas with poor sanitation such as South Asia, Africa, and parts of Latin America.
Causes include:
- Contaminated water
- Undercooked food
- Raw fruits and vegetables washed in unsafe water
Possible conditions:
- Cholera
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
How We Help:
We offer preventive vaccinations such as:
- Cholera vaccine – £50 (2 doses, 2-year protection)
- Hepatitis A – £80 per dose (1 year; 2 doses for up to 10 years)
- Typhoid – £50 (3-year protection)
Plus, our team provides food safety advice and recommends medications such as oral rehydration salts and anti-diarrhoeal for your travel kit.
3. Malaria and Other Insect-Borne Diseases
If you’re visiting tropical regions, you’re at risk of contracting diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika, or Japanese encephalitis all transmitted by mosquito bites.
Why It’s Often Ignored:
Some travellers assume only jungle regions are at risk, but urban outbreaks of dengue and malaria are increasingly common.
How We Help:
- Antimalarial medication tailored to your travel destination
- Japanese Encephalitis vaccine – £150 per dose (2 doses, 1-year protection)
- Advice on insect repellents, mosquito nets, and protective clothing
4. Travel Fatigue, Jet Lag & Sleep Disruption
Though not life-threatening, jet lag and disrupted sleep can leave you exhausted, stressed, and more prone to illness.
What We Recommend:
- Strategies for managing your sleep cycle
- Travel supplements such as melatonin
- Hydration tips and motion sickness relief
What to Expect from a Pre-Travel Consultation at Hodgson Pharmacy
A pre-travel health consultation is a tailored session to assess your travel risks and ensure you’re fully prepared.
We Cover:
- Your itinerary and destination-specific risks
- Required and recommended vaccinations
- Advice on altitude, food, water, and insect safety
- Supply of essential travel health items (first-aid kits, insect repellents, rehydration sachets)
- Recommendations for travel-related health conditions like motion sickness, jet lag, or allergies
Our Services Include:
- Vaccinations such as Yellow Fever (£100), Rabies (£100 per dose), MMR (£50), and more
- Yellow Fever Exemption Certificates (£40)
- Personalised support for travellers with chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, asthma)
Our Longfield pharmacists are trained to provide expert travel health advice with minimal waiting times and flexible appointments.
Why You Shouldn’t Leave Travel Health to the Last Minute
Some vaccinations require multiple doses or time to become effective, and certain preventive medications (like for malaria or altitude sickness) must be started before departure. That’s why booking your travel consultation at least 6–8 weeks before your trip is recommended.
Even if your trip is last-minute, we can still help you prioritise urgent needs and offer guidance on staying safe abroad.
Final Thoughts: Travel Smart with Hodgson Pharmacy
Ignoring common travel health risks can turn a dream holiday into a health nightmare. A pre-travel consultation is the best way to protect yourself against unexpected illnesses and stay informed about regional risks. At Hodgson Pharmacy, our travel clinic available through our Longfield clinic near Dartford and Gravesend is your one-stop solution for travel vaccinations, preventive treatments, and expert advice. Book your consultation today and travel with confidence, knowing your health is in safe hands.