Cholera Vaccine
The cholera vaccine is a 2 dose treatment with a drinkable vaccine, perfect before travel
What is Cholera?
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection. If not treated quickly it can kill healthy adults within hours. The disease is characterised in its most severe form by a sudden onset of acute watery diarrhoea that can lead to death by severe dehydration and even kidney failure.
The extremely short incubation period of just two hours to five days – enhances the potentially explosive pattern of outbreaks, as the number of cases can rise very quickly. Cholera is an extremely virulent disease that affects both children and adults.
Where can I get it?
Cholera is frequently found in parts of Africa, Asia and Central America. It’s also located in areas where there has been a natural disaster, war-torn regions where the medical infrastructure has broken down and in particularly poor, crowded places.
Popular affected travel locations include
- Asia
- Africa
- Latin America
- India
- The Middle East
Which drugs are used and are there any side effects?
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Dukoral (Oral Cholera Vaccination) - 2 Doses Required. An inactivated vaccine which can ingested at the same time as other common vaccinations.
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Known Side effects? Rare nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Very rare sore throat and problems sleeping.
Travelling abroad and not sure if you're at risk?
If you’re unsure about the vaccine, have any questions or want to find out what vaccines you need. We’re here to help, book your appointment online or call us on 0208 393 1000.
Top Tips for protecting against Cholera
Drink & Use Safe Water –
- Bottled water with unbroken seals and canned/bottled carbonated beverages are safe to drink and use.
- Use safe water to brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, and to make ice.
Wash Your Hands Often With Soap & Water –
- Before you eat or prepare food
- Before feeding your children
- After using the latrine or toilet
Get Your Cholera Vaccination at Miles Pharmacy
We all love a good adventure and travelling to exotic locales makes life all the more exciting. But the last thing you should do is start off on your journey unprepared and unprotected from disease and illness. That is a surefire way to ruin a holiday.
If you will be travelling in the tropics where Cholera outbreaks are common — particularly in Africa, India, Asia, Central and South America, or the Middle East — you should consider getting the protection of the Cholera Vaccine.
Miles Pharmacy Travel Clinic provides all travel vaccinations (including Cholera), antimalarial medication, and the most current travel health info that will keep you safe and healthy. We are conveniently located in Epsom, servicing areas Banstead, Sutton, Stoneleigh, Cheam, Chessington, and Worcester Park. Schedule your free consultation today!
Questions About Cholera?
Cholera is an acute intestinal infection from the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It causes intense, watery diarrhoea which can lead to serious complications and in rare circumstances, death. People can get sick when they consume water or food contaminated with cholera bacteria.
Cholera is typically found in countries with poor sanitation and no access to clean drinking water and minimal medical care. While Cholera is typically not life-threatening, it is definitely unpleasant and can surely ruin any travel plans.
Symptoms of Cholera include the sudden onset of profuse, watery diarrhoea accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
If left untreated, Cholera can rapidly lead to dangerous dehydration, serious salt imbalances, and shock. Luckily, with prompt and effective treatment, the death rate is less than one percent.
While the overall risk of cholera for travellers is low, certain situations may increase the risk of infection including (inadvertently) drinking contaminated water or eating unsanitary food in areas where outbreaks are common. Travellers working and living in unsanitary conditions, such as relief workers in disaster or refugee areas, are also at risk.
The Cholera vaccine is taken orally and requires two doses taken between 1-6 weeks apart. Protection against cholera lasts for up to two years following a complete dose of the vaccine.
In addition to the vaccine, you can take many preventative measures to reduce the chance of getting Cholera. You should always practice good personal hygiene and be diligent about only eating in sanitary establishments and drinking clean bottled water.
Cholera Vaccination Services are available at Miles Pharmacy in Epsom, servicing areas Banstead, Sutton, Stoneleigh, Cheam, Chessington, and Worcester Park. The Cholera Vaccine cost is £75 for both doses. Our Travel Clinic is staffed by vaccine specialists who can provide expert advice on all travel vaccinations, malaria prevention, and travel tips to stay healthy.
