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The following
immunisations are available from the Practice Nurses for foreign travel:-
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Tetanus |
Meningitis A & C |
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Hepatitis A &
Gammagobuline |
Japanese B Encep |
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Typhoid |
Rabies |
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Hepatitis B |
Yellow Fever |
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Hepatitis A
Children Havrix Mono |
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PLEASE NOTE if you
are thinking of booking a late deal or travelling last minute, we DO NOT
have last minute appointments for holiday immunisations. If you require injections prior to travelling abroad
please see the nurse approximately 6 weeks before travel. This allows
time for immunisations to be given. If you are unsure whether or not you
require injections or malaria prophylaxis for your travel one of our nurses
will be pleased to advise you. There are charges for these injections
details of which can be obtained from the Practice Nurse.
Elm Hayes is a registered Yellow Fever Centre and can give yellow fever
injections to people not registered with our Practice.
DVT Prevention
It is fast approaching holiday season, and may of you will be flying off to
far flung corners of the work or taking coach trips to Europe. There has
been a lot of media coverage about the risks of DVT (deep vein thrombosis),
I would like to try to clarify a few things. Firstly DVTs or “economy class
syndrome” may also occur if flying 1st class or travelling on a long coach
trip.
There is no risk at all of DVT if the flight is less than 5 hours duration,
hence anyone flying to European destinations is NOT at any risk. For flights
of more than 5 hours other risk factors for thrombosis include: Pregnancy,
recent surgery, older than 40yr, heart failure, obesity, dehydration, blood
disorders, previous thrombosis, diagnosis of cancer, sedation (e.g. use of
sleeping tablets) or taking HRT or contraceptive pills.
For anyone taking a long flight certain rules can be followed to minimise
the risk of a DVT:
 | Don’t fly within 6 weeks of surgery or general anaesthetic |
| Don’t cross your legs |
| Keep moving your legs feet and toes |
| Drink plenty of water and avoid excess coffee, alcohol |
| Take deep breaths |
| Avoid tight clothing |
| Avoid taking sleeping tablets |
If anyone has more that 2 risk factors and is embarking on a long flight it
is recommended to wear below knee support stocking which can be bought at
most chemists. Should anyone have 3 risk factors 150mg aspirin should be
taken and stockings worn. Anyone with over 3 risk factors please discuss
this with your doctor.
After the trip if you develop a swollen painful leg especially if it is
discoloured red, or purple, or if breathing difficulties occur, then see a
doctor urgently. The overall risk of DVT is very small but by taking simple
measures even a small risk can be made smaller.
   
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