Travel Doctors
Dr Christina Baker
Dr Patrick Garratt
Dr Joanne Fitzsimons
Dr Janice Gomes
Dr Jacinta Montgomery
Dr Amanda Fraser
Dr Anna Harris
Dr Corin Sprod
Dr Amanda McNee
Traveller’s diarrhoea
Many destinations carry an increased risk of traveller’s diarrhoea (vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fever). It is commonly bacterial, unlike in Australia where it’s nearly always viral. This means some antibiotics can treat it.
Prevent traveller’s diarrhoea by:
- drinking bottled water/drinks and avoiding ice in drinks
- eating well cooked/recently cooked food and only eating fruit if you peel it yourself.
- washing hands before eating
A detailed travel health guidebook will be provided to you as part of the Travel Clinic service and a convenient travel kit is also available from Rokeby GP – to find out more about what is included in these Travel Packs, click here.
Mosquitoes
There is a serious health risk from mosquito bites in many locations including parts of Africa, South America, Southeast Asia (including Bali), India and nearby areas. Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes include malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Zika, yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis, among others.
Mosquito repellant (containing at least 30% DEET) is imperative. You can take cream or an aerosol on airlines in checked luggage. If applying with sunscreen put the repellant on last. Long loose fitting clothing can help and air-conditioned accommodation is generally safe.
Malaria Tablets are recommended for many destinations. We will give you information on the pros and cons and expense of differing medications.
Vaccinations
The most common travel vaccines required are influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid. Recommended vaccines will vary widely depending on your destination, length of stay, standard of accommodation, exposure to animals, and personal preference.
A course of hepatitis A and B vaccination gives you lifelong protection and hence is very valuable for repeat travel. Typhoid vaccine lasts three years. Influenza vaccine lasts six months, an important consideration as flu is very easy to catch in the enclosed space of an airplane and is transmitted all year in tropical countries.
It’s also crucial to ensure your childhood vaccinations are up to date. If in doubt we can do a blood test to check your immunity.
Find out more about travel vaccinations.
What to expect
When making an appointment for our travel clinic, you will be asked a series of questions to determine the length of the appointment required and your basic requirements.
- Once an appointment is made, you will then be emailed a form to fill out.
- Please bring this completed form as well as your travel itinerary to your appointment.
- Your appointment will consist of two stages; a consultation in a doctor’s office, followed by vaccinations (if necessary) in our travel clinic. In total, this can take up to an hour, although please allow more time if multiple people require vaccinations.
A 10-minute observation period post-vaccination is also advised. Keep in mind you may receive injections on your arms so wear appropriate clothing.
