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Introduction Yellow fever
Yellow feverYellow fever is a serious viral infection that is spread by certain types of mosquito. Its mainly found in sub-Saharan Africa, South America and parts of the Caribbean. The condition can be prevented with a vaccination and is a very rare cause of illness in travellers. Six travellers from Europe and North America have died from yellow fever
Yellow fever vaccination Yellow fever
Yellow feverIf you are planning to travel to an area where you may be at risk of yellow fever, make sure you are vaccinatedbefore making your trip. About the yellow fever vaccine The yellow fever vaccine is given as a single injection. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel, as this will allow enough time for your body to develop
Symptoms of Zika virus infection Zika virus
Zika virusMost people don't have any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they are usually mild and last around two to seven days. Commonly reported symptoms include: rash itching all over the body fever headache joint pain (with possible swelling, mainly in the smaller joints of the hands and feet) muscle pain conjunctivitis (red eyes) lower back pain
Advice for pregnant women Zika virus
Zika virusScientists believe that there is enough evidence to show that Zika virus infection is a cause of birth defects,including microcephaly (this means the baby will have an abnormally small head and can be associated with abnormal brain development). This is also known as congenital Zika syndrome. It is therefore recommended that pregnant women
How Zika virus infection is treated Zika virus
Zika virusThere is no specific treatment for Zika virus symptoms. Drinking plenty of water and taking paracetamol may help relieve symptoms. If you feel unwell after returning from a country that has malaria as well asactive transmission of Zika virus,you should seek urgent (same day) advice to help rule out a malaria diagnosis. If you remain unwell and
Zika virus and blood donation Zika virus
Zika virusAs a precaution, the NHS Blood and Transplant service has recommended that people who have travelled to areas with active Zika virus transmission wait 28 days before donating blood. If you want to know whether any recent foreign travel temporarily bars you from giving blood, you can call their National Contact Centre on 0300 123 23 23.
Zika virus andGuillain-Barr syndrome Zika virus
Zika virusScientists now believe that Zika virus is a cause of Guillain-Barr syndrome (GBS), a serious condition of the nervous system. The risk of developing GBS following a Zika virus infection is currently unknown, but thought to be very low.
Introduction Allergy
AllergyThe word allergy is derived from the Greek, allos ‘the other’ and ergon ‘action’ which is to mean a state of the organism, of the body, with differences in its reactivity. Allergic conditions are well spread and on the rise in the world nowadays. In the developed world, 15-20% of the population suffers from some form of an allergic condition. 80%
Introduction Acute appendicitis
Acute appendicitisAppendicitis is the inflammation of the small intestine, where it meets the colon (in fact, it is a rudimentary extension of the gut, the function of which is yet unknown). What causes acute appendicitis? Acute appendicitis can be caused by: The blockage of the lumen (space inside the gut) of the gut by feces Blockage due to inflammation of the
Prevention Perforation of the stomach
Perforation of the stomachPrevention methods Prevention methods which depend upon the lifestyle choices of the patient include: A balanced diet Cessation of smoking, cessation or reduction of alcohol consumption Limiting the consumption of NSAID drugs (care must be taken to consume these medications on a full stomach)