MRSA
What is MRSA?
MRSA is a bacterium (staphylococcus aureus) that is resistant to methicillin and related types of antibiotics. This means that the bacteria are impervious to a large group of antibiotics, making it difficult to treat. MRSA is a skin bacterium found in many people but generally does not cause any symptoms. In people who carry the bacteria, it is usually on the skin or in the nose. In some cases, the bacteria can cause an infection and in rare cases can lead to blood poisoning, a bone infection or pneumonia.
In most cases, people do not realise they are carrying the bacteria and the body gets rid of the bacteria on its own. Treatment against MRSA is possible with antibiotics. This requires laboratory tests to determine which antibiotics the bacterium is not yet resistant to. These antibiotics can then be used to treat the person against MRSA.
How do you get MRSA and in which countries is it common?
MRSA is transmitted mainly via direct skin contact, for example through the hands. The bacteria can also become airborne through sneezing or dander. In this case, inhaling the bacteria can also lead to infection, although this is rare. MRSA is almost non-existent in the Netherlands. In other countries, the bacterium is much more common and regularly causes outbreaks in hospitals and other healthcare institutions. MRSA also occurs in pigs and calves in the Netherlands. People who frequently come into direct contact with pigs and calves are often carriers of the bacterium themselves.
What can you do to prevent MRSA?
You can prevent an MRSA infection by maintaining proper hygiene. This includes washing your hands before eating and after every visit to the toilet. In hospitals and other healthcare facilities, patients with MRSA are treated and nursed separately to prevent spreading. If you are at a high probability of being an MRSA carrier, you will be tested for MRSA when you are admitted to hospital. This applies to people who have recently been to a foreign hospital, people who regularly come into contact with pigs, veal calves or broilers because of their profession, and people who live on a farm where these animals are kept.
Can I get tested for MRSA?
You can get tested for MRSA. MRSA testing is done via a nose/throat culture. The sample is sent to the lab and you will receive the results after five business days.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
Do you have any questions or would you like to book an appointment for an MRSA test? Please send us an email at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085 – 90 20 303.
Travelers Diarrhea
What is travelers diarrhea?
Travelers diarrhea is a sudden water-thin stool often accompanied by abdominal cramps and in some cases vomiting and fever. Travelers diarrhea can cause a person to dehydrate quickly, which can become dangerous fast, especially for children. If a child has a fever or suffers from diarrhoea or vomiting for more than a day, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Travelers diarrhea generally passes on its own. To compensate for the fluids a person loses, it is important to drink well. In addition, a salt-sugar solution such as ORS can help retain fluids. If the watery diarrhoea is bothersome, a stopping agent (loperamide) can be used for up to three days.
How do you get travelers diarrhea?
Travelers diarrhea is caused by bacteria that enter the body through contaminated food and drink. About a third of travellers to (sub)tropical regions suffer from travelers diarrhea at some point during their trip.
What can you do to prevent travelers diarrhea?
Completely preventing travelers diarrhea is almost impossible. To reduce the risk of travelers diarrhea, you can take the following precautions:
- Use bottled water and do not use tap water.
- Only drink from factory-sealed bottles or cans you open yourself or that are opened in your presence and do not use ice cubes. Drink only hot drinks made from boiled water such as tea or coffee.
- Eat only fried or cooked food and preferably do not eat raw vegetables or salads. If you eat fruit, wash or peel it yourself. If lettuce or fruit is washed in contaminated water, this can also cause diarrhea.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and do not use the towel hanging in a restaurant. Let your hands dry in the air.
Any questions or want to book an appointment?
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment for a personal (travel)consultation? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.
Altitude sickness
WHAT IS ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Altitude sickness is caused by a lack of oxygen and typically occurs above 2,500 meters. The condition can develop in either a mild or severe form. In mild altitude sickness, symptoms such as shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and nausea may occur. This mild form can progress to severe altitude sickness, where headaches and shortness of breath worsen and occur even at rest, particularly at night. In this case, a person will begin to feel and act increasingly sluggish, and may eventually lose consciousness. If someone in this condition does not descend immediately and receive medical help, it can lead to coma and death.
HOW DO YOU GET ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
The oxygen level in the air is lower at high altitudes than at sea level. The body needs time to adjust to this condition. If someone ascends too quickly to a high altitude without giving the body time to acclimatize, it can lead to altitude sickness. This results in a lack of oxygen in the blood, causing the previously mentioned symptoms. How susceptible someone is to altitude sickness varies from person to person. If someone has experienced altitude sickness before, the chances of it occurring again are higher.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
To prevent altitude sickness, it’s important to follow these guidelines:
• Ascend slowly to altitudes above 2,500 meters.
• Do not sleep more than 500 meters higher than the previous night at altitudes up to 4,000 meters. Above 4,000 meters, do not sleep more than 300 meters higher than the night before. During the day, you can climb more than 500 meters as long as you descend to a level no more than 300 to 500 meters higher than the previous night (climb high, sleep low).
• Drink enough water.
• Allow sufficient time in your travel schedule to acclimatize, and try to avoid strenuous efforts during the first few days. Also, ensure you have enough rest days and the option for extra rest days if symptoms develop.
• Avoid alcohol or sleeping pills.
• If you have previously experienced altitude sickness or are at high risk, medication for altitude sickness (acetazolamide) may be prescribed. This medication helps with acclimatization and can also be used as a treatment for altitude sickness symptoms.
• Don’t forget that the airport you arrive at might be at an altitude higher than 2,500 meters. Altitude sickness can occur even upon arrival. In such cases, try to sleep at a location below 2,500 meters.
You can also take medication for altitude sickness. This medication can be taken once you start experiencing symptoms, or they can be used preventively. This is recommended if you are traveling to high altitudes and know you are prone to altitude sickness. During your consultation at vaccinatiecentrum.nl, you can discuss your travel plans with one of our nurses, and together you can determine if you need altitude sickness medication for your trip. We will arrange the prescription for you right away.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS MEDICATIONS?
In less than one percent of cases, side effects occur when using acetazolamide. Consult your pharmacy for more information about these side effects.
WHAT DO ALTITUDE SICKNESS MEDICATIONS COST?
If you have supplementary insurance, the cost of altitude sickness medication may be reimbursed by your health insurance. If the medication are not reimbursed by you health insurance, you will need to pay for them yourself at the pharmacy.
In addition to the cost of the medication, we charge a fee for issuing the prescription. For more information about these costs, please visit our price list.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I EXPERIENCE ALTITUDE SICKNESS SYMPTOMS?
If you experience symptoms of mild altitude sickness, it is important not to ascend further until the symptoms have disappeared. Descend if the symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they worsen. In the case of severe altitude sickness symptoms, it is crucial to descend immediately and seek medical help if necessary.
It can sometimes be difficult to recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness in yourself and to assess their severity. For this reason, it is important to pay close attention to your travel companions.
QUESTIONS OR WANT TO book AN APPOINTMENT?
If you have questions about altitude sickness or would like to book an appointment for personalized travel advice, use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl, or call 085 – 90 20 303.
Malaria profylaxe
Malaria: risks, prevention and advice for travellers
Malaria is a serious infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions. There is usually no vaccine available for travellers. You can prevent the disease by protecting yourself against mosquito bites and by taking malaria tablets. Whether you need malaria prophylaxis depends on your destination and the duration of your trip.
What is malaria?
Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, various species of which can cause infections in humans. You can become infected through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. These mosquitoes are mainly active between sunset and sunrise. After infection, the parasite ends up in the liver, where it multiplies and then enters the bloodstream.
There are five different forms of malaria. The most dangerous is malaria tropica. Infection with this form of malaria can lead to serious complications within a few days, possibly resulting in death. Treatment for this form of malaria is only possible at an early stage.
The other forms of malaria are less severe. The symptoms are the same, but no serious complications occur. The most recently discovered form of malaria infects monkeys (including macaques) in Southeast Asia and can also be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes.
Where does malaria occur?
Malaria occurs in parts of South and Central America, Africa and Asia. The highest risk of contracting malaria is in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia and South America.
High-risk areas
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Parts of Asia
- South America
Would you like to know if malaria is present at your travel destination? Then visit our country page, where you can see which diseases are present in each country. You can also read here which vaccinations are compulsory or recommended and what other health precautions you can take.
What are the symptoms of malaria?
The first symptoms of malaria usually appear ten to fourteen days after infection, but sometimes it can take several months. Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Anaemia
In severe forms of malaria, such as malaria tropica, complications can occur, such as neurological symptoms (headache, seizures, coma or confusion), organ failure and even death.
Is there a vaccine against malaria?
A vaccine against malaria has been available since 2015. However, this vaccine does not provide sufficient protection against malaria for use by travellers. The vaccines (RTS,S and R21) are primarily intended for children in high-risk areas in Africa, not for travellers. As a traveller, you can prevent malaria by protecting yourself against mosquito bites and by taking malaria tablets (prophylaxis).
Do I need malaria tablets?
Whether you need malaria tablets depends on your destination, the length of your trip, your medication use and any pre-existing conditions you may have. This means you may receive different advice to one of your travel companions. You should therefore always seek personalised travel advice and not simply follow someone else’s advice.
You will probably need tablets if:
- Travelling to sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia and South America
- A stay of more than a week
- Staying overnight outside cities
What malaria tablets are available?
There are various types of malaria tablets. Commonly used medicines include atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone®), doxycycline and mefloquine (Lariam®). The dosage, possible side effects and the best way to take the tablets vary depending on the medicine. You will be given an explanation of this during your appointment with the travel nurse.
How can you prevent malaria whilst travelling?
Fortunately, malaria is easy to prevent. The most important measure is to avoid mosquito bites. Wear long-sleeved tops and long trousers, use insect repellents (such as DEET) and sleep under an impregnated mosquito net or in an air-conditioned room.
In areas where malaria is common, it is sometimes advisable to take malaria tablets (chemoprophylaxis). These medicines help prevent the parasites from taking hold in your body. It is important to start this medication on time and to complete the full course of treatment in accordance with the advice you have been given.
Are you travelling to a high-risk area where access to medical care is limited? If so, you may need to take emergency treatment with you on your trip.
In short:
- Sleep under a mosquito net
- Use DEET
- Wear long clothing
- Avoid stagnant water
- Seek advice from one of our travel nurses in advance and follow this advice carefully during your trip.
When should I seek medical advice about malaria?
If you have been in a malaria-endemic area in the last three months and have a fever, you should be tested for malaria if the fever lasts longer than 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions about malaria
The incubation period is 10–14 days after infection.
Yes, it is possible, but the risk of malaria in Thailand is low.
The most dangerous form of malaria, malaria tropica, can cause serious complications within a few days. This can sometimes be fatal.
That depends on your destination and the duration of your trip. The travel nurse will discuss this with you during your personal travel consultation.
All medicines can cause side effects, including malaria tablets. The side effects are usually mild, certainly compared to the symptoms of malaria itself. You can read about any side effects you might experience in the leaflet that comes with your malaria tablets.