When planning a trip abroad, health preparations are often overlooked in favour of booking flights, hotels, and excursions. Yet, understanding the health risks of your destination is just as important as packing the right clothes. One condition travellers should be aware of is cholera, a bacterial disease that spreads quickly in areas with poor sanitation. At Vivo Pharmacy and Travel Clinic in Bristol, we help patients protect themselves with the cholera disease vaccine and up-to-date travel health advice.

What Is Cholera?

Cholera is an intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is most commonly spread through contaminated water or food and can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration. While some cases are mild, others progress rapidly and may become life-threatening without prompt treatment.

Symptoms often appear within a few hours to a few days of exposure and can include watery diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. The most serious risk is dehydration, which can occur quickly if fluid loss is not replaced.

Cholera is not usually a concern in the UK, but it remains a global health issue in many parts of the world, particularly in countries where sanitation systems are limited.

Where Does Cholera Occur?

Travellers are most at risk of cholera in areas where clean water is scarce and hygiene practices may be inconsistent. Regions with the highest risk include parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America. Outbreaks are often linked to overcrowding, refugee settings, or areas affected by natural disasters where sanitation infrastructure has been damaged.

Even travellers staying in urban areas may face risks if food preparation and water supplies are not properly regulated. Eating street food, drinking untreated water, or consuming ice in drinks can increase the chance of infection.

Who Needs The Cholera Disease Vaccine?

The cholera disease vaccine is not required for all travellers, but it is recommended for those visiting regions where cholera is widespread, particularly if they will be living or working in close contact with local communities. It may also be advisable for humanitarian workers, healthcare professionals, and those travelling to areas with limited medical facilities.

At Vivo Pharmacy, we provide consultations to assess whether the cholera vaccine is recommended for your journey. By understanding your travel plans, length of stay, and health background, we can give tailored advice to ensure you are fully prepared.

How The Vaccine Works

The cholera disease vaccine is an oral vaccine rather than an injection. It comes in the form of a liquid that is mixed with water and taken by mouth. It works by stimulating the body’s immune system to produce defences against the cholera bacterium, reducing the chances of infection if exposed.

Adults and children over the age of two can receive the vaccine. For most travellers, the course consists of two doses taken one to six weeks apart. The protection usually lasts for two years, after which a booster may be needed if you continue to travel to high-risk areas.

The vaccine is generally well tolerated, with mild side effects such as stomach upset being rare and temporary. It does not replace the need for good hygiene and safe food and water practices, but it provides an important layer of protection.

Additional Preventative Measures

Even with vaccination, it is important to take sensible precautions when travelling to high-risk regions. These include:

• –> Drinking only bottled, boiled, or properly treated water
• –> Avoiding ice unless you are certain it has been made with safe water
• –> Eating freshly cooked food that is served hot
• –> Avoiding raw fruit and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself
• –> Washing your hands regularly with soap and clean water

These measures reduce the risk of exposure to cholera and other waterborne illnesses such as typhoid and traveller’s diarrhoea.

Why Choose Vivo Pharmacy For Your Travel Vaccines

At Vivo Pharmacy in Bristol, we provide comprehensive travel health services, including the cholera disease vaccine. As a local and trusted pharmacy, we offer convenient access to vaccines without the long waiting times that can occur in other healthcare settings. Our team of professionals provides not only vaccinations but also personalised travel health advice to support you throughout your journey.

We understand that every trip is different, and our consultations are designed to ensure that you leave with the right protection for your destination. From malaria prevention to routine travel vaccinations, we help you travel safely and confidently. Contact us to learn more.

Travelling Safely Begins Before You Leave

Cholera is a preventable disease, yet it remains a risk in many parts of the world. For travellers from Bristol, being prepared with the cholera disease vaccine and following safe food and water practices can make the difference between an enjoyable trip and a serious health problem.

If you are planning to travel to a region where cholera may be present, do not leave your health to chance. Book an appointment with Vivo Pharmacy today to access professional advice and vaccinations tailored to your journey. Travel with confidence, knowing you have taken the right steps to protect yourself.

This blog was written on behalf of Vivo Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.