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Travel & Vaccination advice

Information for the journey

When flying (especially for 6 hours or more) make sure that you: to keep mobile, warm and well hydrated throughout the flight

  • drink plenty of fluid, preferably water, avoid alcohol as drinking it could result in dehydration.
  • Carry warm clothing or use a blanket to prevent chilling. Cabin temperature is often cold
  • Wear flight socks to reduce the risk of thrombosis – these can be bought in most large pharmacy stores
  • Make sure and keep an adequate stock of your medication with you on the flight in case your luggage is lost.
  • Always travel with a letter from your haematology team or GP listing your thalassaemia diagnosis and all the medications you require.
  • Malaria: It is important to take effective precautions if you travel to or stop over in a country where malaria occurs. Your GP or hospital specialist can advise on the choice of antimalarial medication. Thalassaemia does not protect you from malaria. You should take the relevant anti-malarial tablets prescribed to the country/area in which you are going to stay.
  • Diarrhoea: Diarrhoea is common among travellers abroad. If you have thalassaemia this can cause dehydration which can cause you to become unwell. To prevent this, it is advisable to carry a supply of oral rehydration salt sachets which can be purchased from your local pharmacy. If you develop a fever or notice blood in the stools you should seek immediate medical advice.
  • Other infections: Get treatment urgently for any bites (especially dog) as these can lead to serious infections. Any bites should be kept clean and seek medical advice if there are any signs of fever or infection. Ensure you use insect repellent containing DEET, wear protective clothing and use mosquito nets.

Make sure you are up to date with routine immunisations and hepatitis B vaccine. Check any necessary travel vaccines and arrange these through your GP practice or a travel clinic at least six weeks in advance. If you are visiting an area that requires yellow fever vaccination and are currently taking the drug hydroxycarbamide please discuss this with your hospital specialist as it may not be recommended.

 

If you have thalassaemia and have had your spleen removed, check you have received the following vaccines:

  • pneumovax (given every 5 years)
  • haemophilus Influenzae type B
  • meningococcal C
  • meningococcal ACWY conjugate
  • hepatitis B
  • influenza (given by your GP in the autumn or winter months every year)