Arcadia Physicians Travel Clinic
with Southwellness
Travel Immunizations | Travel Health
602-875-5678
About Our Clinic
A full service immunization clinic specializing in travel health.
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At Arcadia Physicians travel clinic, we carry a wide array of both travel immunizations and routine vaccinations. We also focus on prescriptions to prevent and treat common travel related illnesses. The best place to begin is a consultation with our travel health nurse. She will help you decide which vaccines are relevant for your specific travel plans and health needs.
For general information on some of the vaccine preventable diseases that we inoculate against, scroll through the page below. If you'd like to jump to a particular section, you may follow these links:
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Hepatitis A ..... Typhoid ..... Polio ..... Japanese Encephalitis ..... Cholera ..... Rabies ..... Malaria ..... Traveler's Diarrhea ..... Home Page
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For further questions or to schedule an appointment, please call our office at 602-875-5678, or fill out the form on our scheduling page. We look forward to meeting you!
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About Hepatitis A
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a virus which seriously impacts the liver. Symptoms of Hepatitis A can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, joint pain, and jaundice. Symptoms can appear two to six weeks after exposure, and last about two months to upwards of six months in some cases.
How is Hepatitis A spread?
Hepatitis A is spread by contaminated food and water. It can also be spread from person to person through contact with the stool of an infected individual. This happens easily with improper hand washing. A person does not have to have symptoms or appear ill to spread the Hepatitis A virus to others.
Do I need a Hepatitis A vaccine for travel?
Hepatitis A is spread throughout the world, and is more common in developing countries where poor sanitation may be a concern. Most all world travelers should receive a Hepatitis A vaccine, especially those traveling to Mexico, Central and South America, Africa, Asia, The Middle East, or The Caribbean.
What are my options for vaccination against Hep A?
The vaccine for Hepatitis A is available either individually, or in a combination shot (called Twinrix) which protects against both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. It is important to note that both options require more than one dose and you need to complete the entire series to gain longstanding protection; However, you may not need to get all the doses before traveling. Our travel nurse is here to discuss which option is best for you and to implement a plan for the appropriate vaccination before your trip, and completion of the vaccine series after you return.
About Typhoid
What is typhoid?
Typhoid fever, commonly referred to as typhoid, is caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. Salmonella Typhi lives only in humans, and is found in the bloodstream and stool of an infected individual. Sometimes a person may contract typhoid fever, recover, but continue to carry the bacteria in their body. These carriers can also spread the illness to other individuals. Typhoid is a life-threatening illness. Each year there are around 21 million cases of the disease, with around 200,000 of those cases being fatal.
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How is typhoid spread?
Typhoid is primarily spread through contaminated food and water. Contamination occurs either through handling by a person who is shedding the bacteria, or by sewage containing the bacteria getting into water sources that are used for drinking and washing foods. A person does not have to be actively ill to shed the disease causing bacteria.
How is typhoid fever prevented?
Receiving a typhoid vaccine before traveling to areas with risk can greatly reduce your possibility of contracting typhoid fever. There are two typhoid vaccine options available: an inject able shot, or an oral vaccine (commonly referred to as typhoid pills). We carry both options within our clinic and can help you decide which is best for your health and travel needs. Adequate food and water precautions should always be maintained to prevent not only typhoid, but also other food born illnesses. For more information about how to be safe with the food you eat while traveling, click to view our blog article here.
Who should get the typhoid vaccine?
Typhoid fever is a risk in most all non-industrialized parts of the world. Travelers to developing regions throughout the world should get the vaccine, apply food and water safety precautions, and practice good hygiene and proper hand washing. Many parts of Asia and Africa also experience drug-resistant typhoid, making it especially important for travelers to these regions to receive the vaccine prior to travel. Most cases of typhoid in the United States are contracted while traveling abroad. Our travel nurse can help you decide if this vaccine is right for your travel plans.
About Polio
What is Polio?
Polio is a disease that impacts the nervous system. It is caused by a virus and generally spread by person to person contact. In some cases it can be transmitted through contaminated food or water. This occurs when water sources used for drinking and washing food become contaminated with the stool of an infected individual.
I had the Polio vaccine as a child. Isn’t that enough?
In most cases, yes. However, for adult travelers to certain areas where Polio remains a risk, a one time booster shot is recommended. We remain up to date on polio transmission world-wide and can help you identify if this recommendation is appropriated for you after reviewing your immunization history and travel plans.
What else can I do to protect against Polio?
Making sure you are up to date on polio vaccination and that you have received a one time adult booster shot where appropriate are your number one best measures for preventing Polio. Beyond that, it is always wise to practice food and water safety and proper hand washing to keep yourself healthy. For further reading on food and water safety for travelers, visit our blog article here.
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To discuss polio vaccination and all other vaccination needs, schedule an appointment with us by calling 602-875-5678
About Japanese Encephalitis
What is Japanese Encephalitis?
Japanese Encephalitis is a virus that is spread by mosquitos. The virus is maintained by a cycle involving vertebrate hosts like pigs and wading birds, and mosquitos that carry and spread the disease. Humans are incidental hosts and can be infected through the bite of an infected mosquito.
What are the symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis?
Most human infections will result in only mild symptoms. However, some cases can lead to a very serious and often fatal swelling of the brain called encephalitis. Symptoms of this condition can include sudden and severe headaches, fever, convulsions or tremors and coma. It is fatal in about 1 in 4 cases. Treatment for Japanese Encephalitis is focused on managing complications as there is no specific treatment available for this virus. The best measure against Japanese Encephalitis is prevention through vaccination.
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Do I need a Japanese Encephalitis vaccine?
There are many factors to consider before deciding if this vaccine is appropriate for your travel plans. Japanese Encephalitis transmission is seasonal in some areas of Asia and year-round with peak times in others. It is more of a concern in rural areas or for those planning on staying for an extended period of time. Whether or not this vaccine is appropriate for you will depend on these factors which will be discussed at your consultation. Should you need the vaccine we have it available in our office and in most cases the first dose is given the day of your initial appointment with us.
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For further information and reading visit the CDC website here
About Cholera
What is Cholera?
Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the toxigenic bacterium Vibrio cholerae. In severe cases the infection can cause vomiting, profuse watery diarrhea, and leg cramps. In these cases, the body loses fluid very rapidly leading to extreme dehydration and shock. Without treatment, cholera can be fatal.
How is cholera contracted?
Cholera spreads through food and water, when an individual drinks water or eats food that has been contaminated with cholera causing bacterium. In an area facing an epidemic, water can become contaminated by contact with feces of an infected individual. This is of particular concern in areas with inadequate water and sewage treatment systems. Cholera is not likely to spread directly from person to person.
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Is a vaccine available to protect against Cholera?
Yes, a live, oral vaccine called Vaxchora® is available to reduce the risk of contracting cholera. Arcadia Physicians Travel Clinic carries this vaccine in our office, and our travel health nurse can help you decide at your pre-travel consultation if it may be prudent for your individual travel plans. Beyond vaccination, food and water safety precautions are of top importance in order to reduce your risk of contracting cholera, as well as many other diseases. To read more about food and water safety, see our blog article here. To discuss your concerns about cholera and other travel related illnesses, schedule an appointment with our travel health nurse online or by phone at 602-875-5678.
About Rabies
What is rabies?
Rabies is a viral illness that is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Rabid animals can be either wild or domestic, and humans contract the disease usually through animal bites. Rabies impacts the central nervous system and is deadly when left untreated. Early symptoms include fever, headache or body aches similar to many other viral infections. However, as the disease progresses symptoms escalate and can include confusion, anxiety, insomnia, partial paralysis, excess saliva, and difficulty swallowing. The disease will lead to death if untreated, usually within days of the onset of these symptoms.
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How can I prevent rabies?
Rabies is completely preventable in humans with the correct and prompt medical care. Rabies vaccine is used for pre-exposure and/or post-exposure. It is important to note that receiving a pre-exposure rabies vaccine does not eliminate the need for post exposure vaccination and treatment. However, it simplifies post-exposure management and decreases the number of post-exposure vaccine doses needed. Possible rabies exposure is a medical urgency, but not a medical emergency. Decisions should not be delayed. If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention promptly.
Do I need a rabies vaccine for travel?
Pre-exposure rabies vaccine may be recommended for certain groups of individuals. If you will be working closely with animals, whether in the United States or anywhere in the world, it is wise to get vaccinated against rabies before exposure to any risk. Rabies vaccine may also be recommended for travelers going to remote areas where medical attention is not readily available and contact with wild or domestic animals who may be infected is more likely. The vaccine is also recommended for children traveling to areas where rabies is more common, as children are more likely to be bitten by animals and often do not report bites.
For a complete discussion on rabies vaccine, and to decide if this vaccine is right for you or your children, schedule an appointment with our travel nurse. We are here to help you prepare for any activities you have planned, including great outdoor and animal involving adventures.
About Malaria
What is Malaria?
Malaria is a serious disease that is caused by a parasite, which is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. People with malaria experience fever, chills, and flu like illness. If untreated the disease can lead to severe complications and death. The CDC estimated that malaria killed 429,000 people worldwide in 2015.
Is there a vaccine for malaria?
While there is no vaccine for malaria, it can be easily prevented with the right preventative medication and insect precautions. Different types of malaria respond to different medications, and at Arcadia Physician’s Travel Clinic we remain current on the latest data about malaria incidence worldwide. We will prescribe the right medication for your destination and travel plans.
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When traveling to malaria areas wear long sleeved shirts and long pants that have been treated with permethrin to repel insects. Topical repellants such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus should be applied to any exposed skin. Sleep in air-conditioned accommodations, or if that is not possible, sleep under a mosquito bed net.
Where can I learn more?
A discussion with our travel nurse is your best resource for any concerns you may have about malaria prevention. You can schedule your consultation by calling our office at 602-875-5678. For further reading, you can find more information by visiting the CDC website here.
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Beyond vaccine preventable diseases, travelers often experience stomach distress, or travelers diarrhea. When travelling to a new environment you’re likely to come in contact with any number of microorganisms your body may not be used to handling at home. Hopefully you won’t become ill, but it’s good to have something on hand in case you do.
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As part of your consultation we will prescribe an antibiotic to be used in these circumstances, as well as instructions on what else you can do to prevent and treat travelers diarrhea.
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For further reading on food and water safety for travelers, visit our blog article here.