Ready to explore? Learn more about avoiding cholera while travelling
Before heading off on your travels, it’s important to be prepared. Here we learn about cholera, the vaccinations and treatments available.
What is cholera?
Cholera is a bacterial infection that can cause severe diarrhoea. It isn’t found in the UK, but there’s a very small risk of catching it if you’re travelling in some parts of the world.
How do you catch cholera?
Cholera is usually contracted through:
• Drinking contaminated water
• Eating contaminated food (especially shellfish). This is less common
• Eating food that’s been handled by someone with cholera
Every year there are millions of cases of cholera. It mainly happens in countries where there isn’t access to clean drinking water and there isn’t a modern sewage system. These are places like:
• Sub-Saharan Africa
• South and Southeast Asia
• The Middle East
• Central America and the Caribbean
Signs & symptoms of cholera
Cholera symptoms can occur just after a few hours, but generally develop within a few days of picking up the infection. Those who have cholera don’t always have symptoms, but the typical symptoms are:
• Severe watery diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
You need to speak to your GP or call NHS 111 if you’ve been in an area where there’s cholera and you have:
• Severe watery diarrhoea
• Symptoms of dehydration like feeling thirsty, strong-smelling wee or dark yellow wee
You need to let your doctor know you’ve been in a risk area for cholera. They may give you treatment to help stop you from getting severely dehydrated. If untreated, dehydration from severe diarrhoea and vomiting can quickly take effect, causing the body to go into shock because of a big drop in blood pressure.
Preventing cholera
If you're travelling to a country known to have cholera, there are a few ways you can help protect yourself which include:
• Washing your hands with soap and water regularly, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food or eating
• Making sure to only drink tap water that’s been boiled or sealed bottle water
• Brushing your teeth with bottled or boiled water
• Avoid eating uncooked fruit and veg (including any salads), especially if you haven’t washed and prepared it yourself with bottled or boiled water
• Avoid eating shellfish and seafood
• Avoid eating ice cream
• Avoid having ice in your drinks
Cholera vaccination
There’s a cholera vaccination, but most people don’t need to be vaccinated. It’s usually only recommended if:
• You’re a volunteer, aid worker or medical staff working in disaster relief or an area where a cholera break is likely
• You’re travelling to work in a slum, refugee camp or area affected by natural disasters
• You’re travelling to a county which is experiencing a cholera outbreak and care with food and water is difficult or isn’t possible
The vaccination is given as a drink. Adults have two doses which are given one to six weeks apart. This can provide protection for up to two years.The level of protection gradually reduces over time, so you’ll need a booster if you continue to travel to areas where there's a risk.
If you’re intending to travel, you need to have had both doses at least before going away.
Our service
For specialist health advice and vaccinations, book an appointment online with Boots Travel Vaccinations and Health Advice Service*. Ideally, this should be six to eight weeks before departure, but it’s never too late to seek advice if you're leaving sooner.
Travel vaccination advice
1. Book an appointment
Six to eight weeks before you travel you will need to have your travel health appointment to assess what vaccinations you need.
2. Attend a personalised risk assessment23
During the 40 minute travel health appointment our specially-trained pharmacist will advise on any vaccinations and antimalarials you need for your travelling.
3. Get any vaccinations & antimalarials you may need*
You'll also be given additional personalised advice to help you stay healthy on your trip
