Please find below a list of our services:
At The Staywell clinic, we offer private blood tests which can help screen for a wide range of illness. We offer HIV testing with a small amount of blood. Not only can you monitor your own health but you can also get a diagnosis which can help you make lifestyle changes
Some Common tests
· Thyroid Profile 1
· Blood Group
· Full Blood Count
· Hb1Ac
· LFT
· Food & Environmental Allergy testing
· Vitamin B12
· Food Intolerance testing
· Kidney function
· Lipid profile
Travel Health
If you’re planning on travelling outside of the UK, you may need to be vaccinated before you set off for your trip. Having travel vaccinations can help prevent you from getting some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world. At the Staywell clinic we have travel vaccinations to help protect you against serious diseases such as Yellow Fever, Rabies and Hepatitis A.
Make sure you are upto date with your childhood vaccines, you can find this out by contacting your GP surgery.
How can we prepare you before you travel??
Getting vaccinated can help prevent you from getting ill if you’re exposed to diseases which we don’t normally have in the UK. We can help you understand how to keep your risks low of getting a disease whilst abroad and inform you of which vaccinations and antimalarials you may want to consider depending on things like:
• Which regions you’ll be visiting
• What activities you’ll be doing
• Your age and general health
We can always help last minute travellers it just may be difficult to get an appointment. Some travel vaccinations may be needed several weeks before departure. Ideally, you should see us six to eight weeks before travelling, but we may still be able to help if you’re leaving sooner.
What do I need to do before I book a travel appointment??
You will need to complete the travel form this will allow the nurse to help decide which vaccines you will need to keep you safe whilst you travel.
The form will include
• Details about your trip (like destination, date and planned activities)
• Details of any medical condition or medication you’re taking
• History of previous vaccinations if known
(TAB) What happens after I submitted my travel form??
A Nurse will contact you to discuss which vaccines you will need and book an appointment with you to have those vaccines. You will be advised of the cost for these and payment will need to be made before your appointment.
Cholera
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.
Hepatitis A
What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus. It’s usually spread in the poo of someone who’s infected. Hepatitis A isn’t common in the UK but it’s common in other parts of the world.
Most people who get hepatitis A get better in a few months.
How can you get hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is more common in:
• Africa
• Asia
• The Middle East
• Central America
• South America
You can get hepatitis A from:
• Drinking unclean water
• Eating food that’s been handled or prepared by someone with hepatitis A
• Eating food that’s been washed or grown in unclean water
• Being in close physical contact with someone with hepatitis A, for example having sex or sharing needles to take recreational drugs
The infection is at its most contagious stage in the two weeks before symptoms appear, up until about a week after the symptoms first show.
Signs & symptoms of hepatitis A
Hepatitis A symptoms usually develop approximately four weeks after becoming infected. Most children and some adults have mild symptoms and some people don’t have any.
Symptoms can include:
• Having a fever
• Flu-like symptoms like feeling tired, having a headache and having muscle aches and pains
• Nausea
• Being sick
• Pain in your upper tummy
• Feeling constipated
• Having diarrhoea
• Having pale yellow poo
• Having pale grey poo
• Having dark brown wee
• Having itchy skin (some people also get a raised rash called hives)
• Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Symptoms usually subside within a couple of months.
Make sure to speak to your GP if you have any of the above symptoms of hepatitis A and:
• You’ve travelled to a place where hepatitis A is common recently
• You’ve been in close contact with someone who has hepatitis A recently
• You’ve got a blood clotting disorder like haemophilia
• You’re a man who has sex with men
• You’ve shared needles with people when taking drugs
• Your job puts you at risk of getting hepatitis A
It’s important to tell your GP that you think you might have hepatitis A.
Treating hepatitis A
Although there’s no cure for hepatitis A, it will normally pass on its own within three to six months.
If you’re struggling with any symptoms or you haven’t started to improve within a couple of months, speak to your GP for further advice. They may offer you medicines which can help with the symptoms.
Some people who have hepatitis A might get some problems with their liver. If this is the case, you might need blood tests to make sure your liver is working properly.
Hepatitis A vaccination
The hepatitis A vaccine isn’t routinely given because the risk is so low in the UK, but if you’re travelling to a country with a risk of the disease, vaccination is recommended.
How long does the hepatitis A vaccination last?
A booster is recommended after six to 12 months to provide protection for 25 years.
There are other ways to help avoid hepatitis A while you’re travelling. These include:
• Washing your hands thoroughly before you prepare and eat food
• Drinking bottled water
• Avoiding eating shellfish
• Avoiding uncooked fruit and veg
• Using a condom or dental dam when you’re having sex
Hepatitis B
Signs & symptoms of hepatitis B
Not everyone gets hepatitis B symptoms. Most people either have no symptoms or mild symptoms. The infection usually lasts for one to three months. If it lasts longer than six months, this is called chronic hepatitis B.
Symptoms of hepatitis B include:
• Having a high temperature
• Feeling tired
• Having pain in your upper tummy
• Nausea
• Being sick
• Itchy skin (in some cases they may be raised. They’re called hives)
• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
What the hepatitis B vaccine is for
Hepatitis B is an infection that affects the liver. It’s spread through blood, semen and vaginal fluids.
Hepatitis B can be very serious. It can make the liver suddenly stop working or cause gradual damage to the liver over time. It can also increase your chances of getting liver cancer.
Vaccination against hepatitis B helps reduce your chances of getting infected.
How the hepatitis B vaccine is given
The hepatitis B vaccine is given as an injection into the upper arm or thigh.
You need at least 3 doses of the vaccine to give you the best protection from hepatitis B.
There’s usually a month gap between each dose, but sometimes 3 doses can be given within 21 days (with a 4th dose at 12 months) if you need faster protection.
Some people (such as babies exposed to hepatitis B before birth) need more than 3 doses to get the best protection.
Booster doses
You usually only need booster doses of a hepatitis B vaccine if:
Having the hepatitis B vaccine at the same time as other vaccines
You can have the hepatitis B vaccine at the same time as other vaccines, including the rotavirus vaccine and MMR vaccine.
Side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine
Most of the side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine are mild and do not last long.
They can include:
More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction are very rare. The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
The hepatitis B vaccines used in the UK contain a killed (destroyed) version of the hepatitis B virus, so there’s no risk of getting the infection from the vaccine.
Japanese encephalitis
A vaccine for Japanese encephalitis is recommended if you’re travelling to a part of the world where the virus is found, especially if:
Symptoms of Japanese encephalitis
Most people who get Japanese encephalitis have no symptoms.
Some people get flu-like symptoms such as:
The symptoms usually go away on their own, but in some people the infection spreads to the brain and causes more serious symptoms such as:
Vaccination
The vaccination for Japanese encephalitis is advised if you’re travelling to an area where it’s found. It’s given in two doses for protection. The second dose can either be given 28 days after the first, or, when time is short, seven days after the first (an ‘accelerated’ schedule). The two doses should be completed at least seven days before your departure.
·
If you’re at higher risk of the disease, you should consider being vaccinated. It’s particularly important if:
·
• You’re travelling to a high-risk country during rainy season
· • You’re visiting rural areas like rice fields, marshlands or animal farms
· • You’re likely to be doing activities that could increase your risk like camping
How long does the Japanese encephalitis vaccination last?
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If you’re at prolonged risk of infection, you should have a booster injection 12 to 24 months after the initial vaccination.
Meningococcal
What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria and can result in meningitis, an infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). The bacteria of meningococcal disease is divided into five main groups (A, B, C, W and Y).
It’s most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults, but can affect anyone.
It can be serious if it isn’t diagnosed and treated quickly. It can also cause septicaemia (severe blood poisoning which can be fatal) and permanent brain or nerve damage. The bacteria are spread from person to person by close contact over a prolonged period of time. This can include:
• Kissing
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Sharing utensils with a person carrying the bacteria
What is meningococcal B?
Meningococcal B bacteria is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK. Because of this, routine meningococcal B vaccines are offered to babies at different ages which are:
• One dose when aged two months old
• A second dose offered at four months
• A booster dose at 12 months
The MenACWY vaccination
The MenACWY vaccination is also available to prevent groups of meningococcal disease that occur outside the UK.
If you’re planning to travel to specific high-risk countries, vaccination against the various types of meningococcus (the MenACWY vaccination) should be considered before you travel.
High-risk areas include:
• Parts of Africa
• Saudi Arabia during the gatherings of Hajj or Umrah
You should be vaccinated two to three weeks before you travel and you will need to prove you have been vaccinated if travelling for events like Hajj. Babies under a year old will need two injections.
You should have the MenACWY vaccination before travelling to high-risk areas even if you had the meningitis C vaccination when you were a child.
Signs & symptoms of meningococcal disease
If travelling to a high-risk area, be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease and meningitis as they can develop very suddenly. They can include the following:
• A high temperature
• Being sick
• Having a headache
• Having a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it. This doesn’t always develop and it can be harder to see on brown or black skin
• Having sensitivity to bright lights
• Feeling drowsy
• Being unresponsive
Also remember that not all symptoms may appear, and they can also appear in any order.
Treating meningococcal disease & meningitis
If you suspect that you or someone you know has meningitis, it’s a medical emergency. Call 999 for an ambulance or go to A&E.
It’s important to trust your instincts and not wait for all the symptoms to appear, or until a rash shows. If you or someone else has meningitis, it can get worse very quickly.
You can call NHS 111 for advice if you aren’t sure if it is meningitis or you think you might have come into close contact with someone with meningitis.
If you’ve had advice but you’re still worried, make sure to get medical help again.
Preventing meningococcal disease & meningitis
Having the MenACWY vaccination can help protect you against meningococcal disease and meningitis.
Vaccination
The MenACWY vaccination is given by a single injection into the upper arm and can help protect you against the four different types of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease: A, C, W and Y.
It’s offered to teenagers as part of routine school vaccination programmes, and to university students under the age of 25 who missed the routine childhood vaccination.
How long does the meningitis ACWY vaccination last?
A booster dose is recommended after five years for those travellers who are at risk of the disease again. For Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, evidence of vaccination is required every five years for a visa application.
Rabies
What is rabies?
Rabies is a rare but serious disease which is transmitted to humans usually by a bite or scratch from an infected animal. It can be fatal once symptoms appear, but being vaccinated and having treatment early can prevent it.
How do you catch rabies?
Rabies can be transmitted through bodily fluids such as saliva coming into contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin. It’s most often associated with dogs, but is also common in cats, cattle, monkeys, foxes and bats.
While it can occur on all continents (apart from Antarctica), it’s mostly found in:
• Africa
• Asia
• Central America
• South America
Signs & symptoms of rabies
Symptoms of rabies can take three to 12 weeks to show, but in some cases they can appear after a few days, months or years.
The virus attacks the nervous system, causing inflammation on the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms can include:
• High temperature (fever)
• Headache
• Feeling anxious or unwell
• Confusion
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Hallucinations
• Muscle spasms
• Frothing at the mouth
• Feeling energetic
• Paralysis (not being able to move)
Once symptoms appear rabies is almost always fatal, but if treatment happens before any symptoms, it’s very effective.
You need to get medical help immediately if:
• You’ve been bitten or scratched by an animal while you’re travelling
• An animal has licked your nose, eyes, mouth or a wound while you’re travelling
• You’ve been bitten or scratched by a bat in the UK
If you’re travelling, get medical help as soon as possible. Don’t wait until you’re back in the UK.
Treating rabies
If you’ve been licked, scratched or bitten by an animal that might have rabies, a doctor can check if you need to be treated.
It’s important to act quickly with first aid and then seek urgent medical attention if you were bitten, scratched or licked in any area with a risk of rabies even if you’ve had a pre-travel rabies vaccination.
First aid steps include:
• Thoroughly washing off saliva with soap and water
• Washing (irrigating) the wound with iodine solution or alcohol – this is very effective at removing the virus from the bite if it’s done quickly and thoroughly
• Applying a simple dressing but avoid closing the wound
You might need further vaccinations but if you’ve had the full course of rabies vaccinations, you’ll need less. You should also consider having a tetanus vaccination.
Preventing rabies
It’s important you’re aware of the risk of rabies and consider the following tips to help prevent it:
• Don’t touch or go near wild or stray animals, even if they don’t seem unwell (animals with rabies might not show any symptoms)
• Don’t feed any animals, including any animals in animal sanctuaries or zoos
• Don’t attract stray animals with food or by throwing litter around you
• Be aware of any activities that might attract animals like dogs, for example running or cycling
• Make sure to know where you can get urgent medical help while travelling
• Washing animal bites or scratches with soap and water immediately
• If bitten, licked or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away
Rabies vaccination
Pre-exposure rabies vaccinations are recommended for travellers to countries where there is a risk, according to UK guidance. A full course consists of three vaccinations administered into the arm on day zero, day seven and day 21-28.
If you don’t have up to 28 days, a rapid course consisting of three doses on day zero, day three and day seven is available. A fourth dose at 12 months is needed to complete the course.
The rabies vaccination is recommended if you’re travelling somewhere that rabies is more common.
How long do rabies vaccinations last?
How long the rabies vaccination lasts depends on your exposure risk. A once-only booster can be considered a year after completing the primary course.
Tick-borne encephalitis
What is tick-borne encephalitis?
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection that’s spread by a type of tick, which looks a bit like a small spider. TBE is transmitted when an infected tick bites a human or animal.
Ticks that spread the infection are mainly found in rural areas such as:
• Forests
• Woods
• Grasslands
• Riverside meadows
• Marshes
• Brushwood
• Scrublands
They can also be found in some European and Asian countries including:
• Austria
• Estonia
• Croatia
• Russia
• China
• Japan
In rare cases, TBE can also be contracted through eating or drinking unpasteurised dairy products from an infected animal.
Signs & symptoms of tick-borne encephalitis
Tick-borne encephalitis symptoms occur in two stages. First signs of TBE include flu-like symptoms such as:
• Having a fever
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Muscle aches and pains
• Nausea
On average, these symptoms last around eight days and most people make a full recovery. In around 20-30 percent of cases, people go on to develop more serious symptoms.
This is when the virus has spread to the protective tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and the brain itself (encephalitis).
More serious symptoms can include:
• Changes in mental state
• Feeling confused
• Feeling disorientated
• Feeling drowsy
• Seizures
• A sensitivity to bright light
• An inability to speak
• Paralysis
If you have any of the above symptoms, you’ll most likely be admitted to hospital for medical attention. These more severe symptoms will subside after a few weeks, but it could take several months or even years to fully recover. There is a risk of long-term complications and around one in 100 cases of TBE turns out fatal.
Make sure to ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if you’ve been bitten by a tick or visited a place where ticks are found and:
• You have flu-like symptoms like having a fever, feeling hot and shivery, having a headache, aching muscles or nausea
• You have a circular rash (this could be caused by Lyme disease, a different infection from ticks)
You should call 999 or go to A&E if you or someone else has:
• A severe headache
• A stiff neck
• Pain when looking at bright lights
• A fit (seizure)
• A change in behaviour
• Sudden confusion
• Slurred speech
• Weakness in part of the body (including the face drooping on one side)
• Loss of movement in part of the body
Treating tick-borne encephalitis
There is currently no available treatment, other than supportive treatment.
Preventing tick-borne encephalitis
Even if you’ve been vaccinated, it’s important to take precautions to reduce your risk of being bitten, particularly when you’re in high-risk areas.
To reduce the risk of being bitten by a tick when you’re outside:
• Check your clothes regularly for ticks that might be on you
• If you spot any ticks on you, brush them off before they can bite you
• Wear light-coloured clothes so ticks are easier to spot
• Wear long sleeves and trousers
• Tuck your trousers into your socks
• Treat your clothes with insecticides
• Use an insect repellent like DEET on your skin
• Walk on paths which are clearly defined to avoid brushing against plants that have ticks on them
• Check your skin regularly for ticks – especially your hair line, behind your ears, elbows, backs of knees, groins and armpits
You can also reduce your risk of contracting TBE by not eating or drinking unpasteurised dairy products.
Removing ticks
If you find a tick on your skin, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. Once attached, ticks may not start feeding for several hours. Tick larvae can be very tiny, but once they start to feed they can reach the size of a coffee bean.
To remove ticks safely:
• Use a pair of finely tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool which can be bought from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops
• Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
• Slowly pull upwards until all the parts of the tick are removed
• Try to avoid any sudden movements or twisting as this could make the tick leave mouthparts in the skin after the tick has been removed
• Don’t squeeze the body of the tick as the contents of its stomach could go back into the bite
Once the tick is removed, wash your hands and the tick bite with soap and water or an antiseptic like an iodine scrub.
If you haven’t been vaccinated and you’re in an area where there’s a risk of TBE and you develop a rash or fever, make sure to seek medical advice straight away.
Vaccination
The tick-borne encephalitis vaccination is given by an injection. The vaccination course consists of three doses, but protection for the ongoing tick season is to be expected after the first two doses. The second dose is usually given one to three months after the first. However, if time is short speak to a travel health pharmacist or another suitable healthcare professional.
How long does the tick-borne encephalitis vaccination last?
Following a course of three vaccinations, a first booster dose should be given after three years. For those aged between two and 60 years, subsequent boosters can be given every five years if you’re at continued risk.
For travellers over 60 years, boosters should be given every three years if at continued risk.
Typhoid
What is typhoid fever?
Typhoid fever is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can affect the whole body. It can be potentially fatal. Typhoid fever is most common in parts of the world with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
Salmonella typhi, the bacterium that causes typhoid fever, is related to the bacteria that causes salmonella food poisoning. It can be caught through eating or drinking contaminated food and drink. Without quick treatment, typhoid fever can have serious complications that can be fatal, so it’s important to help protect yourself.
Typhoid isn’t common in the UK. Most cases are from infections that were picked up whilst visiting countries such as:
• Bangladesh
• India
• Pakistan
• Asia
• Africa
• South America
Worldwide, children are at the most risk of typhoid fever as their immune system is still developing.
Signs & symptoms of typhoid fever
The main symptoms of typhoid fever include:
• Having a persistent high temperature that increases daily
• Having a headache
• Body aches and pains
• Extreme tiredness
• Having a cough
• Constipation
As the infection advances, you might get other symptoms like:
• A tummy ache
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• A rash (in some cases)
It’s important to get typhoid fever treated quickly. If the infection goes untreated, it could cause complications and increase the risk of developing potentially fatal consequences.
If you think you have some or all of these symptoms during travel or on return to the UK, you should seek urgent medical attention. You should explain to the doctor treating you that you have travelled abroad.
Treating typhoid fever
If typhoid is diagnosed in the early stages, you’re likely to be able to treat it with prescribed antibiotic tablets at home. If typhoid fever is more severe, it may require antibiotic injections in hospital. An estimated one in five people will die from typhoid fever and those who survive may have complications caused by the infection.
Preventing typhoid fever
In the UK, there are two vaccinations that can help provide protection against typhoid fever. They don’t give 100 percent protection, so it’s important to practise safe food and water hygiene and to also follow hand hygiene measures. For example:
• Only drink sealed bottled water or freshly boiled water
• Where possible, avoid any food that could be contaminated
The vaccinations involve either one single injection or taking three capsules on alternate days. It’s recommended that you get the vaccination if you’re travelling to somewhere that typhoid fever is common like:
• Africa
• South and Southeast Asia
• South America
• The Indian subcontinent
How long does the typhoid vaccination last?
The vaccination protects against typhoid for three years, however it’s important to understand the vaccine isn’t 100 percent effective. You should practise other good food and water hygiene measures to reduce your risk.
Yellow Fever
What is yellow fever?
Yellow fever is a serious infection spread by mosquitos. The mosquitoes that carry the yellow fever virus are usually found in towns and rural areas. They tend to bite during the day.
Yellow fever is found in places including:
• Parts of sub-Saharan Africa
• Parts of South America including Trinidad and Tobago
• Parts of Central America
Yellow fever isn’t found in Europe, the UK, Asia, Australia, the Pacific Islands or New Zealand.
Signs & symptoms of yellow fever
In the early stages (generally three to six days after being bitten by an infected mosquito) yellow fever symptoms include:
• Having a fever
• Having a headache
• Nausea
• Being sick
• Body aches and pains
• Having a loss of appetite
• Feeling unwell
These symptoms can last for three or four days. In some cases, some people get more serious symptoms 24 hours after feeling better.
More serious symptoms can include:
• Yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Dark wee
• Stomach pain
• Bleeding in your vomit or poo
• Bleeding from your eyes, stomach, mouth or nose
When symptoms reach this more serious stage, consequences can be fatal so seek medical attention immediately.
If symptoms reach this more serious stage, they can be fatal so it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
Make sure to ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if:
• You don’t feel well after travelling to a country where yellow fever is
If you aren’t well while you’re travelling, get medical help as soon as possible. Don’t wait until you’re back in the UK.
Treating yellow fever
There’s currently no cure for yellow fever. Most people recover fully after three or four days.
Serious symptoms will need to be monitored and may need to be treated in hospital, so you should seek urgent medical attention if you experience any.
To help with your symptoms, you can:
• Take pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Drink plenty of fluids to make sure that you’re staying hydrated
Preventing yellow fever
Even though the yellow fever vaccination can protect you against the virus, it’s important to take precautions to reduce the risk of getting bitten and contracting other mosquito spread diseases.
Preventative methods include:
• Covering any exposed skin when you’re outside (during both day and night)
• Using 50%+ DEET insect repellent
• Avoiding areas which are near stagnant or still water
• Using a mosquito net to cover your bed while you’re asleep
Yellow fever vaccination
If you’re travelling to an area with a risk of yellow fever, there’s a highly effective vaccination available. This is given as an injection in the upper arm.
To visit some countries, you’re also required to have a certificate which proves that you’ve been vaccinated against yellow fever. This is known as an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP).
Make sure to keep your certificate safe and make a copy for your records.
The vaccination needs to be administered at least 10 days before travel to allow enough time for it to work. In some cases, people who have the vaccine can have minor side effects, which can include:
• Headaches
• A mild fever
• Muscle pain
• Feeling sore around the injection
These side effects don’t usually last for more than two weeks.
In some cases, you can get more serious side effects like an allergic reaction.
It’s important that you’re aware of these, but also that the serious consequences of contracting yellow fever can be fatal.
If you feel unwell within a few days or weeks of having the yellow fever vaccination, make sure to speak to your GP and tell them that you have had a yellow fever vaccination.
If you or your child has had the MMR vaccination, you’ll need to wait at least four weeks before having the yellow fever vaccination.
How long does the yellow fever vaccination last?
The yellow fever vaccination provides lifelong protection and certificates are valid for life. Booster injections aren’t needed for most travellers. If you’re not sure if or when you had the yellow fever vaccination or you think you need a booster,
MMR
The MMR vaccination helps protect you against three serious illnesses – measles, mumps and rubella. It’s an effective vaccination with a good safety profile that’s given to babies and young children as part of the NHS Childhood Vaccination Programme.
Measles
What is measles?
Measles is a type of infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some people.
It usually starts with cold-like symptoms before a rash develops a few days later. This rash will likely start on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
What are the symptoms?
The cold-like symptoms of measles include:
• A high temperature
• A runny or blocked nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Red, sore, watery eyes
A few days after these cold symptoms begin, a rash will begin to develop.
The rash isn’t usually itchy and will appear brown or red on white skin, but it may be harder to see on brown and black skin. It may feel raised on the skin and may join together to form blotchy patches.
Some people also develop small white spots in their mouth after a few days. These usually appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips.
It’s unlikely to be measles if you’ve had both doses of the MMR vaccination, or you’ve had measles before.
How is measles treated?
Measles should get better on its own in around a week. It’s important to rest and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve a high temperature (always read the label).
As measles is very contagious, you should stay off work, school or nursery for at least four days after the rash first appears. Measles spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so remember to use tissues and wash hands with soap and warm water often.
Don’t share any cutlery, cups, towels, clothes or bedding.
Measles can become serious if it spreads to another part of the body, such as the lungs or brain, although this is rare. However, the people at more risk are babies, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems, so avoid any close contact with those people if you have measles.
Ask for an urgent GP appointment if:
• You think you or your child may have measles
• You’ve been in close contact with someone with measles and you’ve not had the MMR vaccination
• You’ve been in close contact with someone who has measles and you’re pregnant. Measles can be serious in pregnancy
• You have a weakened immune system and you’ve been in close contact with someone with measles
Mumps
What is mumps?
Mumps is a contagious viral infection that causes painful swelling on the side of the face. It’s not usually serious, but it has symptoms similar to more serious types of infections, like glandular fever and tonsilitis, so it’s best to speak to your GP if you suspect it.
What are the symptoms?
The most distinctive symptom of mumps is the swelling in the side of the face under the ears (your parotid glands), giving the person a “hamster face” appearance.
Other symptoms may develop a few days before the swelling starts. These include:
• Headaches
• Joint pain
• A high temperature
• Feeling sick
• Dry mouth
• Mild abdominal pain
• Feeling tired
• Loss of appetite
Mumps is spread through infected droplets of saliva that are inhaled or picked up from surfaces and transferred into the mouth or nose. It’s at its most contagious a few days before symptoms develop and for a few days afterwards, so it’s important to prevent the spread during this time.
The best way to do this is to:
• Stay away from school, college or work until five days after you first developed symptoms
• Wash your hands regularly, using soap and water
• Always use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze, and throw the tissue in a bin immediately afterwards
How is mumps treated?
There’s currently no treatment for mumps – the infection should pass on its own within one or two weeks.
While you recover, get plenty of rest and fluids. You can use painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol (always read the label) or apply a warm or cool compress to the swelling to help relieve any pain.
Mumps usually passes without causing any serious damage to a person’s health and serious complications are rare.
You should contact your GP if you suspect you or your child has mumps so they can make a diagnosis. While it’s not usually serious, it does have similar symptoms to more serious infections. Your GP should be able to make a diagnosis after seeing and feeling the swelling, and checking the position of your tonsils and your temperature.
Let your GP know in advance if you are visiting your doctor’s surgery so they can take the precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
If your symptoms don’t improve after seven days, or suddenly worsen, contact your GP for advice.
Rubella
What is rubella?
Rubella (or German measles) is a rare illness that causes a spotty rash. It usually gets better on its own in about a week.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of rubella is a spotty rash that starts on the face or behind the ears before spreading to the neck and body. This rash usually takes around two to three weeks to appear after catching rubella.
The rash will look red or pink on white skin and can be harder to see on brown or black skin – it might feel rough and bumpy.
Rubella might also cause:
• Lumps (swollen glands) in your neck or behind your ears
• Aching fingers, wrists or knees
• A high temperature
• Coughs
• Sneezing and runny nose
• Headaches
• A sore throat
• Sore, red eyes
How is rubella treated?
Call your GP if you or your child have symptoms of rubella.
It usually gets better in about a week by itself. Get plenty of rest and fluids and take painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen if suitable for you (always read the label).
Rubella can be infectious from one week before the symptoms start and for up to five days after the rash first appears. It can be serious for certain people, such as those who are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, so avoid close contact with those people This can be done by:
• Staying off nursery, school, or work for five days after the rash appears
• Avoiding close contact with anyone who is pregnant
• Washing your hands often with soap and warm water
• Using tissues when you cough or sneeze
• Throwing used tissues in the bin
• Not sharing share cutlery, cups, towels, clothes, or bedding
What is the MMR vaccination?
The MMR vaccination is a combined vaccine that protects against these three serious illnesses. As they are all highly infectious conditions, they can easily spread between unvaccinated people.
The MMR vaccination is given to babies and young children in two doses as part of the NHS vaccination schedule.
• 1st dose – at one year
• 2nd dose – at three years and four months
Getting both doses of the vaccine is important, as measles, mumps and rubella can (in rare cases) lead to serious problems like meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.
Anyone who hasn’t received two doses of the MMR vaccine should ask their GP for a vaccination appointment. This especially important if you:
• Are about to start college or university
• Are going to travel abroad
• Are planning a pregnancy
• Are a frontline health or social care worker
• Were born between 1970 and 1979, as you may have only been vaccinated against measles
• Were born between 1980 and 1990, as you may not be protected against mumps
As a precaution, the MMR vaccine isn’t recommended for pregnant people. You should also avoid becoming pregnant for one month after having the MMR vaccine.
It’s also not recommended for people with a severely weakened immune system.
If you’d like to check if it’s safe for you to have the MMR vaccine, consult your GP.
There is no evidence of any link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
How effective is the MMR vaccine?
After two doses:
• Around 99% of people will be protected against measles and rubella
• Around 88% of people will be protected against mumps
Protection against measles, mumps and rubella starts to develop about two weeks after having the vaccine. Those who are vaccinated against mumps but still catch it are less likely to be admitted to hospital or have serious complications.
Are there any side effects of the MMR vaccine?
Most side effects are mild and don’t last long. These could include:
• The area where the needle goes in looking red and swollen or feeling sore for a few days
• Babies or young children feeling a bit unwell or developing a high temperature around seven to 11 days after the injection.
It’s good to remember that the possible complications of measles, mumps and rubella are much more serious than the mild side effects of the vaccination.
At the Staywell clinic we are happy to be able to offer our clients sexual health screening which can be performed through blood tests, swabs and urine samples. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are merely irritating and some can make you seriously ill. Most STIs can be cured, and those that can’t can be managed with medication so that you can remain healthy and live a relatively normal life.
The sooner an STI is diagnosed, the sooner you can receive treatment. This means that you are less likely to pass it on to other people and less likely to do long-term damage to your health. It’s also easier to treat a new infection than an older one.
Screening packages
· Male Platinum screen (28 days post-contact)
Blood and urine sample.
HIV 1&2/p24 antigen, Hep B, Hep C, Syphilis, Herpes, Urine for Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea, urine for Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma (culture)
· Female Platinum screen (28 days post-contact)
Blood and urine and swab sample.
HIV 1&2/p24 antigen, Hep B, Hep C, Syphilis, Herpes, Urine for Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea, Vaginal swab for Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma (culture), Trichomonas vaginalis & Gardnerella vaginalis
· Standard blood screen (28 days post-contact)
· Blood sample.
HIV 1&2/p24 antigen, Hep B, Hep C, Syphilis
· Ultimate screen (28 days post-contact)
Blood and urine sample.
HIV 1&2/p24 antigen, Chlamydia, Hep B, Gonorrhoea, Hep C, Syphilis
· Early detection screen (10 days post-contact)
HIV, HBV, HCV, Syphilis (Early detection by PCR/NAAT)
· STD Serology Screen (28 days post-contact)
Blood sample.
HIV, HBV, HCV, Syphilis
· HIV Duo (28 days post-contact)
· Blood sample.
HIV 1&2/p24 antigen
· HPV testing (28 days post-contact)
Swab sample.
HPV and Genital Warts tests for men and women for 20 HPV types.
· Chlamydia & Gonnorrhoea (14 days post-contact)
· Urine sample
FCRU
Throat swab
Rectal swab
Mounjaro is an injection pen used for weight loss and to treat type 2 diabetes.
How does Mounjaro work?
The active ingredient in Mounjaro is called tirzepatide.
Tirzepatide works on two different hormonal receptors: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). You may have heard of GLP-1 from other weight loss injections.
GLP-1 helps to regulate blood sugar levels, which in turn talks to the brain to make you feel less hungry and prevent cravings. It also slows down the emptying of the stomach to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
GIP regulates energy balance in brain and fat cells, enhancing the GLP-1 effect of suppressing your appetite and improving sugar control.
By mimicking the effects of both these naturally occurring hormones, Mounjaro has been shown to have greater weight loss potential than medicines that work on GLP-1 alone.
Is Mounjaro effective?
If you’re wondering how much weight you can lose on Mounjaro, clinical trials have shown that patients could achieve at least 20% weight loss after using tirzepatide for 72 weeks (18 months) when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.
What are the main side effects of Mounjaro?
Mounjaro can cause some side effects to occur. Very common ones are gastrointestinal in nature: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation. These are mainly seen with dose increases, and tend to settle with time.
Other common side effects could include: fatigue, feeling lightheaded, excess wind (flatulence), gallstones, gastroesophageal reflux, injection site reactions, hair loss and hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes.
In rare cases, there can be serious side effects, such as:
Pancreatitis – if you develop severe abdominal pain, with or without persistent vomiting, this may be a sign of pancreatitis and you need to get medical help immediately.
Anaphylaxis – if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips or tongue and difficulty swallowing, you may be having a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and you must seek immediate medical help.
Vitamin B12 prevents and treats low vitamin B12 levels in your body. It is used in people who do not get enough vitamin B12 from their diet or when their digestive tract does not absorb enough. Vitamin B12 is an essential, water-soluble nutrient for vitality and wellbeing. It aids your digestion, helps you to regulate mood, and assists in maintaining a healthy immune system. If you have low Vitamin B12 levels, you may find you have symptoms such as:
When suffering from a Vitamin B12 deficiency, injections are the most effective solution for delivering the nutrient to your body. The full dose is delivered straight into your system, enabling you to feel happier, vibrant and more energised. As with all vitamins, Vitamin B12 is a vital component to any healthy and active lifestyle.
At the Staywell clinic we believe in helping you to take control of your own health with a personalised approach.
Each well women’s health screening is tailored to you, this will ensure that it will suit your needs and support your long term goals.
We offer 3 packages which can be viewed in more detail below although additional service requirements can be added on after you initial consultation.
Bronze
· Face to face consultation with an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
· Blood Pressure
· Height, Weight, Body Mass Index (BMI)
· Urinalysis dipstick
· Blood test for HbA1c (diabetes) and Full lipid profile (cholesterol)
· Medical report
· Follow up appointment to discuss results.
Silver
· Face to face consultation with an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
· Blood Pressure
· Height, Weight, Body Mass Index (BMI)
· Urinalysis dipstick
· Blood test for HbA1c (diabetes) and Full lipid profile (cholesterol), Liver function, Full Blood Count, and Kidney function including electrolytes.
· Breast Exam
· Calculation of cardiovascular risk (Risk of heart attack or stroke within the next 10years)
· Medical report
· Follow up appointment to discuss results.
Gold
· Face to face consultation with an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
· Blood Pressure
· Height, Weight, Body Mass Index (BMI)
· Urinalysis dipstick
· Blood test for HbA1c (diabetes) and Full lipid profile (cholesterol) Liver function, Full Blood Count, and Kidney function including electrolytes, CA-125, QFIT test (bowel cancer screening), Cervical screening (HPV and Cytology).
· Breast Exam
· Calculation of cardiovascular risk (Risk of heart attack or stroke within the next 10years)
· ECG
· Spirometry (Lung function test)
· Medical report
· Follow up appointment to discuss results.
Additional tests or investigations maybe recommended as part of your initial consultation. The reasons and costs will be explained in full. Other Blood tests are available for an additional charge.
At the Staywell clinic we believe in helping you to take control of your own health with a personalised approach.
Each well men’s health screening is tailored to you, this will ensure that it will suit your needs and support your long term goals.
We offer 3 packages which can be viewed in more detail below although additional service requirements can be added on after you initial consultation.
Bronze
· Face to face consultation with an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
· Blood Pressure
· Height, Weight, Body Mass Index (BMI)
· Urinalysis dipstick
· Blood test for HbA1c (diabetes) and Full lipid profile (cholesterol)
· Medical report
· Follow up appointment to discuss results.
Silver
· Face to face consultation with an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
· Blood Pressure
· Height, Weight, Body Mass Index (BMI)
· Urinalysis dipstick
· Blood test for HbA1c (diabetes) and Full lipid profile (cholesterol), Liver function, Full Blood Count, and Kidney function including electrolytes.
· Calculation of cardiovascular risk (Risk of heart attack or stroke within the next 10years)
· Medical report
· Follow up appointment to discuss results.
Gold
· Face to face consultation with an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
· Blood Pressure
· Height, Weight, Body Mass Index (BMI)
· Urinalysis dipstick
· Blood test for HbA1c (diabetes) and Full lipid profile (cholesterol) Liver function, Full Blood Count, and Kidney function including electrolytes. QFIT test (bowel cancer screening), Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
· Calculation of cardiovascular risk (Risk of heart attack or stroke within the next 10years)
· ECG
· Spirometry (Lung function test)
· Medical report
· Follow up appointment to discuss results.
Additional tests or investigations maybe recommended as part of your initial consultation. The reasons and costs will be explained in full. Other Blood tests are available for an additional charge.
An IUCD is short for “intrauterine contraceptive device”, which is also commonly known as a coil.
A coil is a safe and reliable form of contraception. It is fully and immediately reversible upon removal of the coil.
A coil is a small flexible T-shaped device that is placed inside the womb. Small threads protrude from the cervix (not from the vagina) and these enable the coil to be removed.
There are two types of coils and which is best for you will be discussed in your consultation with our specialist nurse.
Commonly asked questions
When can a coil be fitted?
A coil can be inserted at any time in the menstrual cycle, provided that you can be certain you are not pregnant. Please use effective contraception, or do not have sexual intercourse from the first day of your last period, until the fitting.
A negative pregnancy test can only rely upon 3 weeks after unprotected intercourse. If you would like to use a short-term alternative form of contraception (such as a contraceptive pill) this is also an option.
Will I need to have my coil checked after insertion?
We organise a check-up 6 weeks after insertion to ensure the coil is in place and no infection or issues have arisen. Following this, you will not need a check-up and will be advised on how to feel for threads.
Can I have a coil removed and a new one fitted at the same time?
Yes, you can. You will still need the 45-minute telephone consultation with the specialist nurse beforehand to ensure this method of contraception remains suitable for your circumstances and health history.
Is a coil just for contraception?
No a coil can also be used as part a hormone replacement therapy for menopausal ladies, and heavy menstrual bleeding (heavy periods).
A copper coil can be used for emergency contraception up to 5 days after intercourse
Appointments required for coil fitting are as follows
30 minute telephone call with a specialist nurse
30 minute procedure
15 minute follow up appointment 6 weeks after insertion
The implant is a small (4cm), flexible, plastic rod which sits just under the skin on the inside of the arm.
It works by releasing a slow and steady dose of the hormone progesterone into the bloodstream which prevents pregnancy in several ways:
The contraceptive implant is not suitable for everyone and some people may get side effects, these will be discussed at you consultation. The implant can be inserted during your initial consultation by one of our specialist nurses.
A lung function test, also called pulmonary function tests, can be performed to determine the health of your lungs, as well as any potential conditions that may be affecting your health.
If you find yourself feeling short of breath, we measure the total size of your lungs, the volume and flow of air that they inhale and exhale.
Spirometry can be performed as part of a routine health check, a referral, or due to your line of work your employer may request one.
Prior to your test, you will receive any pre-test instructions so that you are ready on the day.
Upon arrival, you will have your height and weight measured to gain predictive values for each of the tests
The lung function test generally consists of one or more tests that involve breathing into a machine through a mouthpiece or tube for a period of time, whilst wearing a nose peg. This will help us to determine the size of your lungs, the capacity and speed that air can be inhaled and exhaled
Ear irrigation involves the extraction of excess ear wax using a stream of warm water to flush out the ear canal. Ear microsuction draws out the wax using a gentle suction device. Microsuction is helpful in cases where clients should not have water in their ears (due to a perforation, infection or surgery).
Ear wax removal is unnecessary in the majority of cases. However, removal can be helpful if the wax is causing any of the following:
On booking your appointment please ensure you have oiled your ears for for 7 days before your appointment this will ensure a painless wax removal.
A smear test, or cervical screening, is used to detect abnormal cells in your cervix (the entrance to your womb
A smear test (also known as a cervical screening test), is used to detect certain subtypes of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cervical cells, as well as check whether there are any abnormal cervical cells (dyskaryosis) which need treating before they become cancerous.
By attending regular smear tests, abnormality can be detected early and treated before they become cancerous, preventing cervical cancer from developing
All women over the age of 25 will be invited for a smear test every 3 years up to the age of 49, and women aged 50 to 64 every 5 years.
Even if you haven’t had penetrative sex, you could still be at risk of developing the HPV virus as foreplay can also pass this on, so it’s vital to book an appointment.
After your cervical screening test
· routine recall at 3 or 5 years depending on your age for normal results
· repeat in 3 months for an inadequate sample
· repeat in 12 months if HPV positive with normal cells
· or referral to Colposcopy if HPV positive with abnormal cells present.
Your result report will contain the appropriate recommendation for you depending on the result.
At the Staywell clinic we aim to help our clients achieve maximum staff productivity and minimise their costs by maintaining the health and well-being of their employees. Packages can be tailored to your individual requirements.
We are able to provide both individual and corporate occupational health services, such as:
Occupational health
· Alcohol profile 1
Blood samples (LFT, CDT),
· Alcohol profile 2
Blood and urine samples (LFT/CDT/Etg/Ets).
· Trace metal profile
Blood sample.
· Needle stick injury profile
Blood sample. Serum saved for 2 years. This test will detect:
Hep B Ag
Hep C Abs
Hep C Ag
HIV 1+2/p24
· Needle stick injury profile + hep B immunisation programme
Blood sample. Serum saved for 2-3 years.
Hep B Ag, Hep C Abs, Hep C Ag, HIV 1+2/p24
· HIV testing
1&2/p24Ag
· Blood lead level testing
· BCG scar check
Individual immunity blood tests
· Measles
· Mumps
· Rubella
· MMR
· TB Quantiferon testing
· Hepatitis B
Occuptional health vaccinations
· Hepatitis B
Vaccinations administered at 0, 1 month, 3 months and 12 months, or 0, 1 month, 5-6 months.
· Hepatitis A
· MMR
2 doses should be offered to individuals who are non-immune with a minimum gap of 4 weeks between dose
· Chickenpox (Varicella)
Clients who are non-immune should be offered two doses with a minimum gap of 4 weeks between doses
· Meningitis B
· Meningitis ACWY
· Diptheria, tetanus & polio
Provides 10 years’ protection
Those at risk of developing diabetes can take early action to prevent progression and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, and other complications.
This is ideal if you have been diagnosed with Pre-Diabetes and want to reduce your risk of diabetes complications, including stroke, heart & vascular disease, vision and nerve damage.
or you could be at higher risk of developing diabetes due to family history, previous gestational diabetes, ethnicity or body mass index (BMI) and overweight.
This will include
· Discussion of risk factors
· Height, Weight, Body Mass Index (BMI)
· Blood Pressure
· Waist circumference
· Cardiovascular risk of heart attack or stroke in the next 10years
· Blood tests – HbA1c, Full Lipid Profile (cholesterol)
· Referral to the diabetes prevention programme
· Follow up face to face appointment or phone call to discuss the results.
Regular diabetes check-ups are necessary for monitoring blood sugar levels, managing medications, and preventing complications such as heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage.
Our Type 2 Diabetes Care Plan is based on NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) guidelines, ensuring evidence-based care for those diagnosed with diabetes.
This package includes:
· Face to face appointment
· Height, Weight and Body Mass Index (BMI)
· Foot check and advice
· Waist circumference
· Cardiovascular risk of heart attack or stroke in the next 10years
· Diet and lifestyle advice
· Blood tests: Full blood count, HbA1c, full lipid profile, kidney function, liver function, thyroid function
· Urine test (for protein – an indicator of kidney and cardiovascular health)
· Medication review
· Follow up appointment face to face or phone call to discuss results
Additional costs apply for Vitamin B12 blood test
A 6 monthly review is recommended for monitoring diabetes by NICE guidelines.
A copy of your results can be sent to you registered GP if you require this.