The fastest and most effective way to protect yourself from the most common travel diseases is to get the right vaccinations and travel health advice before you leave. Diseases such as Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and Malaria are preventable—but only if you prepare early. Emcare Travel Clinic offers reliable, nurse-led travel health services to help you stay safe wherever you’re going.
Why Travellers Should Take Disease Prevention Seriously
Travelling exposes you to environments, foods, insects, and water sources that your body is not used to. Many countries—especially across Africa, Asia, and South America—have illnesses that can spread quickly without proper protection.
Most travel diseases are highly preventable, yet many travellers underestimate the risks or wait too close to their departure date to seek help. Getting the right vaccinations and preventative medication not only protects you but also reduces the risk of bringing infections back home.
To get expert advice from trained travel health nurses, you can book an appointment directly through the Emcare Travel Clinic.
Most Common Travel Diseases to Be Aware Of
Travellers should understand the diseases they may encounter. Here are the most common ones and what you need to know about each.
Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease found in parts of South America and Africa. Symptoms can become severe, leading to organ failure.
How to protect yourself:
A single Yellow Fever vaccination gives long-lasting protection. Emcare is a Registered Yellow Fever Centre, so you can safely get your vaccine and required certificate by booking through our vaccinations service.
Typhoid
Typhoid spreads through contaminated food or water and is common in Asia, Africa, and South America.
How to protect yourself:
- Get the Typhoid vaccine
- Avoid untreated water
- Be cautious with street food
You can see all recommended vaccines for holiday travellers under our Holiday Vaccinations section.
Hepatitis A
A serious liver infection caused by a virus found in contaminated food and water.
How to protect yourself:
- Hepatitis A vaccination (highly effective)
- Good hand hygiene
- Avoid raw or undercooked shellfish
This vaccine is part of our routine travel vaccine offerings at Emcare Travel Clinic.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B spreads through blood and bodily fluids. Travellers engaging in adventurous activities, volunteering, tattoos, piercings, or medical work abroad are especially at risk.
How to protect yourself:
- A full Hepatitis B vaccine course
- Avoid exposure to needles abroad
- Consider combined Hepatitis A + B protection if needed
Emcare can provide a personalised schedule depending on how soon you’re travelling.
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP)
These illnesses still occur in parts of the world and can be life-threatening.
How to protect yourself:
- Ensure your routine boosters are up to date
- Many travellers require a top-up before long journeys
This is commonly reviewed during your Travel Vaccinations appointment.
Malaria
One of the most serious travel diseases, malaria is transmitted by infected mosquitoes in many tropical countries.
How to protect yourself:
- Take prescribed anti-malarial tablets
- Use mosquito repellent
- Sleep under treated nets
- Wear long sleeves, especially at night
Emcare’s travel nurses will provide the correct medication for your specific destination and length of stay.
Rabies
Rabies is spread through bites or scratches from infected animals. It is fatal once symptoms appear.
How to protect yourself:
- Pre-exposure rabies vaccination
- Avoid contact with animals
- Seek urgent medical care after a bite or scratch
This vaccine is especially recommended for travellers visiting rural areas or working with animals.
How to Reduce Your Risk While Travelling
Even with vaccinations, you should adopt safe habits abroad:
- Drink bottled or purified water
- Avoid ice unless you trust the source
- Eat freshly cooked foods
- Use strong insect repellent (50% DEET or equivalent)
- Keep a travel first-aid kit
- Practise good hand hygiene
- Know emergency numbers in your destination country
Why Visit Emcare Travel Clinic for Protection?
Emcare Travel Clinic provides:
- Nurse-led consultations
- Individualised travel risk assessments
- Vaccination schedules tailored to your trip
- Reliable anti-malarial prescriptions
- Convenient Glasgow city centre location
- Status as a Registered Yellow Fever Centre
- A friendly, professional environment
Whether you’re travelling alone, with family, or as part of a school or corporate group, Emcare offers comprehensive protection designed for your itinerary.
Book Your Travel Vaccinations Today
The best way to safeguard your health abroad is to prepare early. Emcare Travel Clinic offers expert advice, trusted vaccinations, and tailored protection for every kind of trip.
Schedule your appointment through our convenient online booking page. If you have upcoming travel plans, let our experienced nurses help you stay safe from preventable travel diseases.
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