Cholera Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.
Answers to questions about cholera
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Do I have to pay for cholera vaccine?
- I had the cholera vaccine a few years ago and I'm going travelling again. What do I need to do?
- What should I look out for if I think my child may have been infected with cholera?
Do I have to pay for cholera vaccine?
Yes, you will usually have to pay for the cholera vaccine as it isn't routinely provided free on the NHS (National Health Service).
Explanation
The amount that you will be asked to pay for your cholera vaccine will vary according to your GP surgery or travel clinic.
If you would like information on how much the vaccination is likely to cost, contact your GP or travel clinic for advice.
Further information
- National Travel Health Network and Centre
www.nathnac.org
Sources
- Focus on vaccinations and immunisations. British Medical Association. www.bma.org.uk, accessed 12 February 2008
I had the cholera vaccine a few years ago and I'm going travelling again. What do I need to do?
The effects of the cholera vaccine last for about two years. If you haven't had booster vaccinations since the last time you had the cholera vaccine, your GP may advise you to start the vaccine course again. You should also take preventative measures to stop you from getting cholera.
Explanation
The effects of the cholera vaccine last for about two years, and so boosters are required to keep up your immunity to cholera.
If you haven't had boosters and you are travelling to an area where you would be at high risk of catching cholera, your GP may advise you to restart the vaccine course.
The vaccine doesn't provide complete protection as it doesn't protect against all types of cholera. The vaccine only provides protection against infection caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria type 01, one of the two types of Vibrio cholerae that can cause cholera in humans.
You need two or three doses of the vaccine (depending on your age) for it to be effective. Clinical trials in children and women have shown the vaccine to be 85 percent effective.
The cholera vaccine isn't used for most travellers as taking preventive measures should stop most people from getting cholera. However, because the vaccine doesn't provide protection against all strains of the cholera bacteria, it's still important to take good hygiene measures with food and drink if you are travelling to an area with cholera.
If you aren't sure if you should have the cholera vaccine, or whether the area you are travelling to is a high-risk area for cholera, ask your GP for advice.
Further information
- The Green Book
Department of Health
020 7210 4850
www.doh.gov.uk - National Travel Health Network and Centre
www.nathnac.org
Sources
- Cholera. National Travel Health Network and Centre. Department of Health.www.nathnac.org, accessed 12 February 2008
- Cholera. Green Book, Chapter 14. Department of Health. 2006 www.doh.gov.uk, accessed 1 January 2008
- British National Formulary (BNF). BMJ Publishing Group, 2007. 54:638
What should I look out for if I think my child may have been infected with cholera?
Your child will usually show similar symptoms to those you would see in an adult. These include vomiting, diarrhoea, tummy cramps and dehydration. There are additional symptoms you should look out for in your child that you won't usually see in adults. Some children will become very drowsy.
Explanation
If your child has been infected with cholera, he/she will usually have the common symptoms also seen in adults, including vomiting and dehydration. It's important to look out for additional symptoms in children. These include becoming very drowsy, developing a fever and some children may also have convulsions.
If you think your child has cholera, give him or her plenty of fluids to replace those lost. You can replace the salt and minerals your child has lost with an oral rehydration solution which you can buy from your pharmacist. In infants, breastfeeding or formula feeds should be offered between oral rehydration drinks.
If your child becomes very dehydrated, he/she may need hospital treatment. Symptoms that mean your child may be very dehydrated include:
- being very thirsty
- having a dry mouth
- being very tired
If you are travelling to an area where you could become infected with cholera make sure:
- you and your child only drink bottled water or tap water that has been boiled
- you and your child washes your hands after going to the toilet and before handling any food
Further information
- National Travel Health Network and Centre
www.nathnac.org
Sources
- Cholera. E medicine. www.emedicine.com, accessed 25 March 2008
- Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary. 54 ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2008:496-497
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr W H Simpson, MBBS, General Practitioner, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: November 2008.
Cholera factsheet
Visit the cholera health factsheet for more information.
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