Frequently Asked Questions

30 MINUTES FOR
• Cabin Crew Medicals
• Taxi Driver Medicals
• PCV/HGV Medicals
• Travel Health Clinic
• Counselling and Mentoring

45 MINUTES FOR
• Airside Driver Medicals
• Pre-employment
• Well Person Medicals
• Pressurisation Medicals
• Confined Space Medicals

60 MINUTES
• Pilot Medicals
• Massage and Aromatherapy

Other medical services available have varying consultation lengths, you can check with our medical booking team directly on 01279 661580.

NON-PILOT MEDICALS, it is helpful if you can bring

• Photo proof of ID
• Documentation verifying your signature
• Glasses / contact lenses
• Hearing aid if you use one
• Relevant DVLA forms sent for Driving Medicals

PILOT MEDICALS

• Pilots Licence
• Medical Certificate
• Log Book
• Glasses and Opticians Report (if corrective lenses are worn)

IF you have these available, please bring :-

• Previous vaccination cards and details of past vaccines including jabs given at school
• Travel itinerary, including any stop-overs
• Details of any known allergies

We do consider requests for last-minute vaccinations, but strongly recommend that you book several weeks in advance to allow for completion of vaccination courses.

(Please see our map and directions - go to "About Us" and then click on map.)

By Car - On approach to Stansted Airport, look for signs for the Long Stay Car Park.

Go past the Hilton Hotel on the left, followed by the Long Stay Car Park also on the left.

There is then a large left hand bend, with a turning to the right signed Stansted Business Park.

You are now on First Avenue. Go straight ahead, joining the one-way system and keep to the right hand lane.
You will pass a large brown building, Airways House, on your right.

You will then see the cream & blue Aviation Medica building on the right. Pull into our car park right in front of our building. There are plenty of labelled car parking spaces.



From the main Terminal at Stansted Airport -
Go to the Bus & Coach Station.
A free staff shuttle bus leaves from between bays 4 - 7 every half hour, on the hour and 30 minutes past.
Tell the driver you want the medical centre on the North side and they will usually drop you off right outside our building, just past Airways House. The journey takes about 10 minutes.
You can then catch the bus back after your medical to get back to the Terminal.

Fees can be settled using debit and credit cards or cash. We regret we do not accept American Express cards or personal cheques.

We can also set up invoicing credit terms for companies.

You can have an appointment at the Travel Clinic on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Generally our hours are 0900 - 1700 but we are flexible.

Yes.
We are very happy to see all clients at the Travel Clinic.
However, we are a Private Medical Centre and not an NHS Practice, so there is a charge for any vaccines given.
Sometimes we can 'mix and match' with your own Surgery and supply additional vaccines that your own GP may not be able to provide.
We are happy to discuss this with you.

Advice for Backpackers
This advice identifies a few key points you should consider in advance of your trip - it is not comprehensive.
Backpacking refers to self-organised trips, which usually involve travelling on foot or public transport and staying in simple cheap accommodation. This can expose travellers to additional health risks. The term 'backpacker' is now not very specific since traditional 'backpack' or rucksack is now often used by other groups of travellers including those on organised holidays and expeditions.
Beware of the risk of accidents
Accidents are very common when trekking and also when travelling on poor roads in badly maintained vehicles. Motorcycling can be extremely hazardous.
Contamination of food and water
This is a major cause of illness in travellers in particular travellers' diarrhoea. Unless certain of the purity of the local water supply, stick to boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Alternatively, water can be sterilised with iodine drops/tablets or with a quality filter. Dishes and cutlery should ideally be washed with sterilised water. Hot tea, coffee, beer and wine are usually safe.
Ensure that milk has been pasteurised and that cheese, cream and ice cream are made from milk that has been pasteurised. Peel all fruit, eat only cooked vegetables and avoid salads.
Ensure that seafood, fish and meat are thoroughly cooked and eaten hot whenever possible. Avoid leftovers. Wash hands before eating or handling food and always after using the toilet.
Mosquito, other insect and animal bites
These can be minimized through wearing suitable clothing, using repellents and a mosquito net. Do not approach stray dogs that are frequently not friendly as at home.
Unsafe sex
Particularly, but not exclusively, unsafe sex with commercial sex workers will put travellers at risk of serious infections including HIV.
A comprehensive first aid kit is important
You should consider including something for simple diarrhoea, sufficient anti-malarial tablets, possibly an antibiotic, and emergency malarial treatment if going to areas remote from medical facilities.
Culture shock
This can be very real. Family or social difficulties at home and psychological problems, including alcoholism, make adapting difficult. Time differences between continents might increase isolation when it is difficult to maintain contact with friends and relatives. A situation that is exciting and welcome to one person can be daunting to another.
Possible problems include adjusting to a different climate, unusual food, religious and cultural differences, separation from family, changes in living standards, different social amenities, language differences, coming to terms with poverty, begging, and compulsory movement restrictions for safety or political reasons.
Being open to new and different cultures and being patient, rather than critical, will help the traveller adapt to new and challenging adventures.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations take time. Consult your doctor or nurse well before departure ideally 8 weeks in advance.
Tetanus and diphtheria vaccination is important for those likely to sustain injuries (tetanus) or mix closely with the local population (diphtheria). For countries where these diseases are still common you should to receive boosters every 10 years and everyone should have completed their normal British childhood schedule.
There is an increasing risk of tuberculosis for those visiting many of the high-risk areas and when mixing with the local population. Remember protection from BCG vaccine against tuberculosis is only achieved after about 4-6 weeks. Boosters are not normally required.
Meningococcal type A vaccine is often advisable for backpackers visiting those risk areas in sub-Saharan Africa who will be mixing closely with the local population.
Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are important for backpackers who are often unable to be scrupulously careful about their food and water hygiene in risk areas.
Hepatitis B vaccine can be useful for those staying for longer periods in higher risk areas and if accidents requiring suturing, surgery or sexual risk taking is anticipated
Influenza vaccine can be considered for those who might get a more severe illness such as those with existing chest problems. Remember the 'flu' season in the Southern Hemisphere is from April to November.
Japanese B encephalitis is spread by mosquitoes and is sometimes advised for those spending longer periods in risk, especially rural areas, as is often the case with the more adventurous traveller.
Rabies vaccination can be important if you are going to be more than a day or two from good medical facilities.
Yellow fever is a mosquito borne disease and occurs most commonly in jungle areas. It is therefore more likely in travellers going to remote areas. The disease is not present in Asia. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is necessary for crossing borders in many parts of Africa and South America.
Malaria prevention
When you cannot be sure that your accommodation will ensure good mosquito protection, you must consider taking a good mosquito net. Sensible clothing to protect the skin from bites and careful use of mosquito repellents is also important. If your advisor recommends anti-malaria tablets make sure you take then correctly. Some backpackers will be wandering a long way from medical facilities - this is when carrying an emergency supply of malaria treatment may be important.

Advice for Business Travellers
This advice identifies a few key points you should consider in advance of your trip - it is not comprehensive. Business travel usually refers to those going on short trips and usually involves staying in good standard accommodation.
Stomach upsets and diarrhoea
These are very common. Contaminated food and water is a major cause of illness and care is especially important when eating out and in countries where local hygiene is poor.
Unaccustomed spices or oil in food as well as alcohol can also lead to stomach upsets. You should consider taking an anti-diarrhoeal preparation.
Tiredness and jet lag
These problems may be underestimated and affect business efficiency. Rest before travel is important and limiting activities on arrival will help.
Sunburn
Sunburn is preventable. Limited your exposure and cover up especially around noon. Use sunscreens liberally and as directed.
Accidents
Unfamiliar surroundings and alcohol consumption often result in accidents. Beware of sea currents and take especial care crossing roads. Sharp objects and discarded glass on beaches can injure your feet.
Unsafe sex
Unhygienic sex and failure to use a condom with new partners, particularly with professional sex workers, puts you at risk of serious infections including HIV.
Trips alone can be lonely
Cultural differences, family problems at home or losing touch with head office can cause anxiety. Many of these difficulties can be overcome with experience and sympathetic support from family and friends. Personnel and occupational health departments should take this into account.
Culture shock
This is a very real problem even for short-term travellers. Family or social problems at home and psychological problems, including alcoholism make adapting to a new and different culture difficult. Maintaining contact with family and friends may also be complicated because time differences between continents may cause communication difficulties.
A situation that is exciting and welcome to one person can be daunting to another.
Problems encountered may include adjusting to a different climate, religious and cultural differences, changes in living standards and different social amenities. Other problems such as language differences, coming to terms with poverty and begging, and compulsory movement restrictions for safety or political reasons. Being patient rather than critical is usually helpful.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations take time so consult your doctor or nurse as soon as possible, ideally at least four weeks before travelling.
Firms that frequently send employees abroad should consider vaccinating personnel in anticipation of overseas assignments. For example, a first yellow fever vaccination certificate is not valid for 10 days and many vaccines take several weeks to become effective.
Tetanus and diphtheria vaccination is important for those likely to sustain injuries (tetanus) or mix closely with the local population (diphtheria). For countries where these diseases are still common you should to receive boosters every 10 years and everyone should have completed their normal British childhood schedule.
Meningococcal type A vaccine is mainly a risk for those visiting risk areas in sub-Saharan Africa who will be mixing closely with the local population. This may not be the case with short-term business travellers attending meetings.
Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are important for those who are not able to be careful about their food and water hygiene in risk areas. Your accommodation may be reasonably safe but accidents happen and eating out may be risky in poorer countries.
Influenza vaccine can be considered for those who might get a more severe illness such as those with existing chest problems. Remember the 'flu' season in the southern hemisphere is from April to November.
Malaria prevention
Your accommodation may well provide good mosquito protection, if not you must consider taking a good mosquito net. Sensible clothing to protect the skin from bites and careful use of mosquito repellents is also important. If your advisor recommends anti-malaria tablets make sure you take then correctly. Oil workers in rural parts of West Africa are at special risk.

Advice for those going on Cruises
Cruises are increasingly popular and allow adventure at the same time as the security of good accommodation, food and other facilities.
Diet and weight gain
Food on cruises is frequently excellent and provided in abundance. Many passengers put on a lot of weight even during short cruises.
Ship movement and accidents
Ships are inherently unstable due to sea swell and currents and accidents are common due to falls on deck and staircases. Excessive drinking of alcohol is common.
Sunburn
Care must be taken to avoid sunburn and UV light reflection from the water as well as from the sun make this more likely at sea. Dehydration can be prevented by drinking abundant non-alcoholic fluids.
The elderly and those with medical conditions
Some cruise ships are unsuited for frail, elderly and handicapped travellers and details of facilities should be sought in advance if special facilities are needed. Those with existing illnesses or who are on medication should obtain a summery of their condition (s) and copy of current prescriptions from their doctor before departure. Heart problems as well as accidents may be caused by over indulgence in food and alcohol and this may be combined with a lack of exercise. Over exposure to the sun increases the possibility of stroke. Walking around the ship in rough weather is more likely to lead to injury in old people with poor balance, limited agility and slow reaction times.
Medical facilities
Health care is usually available. Regardless of the quality of primary medical care a ships infirmary is often unable to provide immediate backup services such as surgery, blood transfusion, detailed laboratory or radiological investigations. Medical evacuation in emergency is dependent upon the ship’s position at sea, its sailing itinerary and the next port of call. There may be extra costs if evacuation is needed that are not covered by insurance.
Vaccinations
Complicated vaccination schedules are usually unnecessary unless overnight stays on shore are anticipated in less than ideal accommodation. However within the confines of a ship outbreaks of respiratory infections can spread rapidly and vaccination against influenza / pneumococcal disease is highly recommended.

Great care is normally taken to prevent outbreaks of food poisoning on cruise ships but rarely contaminated food may be taken on board during stopovers. Those who choose to eat ashore must take care to avoid contaminated water and risky foodstuffs. Because hepatitis A is so easily spread vaccination against this disease may be appropriate for those cruising outside Europe and North America. If a passenger is likely to take risks when ashore, in addition to hepatitis A vaccination, typhoid vaccine and poliomyelitis boosters may be considered as for the country being visited.

Passengers are often asked to obtain a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever by the cruise company. Yellow fever is most unlikely to infect those at sea and those who only visit port cities since they are normally well away from the jungle areas where this disease is usually contracted. However a certificate of vaccination may be required for travellers on ships travelling between ports in South, Central America and Africa and unvaccinated passengers may also not be allowed ashore.
Post-exposure rabies vaccination is usually available on most larger cruise ships for those unlucky enough to have a dog bite while ashore. Verification should be sought from the tour / cruise organizer
Malaria
The risk of malaria is also usually small but may be significant, for example, when entering ports in sub-Saharan Africa. The risk is small in most ports in Asia, the Caribbean, South and Central America. Passengers should be aware when they may have been exposed, however small the risk, so that they can seek medical attention should any fevers occur.

Mosquito bites should be minimized and prophylaxis may be more important for those with medical conditions or for the elderly when an attack of malaria may be more serious. The new drug Malarone has an advantage in that it only needs to be taken for 7 days after exposure so the scenario of having to take 4 weeks tablets after an overnight stop in, for example, the Gambia is now unnecessary.

Diabetes Mellitus and Travel

If you anticipate problems or your diabetic control is unstable take advice from your professional advisor at home before booking the trip.

See below for details about Diabetes U.K. Careline
(formerly The British Diabetic Association)

During the journey
Be prepared and take adequate supplies of insulin, syringes, blood glucose strips. Carry necessary equipment in hand luggage where it can be easily accessed. Have a means of disposing of needles. If prone to travel sickness take an anti-emetic; vomiting can predispose to hypoglycaemia. Carry diabetic identification and inform travelling companions of diabetic status - ideally travel with someone familiar with possible problems that might occur such as hypoglycaemia.

Climate
Insulin absorption may be affected in a warm climate. Maintain a high fluid intake to compensate for loss. Ensure safe storage of glucose strips to maintain accurate readings. Keep insulin out of direct sunlight and in colder climates do not let it freeze.
Activities
Some people are more active on holiday, others less so. It is important that medication, diet and insulin are adjusted to compensate.

Food and Drink
The diabetic traveller has to be extra cautious to prevent infections which can cause gastro-intestinal upset. Vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to hypoglycaemia.

Insulin Schedules
All international flights east or west involve crossing time-zones. Some practical advice on administering insulin is as follows:

plan in advance
talk with a specialist
take adequate equipment and medication supplies
take adequate carbohydrate or glucose supplies since delays can alter mealtimes
MONITOR sugar levels especially on long journeys.
be prepared for delays
plan a schedule in advance but be prepared to alter it later if delays occur.
Insulin Storage
Although some manufacturers state that insulin can remain stable for up to one month at normal room temperature, extremes of temperature can reduce its activity. When travelling, keep vials in a cool, dark place. Polystyrene containers, vacuum flasks, face cloths in a sandwich container, are all useful. Special travel-carry systems are available from specialist suppliers.
Foot care
During the journey make sure shoes are not too tight as feet can swell. Take a walk each hour as exercise limit the amount of swelling. If hospital shoes are normally worn then also wear them on holiday. Changing to ordinary shoes could cause ulcers. Avoid walking barefoot; wear protective footwear on the sand and in the water. Avoid sunburn to feet and legs by using protective sunscreens or covering up.

Skin Care
Prevent dry skin by using moisturizers, especially on heels which crack easily. Moist skin can lead to infection. Take first aid kit for minor injuries. Examine feet regularly and seek medical attention if any problems arise.


A useful Contact
Diabetes U.K. Careline (formerly The British Diabetic Association)

Address: 10, Queen Anne Street, London W1M OBD
Phone: Careline:- Tel: 0207 636 6112. General/administrative queries (Tel:- 0207 323 1531).
Website address: www.diabetes.org.uk/help/careline.htm
Provides assistance with specific concerns related to diabetes.
Provides leaflets and information including 'Travel Guide' to the more popular countries visited abroad, with advice pertinent to the needs of diabetics.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

The cause
High altitude holidays are increasingly popular. In South America they include crossing Andean passes often above 4000 metres. Trekkers in the Himalayas, especially in Nepal, often reach similar heights. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Kenya are both more than 5000 metres.

Only those healthy and trained should attempt such expeditions, and if in doubt medical advice should be taken. All including the physically fit can get acute mountain sickness during rapid ascent if staying for more than 12 hours above 2500 metres. It affects all ages including children when the symptoms may be more difficult to recognise.

The altitude difference undergone in 24 hours is the determining factor. From 3000 metres and higher, the risk increases when the altitude difference between encampments exceeds 300 metres.

Definitions

High Altitude: 2400m to 3658m. (e.g. Cochabamba in Bolivia = 2550m. Bogota in Columbia = 2645m. Quito in Ecuador = 2879m. Cuzco in Peru = 3225m)
Very High Altitude: 3658m to 5500m. (La Paz in Bolivia = 3658m. Lhasa in Tibet, China = 3685m. Base camps of Everest in Nepal = 5500m)
Extreme Altitude: 5500m to 8848m (e.g. the summit of Mount Everest).
Signs of mountain sickness
Early signs of acute mountain sickness include headache, nausea, loss of appetite and insomnia. If vertigo, vomiting, apathy, staggering and breathlessness occur, immediate accompanied descent is essential. Failing to descend may be fatal.

Prevention.
Avoid ascents of greater than 300 metres per day if starting from above 3000 metres. If early signs of mountain sickness appear, rest for a day at the same altitude. If they persist or increase, descend at least 500 metres.

Acetazolamide (Diamox) can be used to help prevent mountain sickness when a gradual ascent cannot be guaranteed. It should NOT be used as an alternative to a gradual ascent. It acts on acid-base balance and stimulates respiration. It should be combined with a good fluid intake. It should not normally be used in young children except under close medical supervision. Dose: 250mg bd. for adults. A smaller dose (125mg bd) is probably just as effective and gives less side effects.

Treatment
Initially simple analgesia (e.g.: paracetamol ) for headaches. Sleeping pills should be avoided if possible.
Acute mountain sickness with cerebral oedema.
Immediate evacuation or descent at least 1000 metres; oxygen if available. (b) Dexamethasone (12-20 mg daily) or Prednisolone (40 mg daily).
High altitude pulmonary oedema.
Immediate evacuation or descent. If symptoms are acute and/or descent is impossible or delayed consider Nifedipine (20mg tds).

Useful addresses
For information sheets available to Doctors/Climbers/Trekkers contact the British Mountaineering Council, 177-179 Burton Road, Manchester, M20 2BB. Tel:0161 445 4747. Fax:0161 445 4500
web-site address: www.thebmc.co.uk

The Royal Geographical Society (Medical cell) www.rgs.org/templ.php?page=5expemed

We are pleased to offer Flu vaccinations. Cost £15.00.

AVIAN INFLUENZA ADVICE FOR TRAVELLERS
(last updated 29/08/05)
To reduce the risk of infection, travelers to areas affected by avian influenza outbreaks in birds and humans (Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Russia, Thailand, Tibet and Vietnam) can follow a few simple personal measures.
PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:
• Learn more about it - Avian influenza, or "bird flu", is a contagious disease of animals caused by viruses that normally infect only birds and less commonly, pigs. Humans are usually infected through close contact with live infected birds as influenza virus is shed in bird droppings.
• Be prepared - Before you travel seek advice from your General Practitioner or Practice Nurse to ensure that any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial tablets (if required) can be arranged. Do this well in advance if possible (at least 4 weeks) as courses of vaccines may take time. This is also a good opportunity to discuss other travel health issues.
• Always ensure you have heath insurance cover - Travel insurance is essential and must cover medical evacuation in the event that you become unwell and have to be transported home.
• Consider taking a first aid kit - this should include a small, basic first aid kit, including some means of checking a person’s temperature, either a thermometer or strips to place on the forehead and moist wipes or alcohol-based rub for hand hygiene.
DURING TRAVEL:
• Avoid contact with poultry (chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, and quail) or any wild birds and the settings where they are present e.g. commercial poultry farms, backyard poultry farms and live poultry markets. Also avoid contact with sick or dead poultry.
• One of the most important ways of preventing the spread of infection is careful and frequent hand washing. If soap, clean water and towels are not available, alcohol hand rub or wet wipes can be used.
• Do not eat uncooked or undercooked poultry or poultry products including food with uncooked poultry blood. All poultry, including eggs must be thoroughly cooked.
• If you become unwell with a fever, cough or difficulty with breathing, promptly seek out medical attention. The British Embassy can assist with contacting medical aid and relatives. Postpone any further travel until you are well again. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provide information on what to do when ill abroad.
ON RETURNING HOME:
• Pay attention to your health on return home, particularly over the first 10 days.
• If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty with breathing or any other "Flu like" or respiratory illness during this period contact your General Practitioner or NHS Direct (England) Tel: 0845 4647or NHS 24 (Scotland) Tel: 08454 24 24 24.
Before you visit a health-care setting (e.g. your health centre or a hospital), describe your symptoms and tell the provider that you may have been exposed to avian influenza.
• Do not travel while you are unwell and limit your contact with others as much as possible to prevent the spread of any infectious illness until you can be seen by a Doctor.
Avian Influenza
What is avian influenza ?
Avian influenza, or "bird flu", is a contagious disease of animals caused by viruses that normally infect only birds and less commonly, pigs. While all bird species are thought to be susceptible to infection, domestic poultry flocks are especially vulnerable to infections that can rapidly cause epidemics in poultry.
Of particular concern, in terms of risks for human health, is the detection of a highly pathogenic strain, known as "H5N1", as the cause of most of these outbreaks. H5N1 has jumped the species barrier, causing severe disease in humans.
How are humans infected ?
Humans can be infected but this occurs rarely. Humans are usually infected through close contact with live infected birds. Birds shed influenza virus in their droppings so contact with droppings (for example by visiting enclosures or markets where birds have been recently kept) is also a possible transmission route.
The illness in humans
• The time from exposure to the source of infection to onset of influenza is likely to be between 3 and 5 days, with a maximum of 7 days.
• The severity of illness appears to vary. Underlying factors are not well understood.
• Early symptoms are likely to be similar to normal influenza such as fever and cough
• If you develop a respiratory illness severe enough to warrant treatment and have visited an infected country, and have had contact with live poultry or pigs or places that house them in these countries in the 7 days prior to onset of illness, you should contact your General Practitioner.
• Currently available vaccines will not protect against disease caused by the H5N1strain in humans. The World Health Organisation is working together with laboratories to develop a prototype H5N1 virus for use by leading vaccine manufacturers.