Animals grazing in a field in front of mountains, central Asia Snoys mountains and hills, Yurt, Kazakhstan

Travel Vaccinations for Afghanistan

Vaccines To Consider When Visiting Afghanistan

A consultation will be completed with one of our specialist travel health nurses to assess your individual travel plans and health background before making recommendations, which can then be administered during the same appointment.

There is a risk of Malaria in Afghanistan. London Travel Clinic offers a range of antimalarials to keep you protected

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Destination Information for Afghanistan

Afghanistan, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a country of great beauty which has sadly been ravaged by years of terrible war. The Taliban has destroyed many of Afghanistan’s monuments and important sites, and even the stunning countryside and mountainous regions are now rendered unsafe for visiting.

If you do decide to venture here, it is best to do so as part of an organised tour – it is possible to find tour companies offering breaks to the capital, Kabul, and tourist numbers are slowly increasing although it will be many years before the country is able to regain its former glory as a popular destination for tourists and holidaymakers. In Kabul, make sure to visit the National Museum of Afghanistan to get a taste of the elaborate Afghan culture and history.

There are plenty of places to eat, and Afghan cuisine is known for its delicious and prolific rices dishes. Alcohol is illegal in the country, although it may be tolerated in some Western restaurants in Kabul.

If you’re brave enough to explore further afield, there are some wonderful places to visit. Prior to the war, trekking in the stunning mountainous regions was extremely popular. It is now considered unsafe except in the Bamian region, Panjshir Valley and the Wakhan Corridor.

Infections and Outbreaks frequently change from country to country and by attending our clinics you will be given the most up to date clinical and safety advice from our team of specialists. Our advice to you often includes aspects such as:

Malaria

There is a high risk of P.Falciparum and P.Vivax malaria zones in areas of Afghanistan below 2000m. Kabul, Kandahar, Jalalabad, Herat, Qua ‘E-Ye Now and surrounding areas are all affected.

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Non Vaccinated Diseases

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is primarily spread to humans either by infected ticks or animal blood. Human-to-human transmission can also occur resulting from close contact with the blood, organs or other bodily fluids of an infected person.

Scrub typhus

Scrub typhus, also known as bush typhus, is a bacterial disease that is spread to people through bites of infected chiggers (larval mites). Common symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, and sometimes rash. It can usually be treated with antibiotics, however people with severe illness may develop organ failure and bleeding, which can be fatal if left untreated.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25
Natural Mosquito Repellent - 100ml
£7.75

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes and it causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Joint pain is often debilitating and can vary in duration. The disease shares some clinical signs with Dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where Dengue is common. There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems Bed Bug Barrier Bedsheet
£12.99
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25

Leishmaniasis

A parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of an infected sandfly. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (the most common): Causes skin lesions, mainly ulcers on exposed parts of the body, causing scars and serious disability. 90% of cases are in the Americas, the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East and Asia. Visceral Leishmaniasis (the most dangerous): Causes enlarged spleen and liver, anaemia, weight loss and irregular bouts of fever. Highly endemic in the Indian Subcontinent and East Africa. Mucotaneous (the least common): Causes partial or total destruction of the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth and throat. Most cases are found in Peru, Bolivia and Brazil.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25

Additional Health Risks Information for Afghanistan

In the current climate, it is not advisable to visit Afghanistan unless it is absolutely essential. Travelling by road around the country is extremely dangerous. If you are required to be there for work or any other reason, you should be aware of your own safety and security at all times.

Terrorism and crime aside, there are a number of other health issues to highlight for visitors to Afghanistan. The country is in an active earthquake zone. During the winter rainfall can be heavy, causing landslips and extensive flooding, and heavy snow can cause avalanches in the mountains. During the summer months, the cities are extremely dry and dusty, which can cause issues for those with asthma or breathing difficulties. Medical attention may be hard to find, especially in more remote areas, and will not be up to UK standards anywhere in Afghanistan. There is malaria present in some parts of Afghanistan, consult a travel clinic for the appropriate malaria tablets and other necessary vaccinations before travel.

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