Brain and Spinal Cord Swelling: Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccination in Streatham and Norbury
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection spread by ticks. Ticks are small spider-like creatures that live in grassy and woodland areas. It’s very rare in the UK, but more common in Europe and parts of Asia. If you’re travelling to an area where TBE is present, then it may be worth considering having the vaccination for your own peace of mind.
Westbury Chemist offers tick-borne encephalitis vaccinations to prevent infections of the disease. Our travel clinic appointments are from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday to Saturday.
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What is tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)?
Tick-Borne Encephalitis is a viral infection that is spread by the bite of an infected tick. It’s very rare in the UK, but more common in countries like France and Spain. A person with this illness will usually develop a high temperature, headache and nausea. The tick-borne virus belongs to a closely related group called flaviviruses. This group includes Yellow Fever, dengue and Japanese Encephalitis.
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection that is spread by the bite of an infected tick
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection that is spread by the bite of an infected tick.
You should get vaccinated if you have:
- Been bitten by a tick and live in or travel through an area with a high risk of TBE, such as the eastern coastline of Australia and parts of Europe.
- Worked in a laboratory. You may also be at risk if you are regularly exposed to ticks or their saliva.
Vaccinations are available at Westbury Chemist in Streatham and Norbury. It’s important to take the correct precautions against Tick-Borne Encephalitis.
Ticks are found in large parts of Europe, Asia and some parts of Africa. In the UK it’s very rare. But there’s been a rise in people getting it abroad.
Tick-borne encephalitis is an infection caused by a virus that’s carried by ticks. The disease can be life-threatening, but it’s rare in the UK. If you’re travelling abroad, though, it’s best to protect yourself against tick bites and the risk of getting this vaccine-preventable disease.
Ticks are found in large parts of Europe, Asia and some parts of Africa. They may also be present in other areas of the world including North America (USA). In the UK it’s very rare – there have only been a handful of outbreaks since 1945 when home-grown cases were reported for the first time.
Symptoms of tick-borne encephalitis
Typically, the symptoms of tick-borne encephalitis can vary from no symptoms to flu-like symptoms, which may include severe headaches, high temperature, nausea, vomiting and a rash.
The severity of these symptoms can also vary from mild to severe. For example, you might have a mild headache or feel slightly unwell but be able to carry on working as normal. If you were more severely affected by the virus then you may need to rest at home until your body has recovered enough for you to go back to work.
Serious cases of tick-borne encephalitis
The symptoms of TBE are similar to the flu and include fever, headache, muscle aches and pains. However, if you develop any of these symptoms after visiting a location where ticks can be found (such as forests or grassy areas), it’s important that you seek medical attention immediately.
More serious cases can lead to swelling of the brain or inflammation of the spinal cord. This can cause life-changing consequences for people who develop TBE, such as paralysis or difficulty speaking, reading and writing. Some patients reported an inability to speak their native language following a bout with this disease. In rare cases, death has occurred from complications due to TBE infection
How can I catch TBE?
TBE is spread when a tick bites you and has fed on an infected animal. The tick must be attached to your skin for at least 36 hours before it can transmit the disease. Ticks become infected by feeding on small mice, chipmunks, squirrels, birds or other animals that carry the virus in their blood. People with TBE do not spread the disease directly from person to person; it is not spread through coughing or sneezing; nor does it get into food or water supplies or through contact with animals (such as pets).
How is TBE spread?
Tick-borne Encephalitis is spread when ticks feed on humans and animals. The virus spreads into the human body if they’re infected with it. You can’t catch TBE directly from other people, but you should stay away from places where there are lots of ticks, especially during the spring and summer seasons.
When should I get the vaccination?
To help protect against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) you need to visit your GP at least 6 weeks before travelling to arrange vaccination if you need it. This allows enough time for both doses to work before you travel, if necessary. If you need 2 doses, they should be given 28 days apart.
If you’re planning on staying at a high-altitude location where TBE is known to be common or spending more than 4 weeks in this area of the world during summer time (May–September), then having the vaccine is recommended by Public Health England (PHE).
Visit GP before travelling
If you need two doses, the first should be given at least 28 days before travelling and the second dose at least another 28 days after that. You should visit your GP as soon as possible to arrange vaccination if you need it, but please remember to allow enough time for both doses to work before you travel, if necessary.
Most people will only need one dose of this vaccine but check with your GP as they may advise more than one dose if:
- You are aged 60-64 years (or 50-59 years in an outbreak area) or over; or
- You have had a previous severe reaction to the virus (e.g., prolonged high fevers)
The 2nd dose boosts your protection against TBE
If you need 2 doses, they should be given 28 days apart. The 2nd dose boosts your protection against TBE. It takes around a week after each dose for the vaccination to work and offer some protection.
If you’re planning to go on holiday to a country where ticks can spread encephalitis (an infection that causes brain swelling), make sure you visit your GP at least 6 weeks before travelling to arrange vaccination if you need it.
Who is at risk?
- People who live in or travel to areas where ticks are found: the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is recommended for people who live in or travel to areas where ticks are found, such as rural areas of Europe and Asia. If you’re travelling to an area where there is a high risk of getting bitten by ticks, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should get the vaccine.
- People who work outdoors in areas where ticks are found: The vaccine may be recommended for people who work outdoors (such as farmers) if they have frequent contact with animals that carry infected ticks.
More on tick-borne encephalitis
Make sure you’re fully informed about TBE and the vaccination before travelling abroad. Speak to your GP or visit a travel clinic for more information.
Visiting Westbury Chemist for your TBE Vaccine in Streatham
Westbury Chemist Streatham is now providing TBE Jabs. We do not accept walk-in appointments. Please book your appointments online.
