At Herbert & Shrive Pharmacy, we care about keeping our community healthy – whether you’re staying local or travelling abroad.
If you’re heading to parts of the world where dengue fever is a risk, it’s important to know how to protect yourself against dengue and stay safe.
We proudly serve people from Teddington, Kingston Upon Thames, Richmond, Twickenham, and Hampton Wick with expert travel health advice and prevention tips.
What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue Fever is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, mainly in tropical and subtropical countries like parts of Asia, Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. It’s not usually found in the UK, but if you’re travelling, it’s important to be aware of the risks.
The dengue infection can cause high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, and tiredness. While most people recover within a week or so, in rare cases, it can become more severe and even life-threatening.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever
If you’ve recently returned from a high-risk area and feel unwell, look out for the following dengue fever symptoms:
- High temperature.
- Headache (especially behind the eyes).
- Muscle and joint pain.
- Feeling sick or vomiting.
- swollen glands.
- Fatigue and weakness.
Symptoms usually start 4–10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
There’s no specific treatment for dengue fever, but rest, staying well-hydrated can help manage symptoms. Avoid ibuprofen or aspirin, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
Dengue Fever Prevention
Dengue Fever prevention starts with avoiding mosquito bites. Here’s how to protect yourself while travelling:
- Use insect repellent with DEET – apply regularly
- Wear long, loose-fitting clothing during the day.
- Sleep in rooms with air conditioning or under a mosquito net.
- Remove or avoid standing water where mosquitoes breed.
We can provide guidance to you on travel essentials at our pharmacy. Our team is always here to support you.
Is There a Dengue Vaccine?
Yes – there is now a dengue vaccine available for some travellers, called Qdenga.
It may be suitable if:
- You are travelling to a high-risk area.
- You’ve had dengue before (or a blood test confirms it).
The vaccine is given as two doses, three months apart. It doesn’t replace bite prevention, but it offers added protection for eligible people.
Visit us to check your risk and see if the dengue vaccine is right for you. We’ll help you decide the best way to stay protected.
Travel Confidently with Our Help
Heading abroad? Visit us at Herbert & Shrive Pharmacy in Teddington or Kingston Upon Thames. We also serve people from Twickenham, Hampton Wick, and Richmond.
From travel health advice to dengue fever prevention, vaccines, and essentials – we’re here to help keep you healthy, wherever you’re headed. Contact us on +44 (0)20 8977 1967 to speak with us.
We pride ourselves on offering our customers a quick, efficient service.