Getting travel vaccinated means receiving the vaccines recommended or required for the specific countries and regions you are visiting, so that you are protected against illnesses that may be rare or absent in the UK but prevalent at your destination. It is one of the most important steps in preparing for international travel, particularly for …
A calorie deficit is the state your body enters when you consume fewer calories than it burns in a given period. Put simply, when the energy you take in through food and drink is less than the energy your body uses to function and move, it turns to stored fat to make up the difference. …
A weight loss tracker is any system or tool you use to monitor your progress over time, whether that is a notebook, a smartphone app, a spreadsheet, or a combination of measurements and photos. Tracking your weight loss matters because progress without measurement is impossible to assess objectively. When you can see a clear record …
An insect repellent spray is one of the most effective tools you can use to protect yourself from mosquito and insect bites during travel. Applied directly to exposed skin and clothing, it creates a chemical barrier that deters biting insects and significantly reduces your risk of insect-borne illnesses, including dengue fever, malaria, and chikungunya. For …
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can have serious long-term consequences if left undetected or untreated. Despite being preventable through vaccination, many people are unaware they have been exposed until symptoms appear or a routine blood test reveals the infection. Understanding what hepatitis B infection symptoms look like, and knowing …
Dengue fever is one of the fastest-spreading mosquito-borne viral diseases in the world, with cases rising significantly across tropical and subtropical regions in recent years. For travellers heading to affected destinations, the arrival of a dengue fever vaccine has been a welcome development in travel health. If you are planning a trip to a high-risk …
Starting Mounjaro can feel like a significant step, and it is natural to have questions as your treatment progresses. One of the most common things people wonder about is the dose increases. You begin at a relatively low dose, and over the following months that dose is gradually stepped up. For some people this feels …
Losing weight is rarely a straightforward journey. There are weeks where the scales move encouragingly, and weeks where nothing seems to shift at all despite your best efforts. If you have been asking yourself “how much weight have I lost” and feeling frustrated by the answer, you are far from alone. Understanding how weight loss …
If you or your child has recently had the MMR vaccine, or you are considering it as part of a catch-up programme, it is natural to want to know what side effects to expect. The MMR vaccine is one of the safest and most thoroughly studied vaccines available, and the vast majority of people experience …
Planning a trekking holiday or a trip to destinations like Peru, Nepal, or the Himalayas is exciting, but altitude sickness is one aspect of preparation many travellers overlook. The higher you climb, the less oxygen is available, and for many people, that change causes symptoms ranging from a dull headache to something far more serious. …
With so many weight loss injections now available, it is completely understandable to feel confused about which is which. Wegovy and Mounjaro are two of the most prescribed options in the UK right now, and many people assume they are interchangeable. They are both weekly injections, both used for weight management, and both have strong …
If you have been prescribed Wegovy or are considering it as part of your weight management journey, understanding what to expect can make a real difference to how you feel during treatment. Like any medication, Wegovy can cause side effects, and knowing about them in advance means you are better prepared to manage them and …
Planning a trip abroad should be exciting, and sorting your travel vaccinations early can help you leave West Croydon, Surrey with more confidence. Whether you are travelling for a family holiday, business trip, backpacking adventure, or long-stay visit overseas, the right vaccines and travel health advice can help reduce avoidable risks. At Shivas Pharmacy, we …
Looking up NHS BMI information is often the first step for people who want a clearer picture of their weight and overall health. While BMI is not the full story, it is still widely used by the NHS and healthcare professionals as a starting point when assessing whether someone may benefit from weight management support. …
If you are researching Mounjaro pancreatitis, it is important to understand both the risk and the right next steps. Mounjaro can be an effective prescription weight loss treatment, but like any medicine, it comes with potential side effects that need to be taken seriously. At Shivas Pharmacy in West Croydon, Surrey, we help patients access …
If you are researching Malarone antimalarial tablets before a trip, it’s worth getting advice early. Malaria is a serious infection spread by mosquito bites in certain parts of the world, and the right prevention plan can make a major difference to your travel safety. At Shivas Pharmacy in West Croydon, Surrey, we help travellers prepare …
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription medication approved for weight management in adults. Understanding Wegovy dosing is key to achieving safe and effective weight loss while minimising side effects. At Shivas Pharmacy in West Croydon, Surrey, we provide professional guidance on Wegovy dosing, monitoring, and support to help patients achieve their weight loss goals safely. How …
A rabies immunisation is a vital step for travellers heading to areas where rabies is common, as well as for certain professional and animal‑exposure risks. While the rabies vaccine is highly effective and generally well tolerated, it’s natural to want to understand the side effects for the rabies vaccine — what’s common, what’s rare, when …
The MMR injection is a vital vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. It forms an essential part of the UK’s immunisation programme, helping prevent outbreaks and protect communities. While the vaccine is extremely safe, understanding the side effects of the MMR injection helps patients and parents feel prepared, know what to expect, and …
Managing weight can be challenging, and medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are designed to support adults struggling with obesity or overweight conditions. While the medication is effective, timing and proper dosing are key to maximising results and minimising side effects. At Shivas Pharmacy in West Croydon, Surrey, we provide personalised guidance on the best time to …
If you are planning a gap year, working abroad, or volunteering overseas, you are probably thinking about flights, accommodation, visas, and what to pack. Health planning often comes later, but it can make a major difference to how safe and stress-free your trip is. One of the most important vaccines to consider for long-term travel …
Quick Answer Yes, it is possible to get chickenpox twice, though it is uncommon. Most people develop long-lasting immunity after a first infection, but a second case can occur if the original illness was mild, if the immune system is weakened, or if the initial diagnosis was incorrect. If you are planning a trip, starting …
Many people begin Mounjaro feeling hopeful, but also unsure about what will happen next. One of the most common questions we hear at Shivas Pharmacy in Croydon is how long do you stay on Mounjaro for weight loss before you see results? It is a fair question, especially if you have tried dieting and exercise …
Reaching Mounjaro 7.5mg can feel like a turning point. For many patients, it is the stage where appetite control becomes more consistent, cravings settle, and weight loss starts to feel more sustainable week to week. It is also a dose that often comes after you have already built some tolerance at lower strengths, which can …
When you’re getting ready to travel, it’s easy to focus on the fun parts: the itinerary, the weather, and what you’ll do when you get there. But if you’re travelling to destinations where food and water hygiene is unpredictable, protecting yourself from illnesses like typhoid should be part of your plan too. Many travellers ask …
If you are planning travel to parts of Africa or South America, you may be wondering: how long does the yellow fever vaccination last? It is a common question, especially for travellers who have visited affected regions before, or those who are unsure whether their certificate is still valid. Yellow fever is a serious viral …
If you’ve recently started treatment and found yourself thinking, does Mounjaro make you tired, you are not alone. Many people notice changes in their energy levels during the first few weeks, especially as appetite reduces and eating patterns shift. For some, tiredness is mild and temporary. For others, it can feel frustrating, particularly if you …
Weight loss jabs are becoming a popular option for people who have struggled with appetite control, portion sizes, and maintaining long-term results. However, they are not the right solution for everyone. The best way to find out if weight loss jabs such as Mounjaro, Wegovy or Saxenda could be suitable is to start with a …
When preparing for travel, especially to rural or forested destinations, many people think a tick removal tool is enough to stay safe. While it is an important item to carry, it cannot prevent serious illnesses that are transmitted before a tick is even noticed. True protection comes from combining sensible precautions with the right travel …
Many people preparing for travel assume that because they had a rabies vaccination years ago, they are still protected. In reality, immunity does not last forever, and relying on old vaccinations can leave you at risk in countries where rabies is still common. Understanding how long a rabies shot lasts is essential for anyone travelling, …