Staying Healthy on Holiday

There’s nothing more likely to ruin a holiday than illness, and even the most experienced traveller can end up bringing home something rather less pleasant than a few souvenirs. Minor ailments such as tummy bugs and sunburn are most common, but while serious diseases are less likely there are still precautions you should take before your holiday and during it.

Preparation

Before embarking upon your trip, research your destination and discover what pre-departure vaccinations you will need. Your GP can help you with this and with the administration of the necessary injections, some of which may need to be given several weeks or even months in advance.

Many immunisations are free on the NHS, while there is a charge for others. A course of malaria tablets might also be necessary. Some varieties are available from pharmacists without prescription and should be taken about a week before travelling as per medical advice.

DVT

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in the calf or thigh caused by extended periods of immobility during long journeys – on trains and in cars as well as on planes. To avoid this complaint, move your feet around and take walks if possible. Many airlines provide instructional videos and fact sheets about in-flight exercises. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic drinks, and wear loose-fitting clothing. Special socks to help avoid DVT are available.

The odds of a healthy person developing DVT are several million to one, but you may be at greater risk if you have suffered from DVT before, have a family history of blood clotting complaints or have undergone major heart surgery. Smokers, overweight people and the elderly are also more susceptible.

Food and drink

Don’t be afraid to sample the cuisine when abroad, but do be aware that standards of hygiene in its preparation might not be up to the level you are used to. If in doubt, avoid stalls where dishes may have been sitting in the sun all day, stick to local dishes that chefs will have experience preparing and make sure all meat and seafood has been adequately cooked.

Don’t drink the water without first checking that it is safe. And don’t assume that it is okay because the locals are drinking it. They will have immunity to impurities that you don’t have. If in doubt, stick to bottled water – which you should reject if the seal has been broken. Don’t make the common mistake of using ice that will have been made from the local water.

Sun and sex

Avoid extended periods of sunbathing, especially during the hours around noon. Always use a high factor sun block. Drink plenty of liquid to avoid dehydration and don’t drink alcohol during the day’s hottest period.

If holiday romance is on the agenda, practice safe sex at all times, making sure you pack a supply of condoms in your luggage. Contraceptives may not be as readily available at your destination as they are in the UK, and quality might differ.

First aid

A small but comprehensive first aid kit in a waterproof container is extremely handy in the case of minor medical emergencies. Before travelling, make sure it is well stocked and that medicines and antiseptics have not expired.

• Thermometer: either the traditional glass version, the 'sticky strip' kind that’s good for using on babies and small children, or an easy-to-read ear thermometer.
• Antiseptic solution and sterile cotton wool to apply it.
• Antiseptic pain-relieving spray.
• Painkillers. (Doctors recommend paracetamol.)
• Eyewash. Individually packed solutions are best because larger bottles can become infected with bacteria during re-use.
• Plasters in a range of shapes, sizes and varieties, including waterproof, fabric, cushioned, hypoallergenic and ones for blisters.
• Dressings. Again, these ought to be various types such as waterproof, hydrocolloid (to absorb fluid from minor wounds that are weeping) and skin closure strips to hold together the edges of deep cuts.
• Support bandages for sprained limbs.
• Antihistamines for relief from mild allergic reactions and hay fever.
• Rehydration solution. This can be mixed with water for relief from diarrhoea.
• Travel sickness pills.
• Tweezers, which are handy for removing foreign objects from wounds.

Further details

The Department of Health (http://www.dh.gov.uk) has health advice for holidaymakers, while the Foreign Office (http://www.fco.gov.uk) offers information on all aspects on travelling overseas, including staying healthy.

Wherever you are going on holiday and whatever you get up to make sure you have holiday insurance so that you are covered for every eventuality.