Gabrielle Fagan from www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk came up with very helpful advice when she asked a group experts how to ensure a trip isn’t ruined by illness.
A holiday abroad is often the highlight of our year and we spend endless hours choosing outfits and packing, but many of us are ill-prepared when it comes to safeguarding our health, according to a new survey.
Around one in four holidaymakers will fall ill when away, reveals research by Nelsons Pharmacy. The most common ailments are upset tummies, over-indulgence, mosquito bites and sunburn, which can all lead to serious problems, but 22 per cent of people don’t purchase holiday health insurance.
“Also, although 48 per cent of people surveyed have to visit a pharmacist when on holiday, the majority don’t even know the word for pharmacy in the language of the country they’re visiting,” says Susanne Haar, homeopathic pharmacist for Nelsons.
“Preparing a travel kit of health essentials, including painkillers, antiseptic, insect repellent and anti-diarrhoea pills, could save a lot of grief and upset on that long anticipated break abroad.”
One of the biggest causes of holiday ill-health can be too much sun, so the experts recommend staying out of rays during peak hours, covering up with loose fitting clothes, and applying a high-factor sun cream.
Poor kitchen hygiene and unsanitary conditions can put us at risk of that other common holiday peril – diarrhoea.
“Diarrhoea is an all too common holiday illness, typically caused by viral or bacterial infections or irritation of the gut, and frequently from food or drinks that we consume whilst away,” says Dr Roger Henderson.
He warns that while diarrhoea is considered a seemingly mild condition in hot climates abroad it can very quickly turn into something more serious.
The body loses more fluids and salts – like sodium and potassium – faster than usual in hot temperatures which can cause dehydration and lead to it quickly becoming a serious condition.
Children, younger adults and the elderly can be particularly at risk from dehydration, so he advises all travellers to pack oral rehydration sachets.
Mosquitoes are another major holiday irritation and this year may be even more of a problem than normal.
“Southern regions of England may become warm enough to support mosquitoes, like the Asian tiger mosquito, that have the potential to spread diseases,” says Dr James Logan from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
“In Europe, the Asian tiger mosquito and other more troublesome mosquito species could rise in numbers with the warmer climate patterns.
“Mosquito bites appear as small raised bumps on the skin and are often very itchy.
“If you are in a known area for mosquitoes, then it is wise to have a suitable repellent and bite relief cream with you. Those bitten should avoid scratching as this will make the bites more irritated.”
So put a little bit of preparation into your holiday health before you travel and make sure you have a very happy and healthy holiday.
Article taken in part from www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk
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All content on this website is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. Always consult your own GP if you’re in any way concerned about your health.