Holiday health

When you’re enjoying a well-earned holiday in foreign climes, the last thing you want is to fall victim to illness or injury.

Bad enough on home soil, falling ill abroad means having to cope in unfamiliar surroundings – potentially with medicines and procedures you have not encountered before.

While we can’t dictate how and when illness may strike, there are a number of ways in which we can prepare ourselves for all eventualities and reduce the possibility of being unwell on our travels.

The following advice should go some way to helping you enjoy a care-free, illness-free trip:

Plan ahead

Six weeks before traveling, seek advice regarding vaccinations – this is especially important if you are visiting developing countries, or areas off the beaten track. Make sure you know exactly which vaccines you have been given, and be aware that some countries will require you to have a vaccination certificate.

If you're travelling in Europe, don't forget to take your European health card - a recent replacement for the E111 form. The card entitles its holder to state-provided medical treatment in the event of illness or accident. Holiday insurance is also advisable, as the card may not cover you for all costs incurred.

If you have a prescription, your GP can provide a maximum of 3 months medication for your trip. Carry a letter from your doctor explaining that they are a requirement for your condition. Should you need to take out a prescription abroad, the process varies from country to country (as do the names of medicines,) so it's worth doing your research in case you should lose your medication.

A safe journey

If you don’t travel well, taking a plane or ferry to your destination can cause its own health problems.

Travel sickness is fairly common and can be combated by a variety of methods, including over-the-counter tablets and wristbands. Consult with your pharmacist in advance of your journey.

If you are taking less common medication when flying, it’s a good idea to check your airline’s rules and regulations on how they should be carried and stored. Airlines will tend to allow most medicines in your hand luggage, but recently-heightened restrictions mean you may well be asked to taste it before boarding.

On long-haul flights, stretch your legs at regular intervals. Keeping the blood flowing freely in your legs will help stave off the potential dangers of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Other tips to help you feel your best in-flight include avoiding alcohol and coffee, which will dehydrate you in the pressurized atmosphere, and sucking boiled sweets to avoid the unpleasant sensation of your ears ‘popping’.

Protect yourself

In the excitement of arriving at your sun-kissed destination, don’t forget basic levels of protection such as sun cream and insect repellent.

High-factor sun cream, thoroughly re-applied every couple of hours, is the best way of avoiding painful sun-burn and its associated dangers. Re-apply straight away after swimming or showering.

Mosquitoes and other insects can be kept at bay by any number of sprays, roll-on sticks and tablets available in large supermarkets. As an additional measure to avoid being bitten, try not to wear too much black clothing - Mosquitoes are attracted to black.

www.travelhealth.co.uk - Independent travel site.