subject: 6 Holiday Health Tips [print this page] 6 Holiday Health Tips 6 Holiday Health Tips
Feeling ill in this country is bad enough, but feeling unwell whilst you're abroad is even worse! Whilst we can't really help it if we catch a cold just days before we travel, we can do our best to avoid serious illness whilst we're away. And what's more, if we do catch a cold have something packed to make ourselves feel better.
1. Talk to Your Doctor In Good Time About Any Jabs
If you are travelling outside of Europe it's always best to talk to your Doctor a couple of months before you travel to see if you need any jabs or tablets. This way the Doctor will be able to give you accurate advice on any preventative medication or jabs you may need to take to keep healthy, also book you an appointment to have the said medication, but most importantly it gives you enough time to actually have the jabs in order for them to work properly.
For example, malaria tablets usually need to be taken a few weeks before travel (as well as during travel and after you get back); whilst the Yellow Fever jab has to be given two weeks prior to travel.
2. Booster Jabs
And don't assume that if you've already had a series of jabs you are protected have you had your booster jabs? Never take a chance when it comes to you and your family's health always talk to your Doctor.
3. Pack Your Own Medicine Cabinet
If you're feeling ill on holiday, with a spot of deli belly' or bombay bum' the last thing you want to worry about is trying to leave your hotel room and find a chemist. That's why all travellers, whether you're holidaying in Europe or South America, should always pack a mini medical cabinet! As well as diarrhoea tablets, tummy upset chews and cold and flu remedies also be sure to pack some plasters, some paracetamol or similar, antihistamines and some antiseptic wipes can come in handy too! And if you're travelling with small children make sure you pack some Calpol, for example.
4. Insect Repellents
Closer to home or further afield, insect bites are nasty! Be sure to pack plenty of insect repellents including sprays and creams. Also you can help yourself at night by using mosquito nets if they are provided and keeping windows and doors closed at night.
5. Bottled Water
To avoid any tummy upsets, wherever you are travelling always drink bottled water never tap water! It's also worth asking any bartenders not to add ice to your drink as these are usually made of tap water. And if they have been added remove them. If you have small children and you are travelling somewhere exotic' then it's worth using bottled water to brush their teeth it might seem a bit extreme but small tummies are far more sensitive than grown up tummies!
6. Street Food
In many countries market stalls selling food are a big attraction and its part of the holiday adventure by trying it. However do be aware that this food could have been exposed to all sorts of bacteria that Westerners just aren't used to. If you can try to avoid it especially raw meats and fish. At the very least make a judgement call on whether you think it looks ok, what it smells like, what are the surroundings like i.e. does it look clean and fresh?
