The last thing anyone wants when going on that well-deserved and longed for holiday is to become ill, but sometimes there is nothing you can do to avoid it. However, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce your chances of falling poorly either at home or abroad.
Here are some of the best tried and tested tips to staying healthy on holiday.
Disinfecting Wipes
These are vital when on holiday as they reduce the risk of picking up any unwanted germs, and they are also lightweight so they can be easily stored in your luggage. We advise using the wipes to clean seats and tables on public transport or in any public place.
Avoid Dehydration
Drink, drink, drink, yes we can’t recommend it enough. Drinking plenty of water on your holiday is a must – particularly if you’re in a hot climate. Also, try not to drink too much alcohol, anything that contains caffeine or fizzy drinks.
Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands often and thoroughly will reduce the spread of stomach upsets and respiratory problems. We also suggest taking along some antibacterial hand gels for occasions when hand washing facilities are not easily accessible.
Prevention
Look up the health recommendations for the destination that you are travelling to. But make sure you leave plenty of time for this before you travel in case you need to book an appointment for any required vaccinations.
Small First Aid Kit
It is always worthwhile taking some medical supplies with you, this way you will be prepared should anyone fall ill or occur an injury. This will come in handy when you can’t get to a pharmacy quickly. Things which may come in useful are insect repellent, bite creams, antihistamines, and rehydration salts.
Natural Live Yoghurts
Supplements of probiotics can help prevent stomach upsets, so natural yoghurts are a must as we all know that the change in temperature and food is likely to cause stomach problems. So, eat plenty of yoghurt as this will help fight those harmful bugs.
Be Sun Safe
Sunstroke is one of the most common causes of illness on holiday. That’s why it is important that you and your children are protected from the sun at all times. It may also be a good idea to try and get your kids to play in the shade or if this isn’t possible to make sure that they are covered up.
Keep Moving
When flying, change position in your seat regularly and avoid crossing your legs, this will minimise the risk of a DVT and other circulatory disorders. Likewise when at your destination, make sure you take some light exercise to keep you healthy and active.
Avoid Itchy Bug Bites
Take an insect repellent, and if you’re travelling to a tropical climate make sure you use a high strength one, preferably one that includes the ingredient Deet.
Get Enough Sleep
You’re on holiday which means this is the time to recharge your batteries. Make the most of catching up on your sleep as sleep is one of the best healers and can help stimulate healthy toxins to keep you vitalised and fresh.
Vitamin C with Zinc
Take this a couple of weeks before you travel and while on holiday to avoid picking up a cold.
Avoid Swallowing Water
Make sure children are supervised when in water and don’t swallow any water while they are swimming or playing in it.
Be Prepared
We hope you will not need to use this, but we suggest that you carry a list of local doctors and hospitals around with you. This will make things so much easier if you need to find a hospital quickly.
Watch What You Eat
When eating food make sure that it is served hot and not at room temperature. Avoid eating eggs with runny yolks and make sure all fruit and veg are washed in clean water. We would also advise avoiding food from street vendors unless you are sure they have a good standard of hygiene. Cold meats, cheese, shellfish and mayonnaise (unless in individual sachets) can also harbour bacteria.
Travelling With a Chronic Illness
If you have a chronic illness then carry a card with you that identifies in the local language your blood type, condition, any allergies, and any medications you may need to take. Also, make sure you remember to take any essential prescription medicines.
Avoid Migraines
Too much sun, not drinking enough fluids, and skipping meals can all contribute to a migraine, so try and keep all this in mind by eating regularly and drinking plenty of water.
Use a Saline Spray
Washing out your sinuses with a saline spray can help prevent a number of illnesses as viruses often enter the body through the nose.
Think About Where You Are Swimming
Do not swim in freshwater where sanitation is poor.
Think About Others
If you’re ill with a virus or tummy bug we suggest that you stay in your hotel room. As frustrating as this will be it will help speed up your recovery – unless you need medical care of course. This won’t only allow you to rest and keep cool, but it will also prevent the virus from spreading. And it is always best if you have someone who is willing to look after you, for instance, someone who is on hand to bring you fluids and medication.
Check the Ice Source
If you want ice in your drinks, check where it originates from. If it is tap water then you are best avoiding it.
Tips to Help with Motion Sickness
Anyone who suffers from motion sickness has our sympathy as this can make you feel extremely miserable. If this applies to you then here are a few useful tips to help avoid it. Closing your eyes where possible can often help stop the feeling of nausea, and if this doesn’t work try lying flat, this may be easier in some instances than others, for example, when travelling by boat. Avoid reading or watching videos as this will only add to the feeling of sickness. Plenty of fresh air can help, yes this isn’t ideal when flying, but it is a good idea if you’re travelling by car. As always, drink plenty of water and ask your pharmacist for over the counter medicines. Another trick is to keep swallowing, at first it will make you feel worse, but if you persist , after just a few seconds,it should eventually stop the nausea.
Fortunately, most people go on holiday without any illnesses or mishaps, but we hope that following these steps will reduce or hopefully prevent any of you from becoming ill. Do any of you have any tips you can share with us?
Facebook
Twitter
Email 
