Dr Xand’s ‘number one’ rule to avoid getting sick on holiday
Travellers wanting to stay healthy abroad can follow the TV doctor's guide
Hantavirus has reignited concerns amongst travellers about falling ill while on holiday, but BBC's Dr Xand has outlined a straightforward checklist that holidaymakers can adopt to reduce their chances of picking up viruses or illnesses during their trip.
His recommendations encompassed hand hygiene, steering clear of local animals, getting beverages without ice, applying insect repellent, while stressing that the most crucial measure is simply being aware of what action to take and where to get assistance in your immediate area.
During his appearance on Morning Live on May 11, the medic explained: "You can manage your risk of illness in a few different ways. We've got standard things like hand washing which is terribly important, and probably a bit more when your guts aren't used to the local bugs.
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"Drinks without ice is a famous one. If ice isn't made with good water, it can melt and release bugs in (your drink)."
Regarding animals, Dr Xand and presenter Gethin Jones stressed it's "sensible" to refrain from stroking wilder creatures such as monkeys, whether you're in the UK or travelling overseas.
However, if you're venturing further afield for your break, the doctor suggested avoiding contact with local dogs as well. In such situations, insect repellent serves as an effective additional precaution to safeguard against animal-transmitted diseases.
Lastly, Dr Xand revealed his "number one" recommendation when journeying abroad is simply "know what to do when something goes wrong".
Specifically, travellers should know:
- Who to call locally in case of an emergency
- Whether or not their insurance is up to date
- Where the nearest hospital is
He continued: "You shouldn't let all these fears stop you from going on your Adventures. I think it's brilliant that you go and do these things."
While these precautions can reduce the likelihood of picking up viruses while abroad, Dr Xand cautioned that there's a more significant threat travellers might overlook during their trips.
He explained: "You can be disoriented and things can go wrong quite quickly...So the first thing I would say; if you're on holiday, do not worry about Hantavirus, worry about crossing the road, look both ways.
"Road traffic accidents are the number one danger to travellers around the world."
