I'm a GP — here are 9 things to think about before your summer holiday
EXCLUSIVE: Express health columnist Dr Azeem Majeed shares his travel advice for staying healthy on holiday.
Most people return from an overseas holiday feeling recharged, with a camera roll full of memories and a handful of souvenirs. But as an NHS GP, I have seen many people whose holidays and their return to the UK have been ruined by an illness that could have been prevented or made less serious through better planning.
Although media reports often focus on worrying but rarer illnesses — such as the recent outbreaks of Ebola and Hantavirus — the health issues most travellers experience are from more common illnesses. Problems such as food poisoning, sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion, respiratory infections and accidents are far more likely to affect holidaymakers than exotic illnesses. Here’s how to minimise your risk of experiencing any travel nightmares this summer.
Plan ahead before you travel
Check the health advice for your destination well before departure. Health risks vary between countries and can also change over time because of disease outbreaks or local health issues.
A useful source of travel health advice is TravelHealthPro from the National Travel Health Network and Centre. The website provides country-specific information on recommended vaccinations, malaria risk, food and water safety, and other health precautions you may need to take to stay healthy. You can also check the UK government’s travel advice site for country-specific information.
Travellers should seek advice at least four to six weeks before departure because travel clinics and GP surgeries can become busy during peak holiday periods.
If you are travelling in Europe, apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This allows UK residents to access medically necessary healthcare in participating countries on the same basis as local residents. However, the GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. It does not cover private healthcare, repatriation to the UK or some other costs that can arise during medical emergencies abroad.
Vaccinations
Travel vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to reduce the risks from serious infectious diseases. Vaccines that are available free through the NHS following a travel risk assessment include hepatitis A, typhoid fever, cholera and polio. Other travel vaccines are usually only available privately. These include vaccines for hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis and tick-borne encephalitis. Yellow fever vaccination is only available at designated centres.
The vaccinations you need will depend on factors such as your destination and length of stay, planned activities and type of accommodation, and your age and medical/vaccination history.
Malaria
Malaria is present in parts of Africa, Asia and South America. Preventing malaria involves a combination of avoiding mosquito bites and, where recommended, taking antimalarial tablets. These medicines are usually bought privately from pharmacies or travel clinics.
Simple measures can also reduce the risk of other mosquito-borne infections such as dengue fever and Zika virus. Travellers should use insect repellents, wear clothing that covers exposed skin, and sleep in air-conditioned rooms or under mosquito nets where appropriate.
Food poisoning
Food and water safety are essential. Gastroenteritis remains one of the most common illnesses affecting people abroad. Risks can be reduced by:
- Drinking bottled or properly treated water
- Avoiding ice in areas with unsafe water
- Eating food that is freshly cooked and served hot
- Avoiding raw or undercooked meat and seafood
- Washing hands regularly
Travelling with medical conditions
People who take prescription medication should prepare carefully before travelling. Carry enough medication for the entire trip, plus some extra in case of unexpected changes to travel plans.
Medicines should ideally be carried in hand luggage in their original packaging, together with a copy of the prescription. Some countries have restrictions on medicines that are commonly prescribed in the UK, particularly controlled drugs, so travellers should check regulations before departure.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is especially important for people with pre-existing medical conditions. Travellers should ensure that all relevant medical information is declared accurately when obtaining insurance as failure to disclose a medical condition could invalidate a claim. This can easily happen — particularly if you have a policy that automatically renews each year — so do notify your insurer about any new medical issues.
People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory conditions may also benefit from discussing travel plans with a healthcare professional before departure.
Certain groups should seek specialist advice before travelling, including: pregnant women, older people and people with weakened immune systems.
Staying healthy during your holiday
In hot climates, dehydration and heat exhaustion are common. Travellers should drink adequate fluids, avoid excessive alcohol intake and stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day. Sunburn can occur quickly, particularly near water or at high altitude. Using high-factor sunscreen, wearing hats and protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure reduce this risk.
Long-distance travel can also disrupt sleep patterns and cause jet lag. Adjusting sleep gradually before travel, staying hydrated and spending time in natural daylight after arrival may help reduce symptoms.
Travellers visiting mountainous regions should also be aware of altitude sickness, which can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea and breathlessness. Gradual ascent and adequate rest are important preventive measures.
Respiratory infections, including influenza and Covid-19, continue to circulate internationally. Avoiding close contact with people who are unwell can help reduce risks during travel.
When you return home
Travel-related illnesses may not become apparent until after you return to the UK. Malaria, for example, can sometimes present weeks or even months after travel.
Anyone who develops symptoms such as fever, persistent diarrhoea, an unexplained rash or a severe illness after returning from abroad should seek medical advice and inform healthcare professionals about their travel history.
Most travel health problems can be prevented with sensible preparation and awareness of local risks. Checking official advice, arranging vaccinations in good time, taking appropriate precautions and travelling with adequate insurance will all help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable holiday abroad.
