Stay Healthy on Holiday
How to avoid being ill on holiday, and what to do if the worst happens…
The last thing you want when you’re on holiday is to get sick. There’s nothing worse than being confined to your hotel room while your friends are out seeing the sights or enjoying the nightlife. And it’s not just a bout of diarrhoea that could hit – there are some nasty diseases out there that you need to be aware of. Follow our tips and you’ll be set for a healthy, happy holiday.
Food Poisoning and Diarrhoea
Adapting to the diet of a foreign destination can play havoc with your digestive system. To avoid ‘traveller’s belly’ you should:
• wash your hands frequently
• be sensible with your choices and avoid street food or anything that looks unsanitary
• check if the water in your resort or city is suitable for drinking. If not, make sure you use bottled water to clean your teeth and avoid ice with drinks, as well as fruit that you haven’t washed yourself
• only eat well-cooked meat and fish, or avoid it altogether if you’re unsure that it’s fresh
If you’re unlucky and feel the symptoms coming on, don’t panic. Drink plenty of water and avoid dairy products and alcohol. Rest up, and only use anti-diarrhoea medication as a last resort. They may help in the short-term, but it’s better to let the bug leave your system naturally.
Sunstroke
Sunstroke strikes when the body’s heat-regulating system shuts down after exposure to the sun. It can be life-threatening, so make sure you catch it early. Symptoms include weakness and fatigue, aching muscles, nausea, clammy skin, rapid pulse, dizziness, heavy sweating, fainting and headaches.
Avoid it by staying out of the midday sun and limiting your exposure throughout the day. If you think you have sunstroke, you must lower your body’s temperature with a cold bath or ice pack, then seek medical advice.
Serious diseases like hepatitis, malaria and typhoid are rife in many countries (especially developing nations) so make sure you ask your GP about inoculations before you travel.
Find cheap flights to world destinations at FlightComparison.co.uk.