holiday health information

It is not much fun being sick whilst on holiday. Not only do you have to cope with the illness, you have to deal with it in unfamiliar surroundings, often in a foreign language, via unfamiliar practices and procedures.

You can minimise the risk of a health problem whilst on holiday by following a few simple steps.

Health advice for before you go

1. Don't rely on Form E111. It only covers emergency medical treatment and it doesn't cover dental emergencies at all, unless they are life threatening. Make sure you have good quality health insurance. If you buy it direct it doesn't cost very much. See our travel insurance page.
2. The Department of Health produces a booklet - 'Health Advice for Travellers' (T5). It is available from most Post Offices and online at open.gov.uk
3. Seek advice about vaccinations at least 6 - 8 weeks before you travel and take your vaccination certificate on with you on holiday.
4. Pack any medication in your hand luggage.
5. Carry a spare doctor's prescription for your medication in a separate bag. Note the generic names of prescription drugs as brand names may vary abroad.
6. Take a prescription for your glasses and a small first aid kit.
7. If you are due a trip to the dentist, make time to fit this in before you go. You don't want the stress and cost of visiting a foreign dentist.

Health advice for on the Flight
Taking a flight can be a health hazard. In addition to DVT, (see the article in the box on the left) you will be cooped up in a plane only inches away from other passengers.

1. Sit as near the front of the plane as possible - the air is 'fresher'.
2. Cabin pressure and atmosphere dry the skin and contribute to swollen hands and feet. Babies in particular become dehydrated on flights.
3. Reduce dehydration by drinking water and cutting down on alcohol and coffee during the flight.
4. Take your shoes off when you are seated to let your feet breathe.
5. Stretch your legs every hour and wriggle your toes and ankles to keep the blood circulating.
6. If you get travel sick consider travel sickness pills / wrist bands (see the article in the box on the left)
7. Suck boiled sweets or yawn to stabilise popping ears.

Health advice for whilst you're away

1. If you or any of your party requires emergency treatment, make sure you call your travel insurer's emergency helpline as soon as is practical and take their advice. If you don't, they may refuse to pay for any treatment required.
2. If malaria tablets are required, make sure you take them whilst on holiday and complete the course when you return home.
3. Use insect repellent. You may need a different repellent for children.
4. Mosquitoes can carry 80 different diseases. They like to feed in the early evening. Cover arms, legs and feet, avoid wearing black (mosquitoes are attracted to black) and don't spend time outside near stagnant water.
5. Spray rooms with insecticides before you go out for an evening meal (remembering to lock doors and windows).
6. Burn insect repellent tablets and coils at night. These are much cheaper in larger foreign supermarkets than in the UK.
7. Don't scratch bites - they will become inflamed and infected, and could scar. Soothe them with antihistamine cream, calamine lotion and ice. Menthol spray reduces itching and arnica reduces inflammation.
8. If bites begin to turn nasty seek medical advice immediately.
9. Unless you're sure it's safe, don't drink the water. This advice includes not eating ice-cream or having ice in your drinks and don't eat salads or shell fish, which are usually washed in tap water. Drink boiled or bottled water or use purifying tablets.
10. Check the seal on bottled water. It's not unheard of to find tap water where you least expect it.
11. Beware of food left uncovered on display at room temperature - that includes buffets and the sweet trolley.
12. Beware of strong sun - especially between 11am and 3 pm. Apply high factor sun creams frequently and wear a sun hat.