There really is nothing worse than saving up your hard-earned money to travel abroad and being too ill to enjoy your break in the sun, no matter how long it might be for. Luckily, in genuine health-related emergencies, your esta visa card has got you covered for several medical fees in the US but if you’ve ever looked forward to relaxing in the sun to only fall ill when you arrive, here’s how you can avoid getting ill on holiday, whether you are jetting off for some winter sun or are preparing for the holiday-of-a-lifetime next summer.
Get Vaccinated
As the saying goes; ‘Prevention is always better than cure’, and there really is no better way to reduce the risk of getting an unwanted disease than being vaccinated against it before you travel. There are several factors that can affect your eligibility for a vaccination, including your personal medical history, duration of travel and what activities you plan to do abroad - depending on where you are travelling to, you may not even need one! However, if you do need one, they are often identified in three unique categories:
Required Vaccinations
Required vaccinations refer to vaccinations you must have before you are allowed to enter a country where a disease is present, such as yellow fever and polio. In order to be granted entry to the country, you will need to provide proof of vaccination in the form of an international certificate of vaccination, which will be handed to you at time of vaccination.
Recommended Vaccinations
Recommend vaccinations refer to those that aren’t generally included in the routine vaccination schedule where you live. These can include vaccinations against hepatitis, rabies, cholera and typhus – just a few on the list.
Routine Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations are given to everyone in their childhood. These will predominantly include the BCG vaccine, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and vaccinations for DTP, as well as mumps, measles and rubella (MMR). Young girls will also be given HPV, to reduce the risk of cervical cancers. It is vital that you are up-to-date with all of your routine vaccinations at all times, especially if you plan to travel!
Drink Bottled Water
Sometimes, you can’t be certain of the purity of the local water you are drinking, or if you are traveling in areas where sanitation isn’t of a high standard. If this is the case, then it should go without saying that you should avoid drinking the local tap water. Even if locals drink it without any problems, your stomach may not contain the right bacteria to prevent you becoming ill. When you drink bottled water, double-check that the seal is intact. Use it to brush your teeth, as well as to make ice for a cool glass of fizz in the sun.
Protect yourself again the sun
It’s easy to get carried away in the sun and not realise what effect the strong rays are having to your skin. Forgetting to reapply sun cream is the top reason several holidaymakers suffer from sunburn each year. We suggest topping up your SPF 30 once every hour, or more if you are in and out of the pool to escape the heat! However, protecting yourself and your family from the sun involves more than just avoiding bad sunburn. You should stay hydrated throughout the day by carrying a bottle of water with you at all times in a tropical climate to avoid being hit by sudden heat exhaustion or becoming a victim of heatstroke. If you are struck down by the heat, continue to drink plenty of fluid but avoid alcohol and caffeine. Take a cool bath or shower to relieve the discomfort, and avoid wearing any tight clothing until your skin has settled.
Stay active!
There really is no doubt about it; one of the best ways to stay healthy and continue fighting off unwanted infections and viruses is regular exercise. Not only does exercise improve your overall health, it also strengthens your immune system, so you are less likely to fall ill on holiday. And if you do get sick on holiday? Your body will be better accustomed to get you back on your feet in a matter of days. Although a hike in the country side or trek up a mountain may not be at the top of your agenda (did someone say cocktails on the beach?), just 30 minutes of exercise can help battle bugs!