Holiday handbook

Travel health

Most of the health problems travellers worry about can be easily prevented by taking some basic precautions before you go away and while you're on holiday.

Before you go

Visit your GP or a specialist travel clinic at least six weeks before you go away to check if you need any immunisations or other medicines - anti-malarial tablets for example. For longer trips, it's also a good idea to visit your dentist and optician before travelling.

Taking medication

Check with the Embassy of the country you are visiting that the medication that you are taking is legal and find out if you will need to take a doctor's letter with you.

Pack enough supplies of any medication you regularly take in hand luggage and also take any prescription documents with you. Keep medication in its original packaging for easy identification.

Vaccinations

Chances are that you've had all the standard vaccinations, and if you're travelling somewhere like Australia, the US or most parts of Europe, it's really not an issue. But you may need booster shots or new vaccinations if you're travelling to parts of Asia, Africa and South America. Travel health clinics are the best place to get advice. Possible shots you may need include hepatitis A & B, typhoid, diphtheria and rabies. If visiting parts of South America or Africa, you'll need a yellow fever vaccination and proof of it to enter the country.

In transit

When flying, you should be aware of dehydration - drink plenty of water and avoid having too much alcohol.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a relatively rare but potentially fatal condition associated with flying. It occurs when blood clots form in the legs due to prolonged immobility. To avoid it, try to do some simple exercise in your seat and move around the aircraft when you can.

Stomach upset

A gurgling tummy, waves of nausea, weak limbs and a rush to the toilet is an affliction suffered at some stage by many travellers. If you are struck down, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration (if it's severe use an oral re-hydration solution), rest and avoid alcohol and spicy foods.

Medical kit checklist

A small medical kit can be invaluable on your travels. If your kit includes scissors, tweezers or syringes, don't carry it in your hand luggage on an aircraft. The following isn't an exhaustive list, rather some things you might consider taking with you:

• Plasters, bandages and gauze
• Sterile needles and syringes if visiting developing countries
• Antibacterial/antiseptic cream
• Diarrhoea medication; oral re-hydration solution and diarrhoea 'stopper'
• Paracetamol
• Throat lozenges
• Decongestant
• Antifungal cream
• Travel sickness or anti-nausea tablets

Healthy tips for when you're away

• Be safe in the sun. Avoid excessive sunbathing and wear a high factor sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
• Stay hydrated - be sure to drink plenty of water. If the local tap water is unsafe to drink, buy sealed bottled water to drink and brush your teeth
• Be cautious with street food in developing countries. Make sure your meal is freshly cooked by watching the vendor cook it while you wait
• Avoid biting or stinging insects, including mosquitoes, by wearing insect repellent and covering up in the evenings
• Consider taking daily multi-vitamins to supplement your diet

Listen to your body - travelling can be tiring, so make sure that you take time out to recover when you need it.

Follow the travel health advice you received from your doctor and remember that any problems are likely to be made worse by dehydration, tiredness or excessive alcohol consumption. Allow yourself time to adjust to new time zones, climate changes and the inevitable changes to your diet.