This is a partnered guest post.
Jumping on a plane to a tropical country may sound like a dream come true, now that the cold British weather is sinking in. However, according to experts, those who are choosing to travel halfway across the world this autumn may be putting their health at great risk, if they don’t seek medical advice.
Doctors recommend seeing a physician at least six weeks before you plan to go on holiday, to assess the dangers of travelling without vaccinations or medical protection. Even UK residents who are returning to their country of origin may need medical assistance, because previous immunities may have faded away with time.
To avoid putting your health in jeopardy this year, make sure you have travel insurance and consult with solicitors about your legal rights in that country. There are other precautions you can take whilst abroad which reduce the likelihood of contracting unwanted diseases. Just follow these simple instructions to stay safe and healthy on your holiday.
Water and Food
Don’t drink the tap water in other countries with poor sanitation, and don’t put ice in your drinks. Always drink from bottled beverages, as there is a low risk of contamination.
Never eat anything uncooked like salads and fruit unless you prepared them yourself. Don’t eat foods that have been kept at room temperature. The food you do consume should be piping hot and thoroughly cooked to kill off harmful bacteria.
Insect Bites
Try to avoid areas with a high concentration of biting insects. Mosquitoes that induce malaria usually bite between dusk and dawn, so stay indoors as much as possible during these hours. Products containing DEET are proven to repel insects effectively, but be careful to follow instructions correctly.
To avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes, wear loose clothing and cover up! Mosquitoes can easily bite through tight outfits. Always sleep under a mosquito net and immediately patch up any obvious holes.
Sun Safety
Heat exhaustion and sunburn is common in exceptionally hot countries. You can prevent skin damage by using sun protection lotion with a high SPF – make sure it isn’t past its expiry date. If you are taking children with you, layer them up with sun cream regularly, as their skin is more vulnerable to burns.
Avoid sun bathing between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm, as that’s when the sun is at its most ferocious. Spend time in the shade during this time – either under umbrellas or indoors.
If you’re going for a paddle in the sea, be aware that the water washes the sunscreen off your skin, meaning you are completely exposed. The cooling effect of the water can be deceptive and make you think that you are fine, even though your skin is getting toasted! To top it all off, water reflects UV rays, and actually increases your exposure to the sun.
It’s unlikely that you’ll get through a sunny holiday without a little sunburn, so take anti-inflammatory painkillers and aftersun to minimise the damage. Gently apply cold water to sore skin, but if your skin starts swelling or blisters, get yourself to a doctor fast.
Written on behalf of Hughes Carlisle who are solicitors based in Liverpool and Warrington assisting a variety of personal injury claims
