Whether you’re having a weekend in Paris, 10 days in Italy or two weeks in Thailand, it’s important you be aware of how to stay safe and healthy on your next trip
The summer season has arrived and whether you’re off for a city break in Paris, embarking on a 10-day Italian adventure or jetting off for two weeks in Thailand, it’s essential to be clued up on how to keep safe and sound during your travels.
With July heralding the start of the high holiday period when vast numbers of Brits take to the skies in pursuit of cultural experiences and pristine beaches, it’s important to remember that being somewhere new brings potential hazards. This is why the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has rolled out vital recommendations for anyone with a trip planned this month.
In a clip shared online, Anjali Pai, the Border Health Lead at the UKHSA, provided valuable insight: “Before we go on holiday, there are some things we can all do to reduce the risk of us becoming unwell. First of all, you can check the Travel Health Pro Website which has got really good information on travelling and things to do before we travel.”
Pai also advocates perusing official government travel advisory sites, where a comprehensive rundown on each country and any health risks you need to know about is available. As such information is frequently updated, even seasoned travellers to familiar destinations should take note as health advice may have changed since their last visit.
Anjali also advises consulting your local GP to ensure you’ve arranged any necessary vaccinations for overseas travel. She emphasises: “There are also some travel vaccines that are really crucial if you’re travelling to certain countries. Things like hepatitis A and typhoid can be easily prevented by a vaccine.”
There’s nothing more disappointing than checking into a luxurious foreign hotel only to immediately come down with a cold caught on the plane. To help avoid this, the agency suggests several preventative measures.
First and foremost is hand hygiene – ensuring you wash your hands for 30 seconds with warm water and soap, particularly before meals and after using the loo.
Another straightforward tip is to always have tissues at the ready in case of sudden coughs or sneezes. If you’re jetting off to a tropical destination or an area known for mosquitoes, it’s wise to arm yourself with insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing and nets to prevent bites.
Lastly, Anjali reminds us: “Safe sexual health is something we should all be practising when we are abroad by using condoms.”
Upon returning to British soil, if you fall ill shortly afterwards, it could be due to something you contracted while away. Therefore, if you or anyone else in your party exhibits similar symptoms, it’s recommended to seek medical advice promptly.