Holiday Health

by | May 30, 2017 | Holiday Health, News, Vaccinations

holiday health

Summer is here and our holidays abroad are fast approaching. Sun, sea and sand, what more could you want?  Making sure you are in top holiday health will be the key to having a great time.

Holiday health is just as important as being healthy at home, so one thing that you don’t want is sunburn or to catch a preventable disease.

This blog is going to give you some hints, tips and advice on what do before going abroad on holiday.

Vaccinations

The first thing you need to do is research where you are going and if you require getting vaccinated or not.

  • The NHS Fit for Travel website gives you all the details of what you will need for where you are going.
  • The NHS Choices website will give you details of what vaccinations are available free from your NHS doctor and what ones you will need to pay for.
  • If you are in a high-risk category, for example pregnant or have immune deficiencies then speak to your doctor before travelling.

On-Going Health Condition

If you have an on-going health condition then speak to your doctor before you go and make sure you are okay to travel and will have everything you need (including medication) when you are away.

Sun Protection

Be protected from the sun. Make sure you:

  • Stay out the sun as much as you can between 11am and 3pm.
  • Use the appropriate sunscreen factor (known as SPF) for your skin type (usually factor 50+ for children).
  • Cover up as much as possible with hats, suitable clothing and sunglasses to prevent burning and damage.
  • For more information on sunscreen and sun safety click here.

DVT

If you are going on a long-haul flight you may want to consider your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). To reduce the risk:

  • Get up from your seat while safe to do so and walk around.
  • Stretch your legs and move your feet up and down.
  • Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
  • Wear comfortable and loose fitting clothes.

Travel Insurance

Make sure you have the appropriate travel insurance in place before you go on holiday, and if you have an on-going health issue make sure you are covered correctly.

Finally

If you are unsure about how to prepare, regarding your holiday health, then please do not hesitate to contact Dr Lifson to discuss.

The main thing is to make sure you have fun, after all that’s what a holiday is for!