Staying Healthy on Holiday
A little preparation before you travel goes a long way. Here are some simple tips to help you stay well on holiday:
- Research your destination: Different countries carry different health risks. Check the NHS Fit for Travel website before you go so you know what to expect and what to prepare for.
- Get travel insurance: Make sure your policy covers medical treatment abroad, including emergency repatriation. If you’re travelling within Europe, take your GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) as well.
- Stay hydrated: Heat and long journeys can dehydrate you faster than you realise. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially in hot climates, and limit alcohol in the sun.
- Wash your hands regularly: Good hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to avoid picking up illnesses abroad, particularly before eating and after using public facilities.
- Be mindful of food and water: In some destinations, tap water isn’t safe to drink. Stick to bottled or treated water, avoid drinks with ice and be cautious with raw or undercooked food from unfamiliar sources.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Shade, protective clothing, and a hat are just as important as sunscreen. Avoid being outside in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, usually between 11am and 3pm.
- Know where to get help: Before you travel, find out where the nearest hospital or pharmacy is to where you’re staying. Save the local emergency number in your phone, as it may not be 999.
Do I need travel vaccinations?
Depending on where you’re travelling, you might need some vaccinations before you go. The most common travel vaccinations are typhoid, hepatitis A and hepatitis B, yellow fever, and meningitis. Some vaccines need to be given weeks or even months before departure to take full effect, so it’s important to plan ahead.
We offer a range of travel vaccinations at our Oldham pharmacy, so you can get everything sorted in one place. Speak to your GP to find out exactly what is recommended for your destination.
