Common Travel Bugs: How To Overcome Them

Sunday, June 18, 2017

We all look forward to a great summer holiday but sometimes they can end up getting hampered by unwanted health troubles. Becoming unwell whilst abroad can be quite common, and being away from home while it occurs can feel very unpleasant.

Here we take a look at some common health bugs you might experience abroad and how to reduce the risks, and stay as healthy as possible while you're away.

Sickness and diarrhoea

Depending on where you are visiting, traveller's diarrhoea can be quite common. This is due to a range of factors, but mainly the quality and cleanliness of local water. To reduce the risk of sickness and diarrhoea whilst away be sure to wash your hands properly, with an antibacterial gel, before eating and after using the toilet. Try to only drink from bottled water rather than using the tap water. Also, be mindful that the cooking methods and ingredients might be different from back home, which may cause your stomach to become upset.

Sun burn

Sun burn is a common ailment for many travelling abroad. It is important to cover up and use the correct SPF in order to protect yourself against harmful UV rays which may cause sun damage and skin cancer.

To reduce the risk of sun burn use suntan lotion that protects aganst UVA and UVB rays, also be sure to use protection that is at least factor 15. Sun damage risks can also be reduced by staying out of direct sunlight during the hottest times, between 11am and 3pm. If you do find that you are starting to burn, cover up with a shirt, and protect your head with a hat.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke, or heat exhaustion, can be another health issue that may affect you abroad. The risk of heat stroke increases while exposed to hot weather, so it is important that steps are taken towards prevention. If you are on holiday somewhere with hot weather be sure to drink a lot of cold drinks throughout the day in order to stay hydrated, avoid consuming too much alcohol, and avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm.

Insect bites

For the most part mosquito bites are simply an annoyance to travellers, but sometimes they can turn into something more serious, such as an allergic reaction or a mosquito-borne disease.

If you are visiting a country that is high risk for malaria, talk to your GP or pharmacist about a course of anti-malarial tablets. Whilst away be sure to use insect repellent, and a mosquito net where appropriate.