As summer getaways approach, countless Brits are eagerly preparing for their breaks, but the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is advising people to consider their wellbeing when filling their suitcases. The Travel Health Pro website provides current information on emerging cases across various nations, offering advice for both travellers and medical practitioners.
The organisation has put together an “essential travel checklist” to keep you and your family healthy while overseas, including checking what illnesses are common in the countries you’re visiting. The UKHSA maintains an extensive directory detailing which illnesses require heightened awareness in specific destinations, whilst also highlighting some particularly serious conditions.
Disease prevention
This includes mosquito-transmitted illnesses such as malaria, which can be catastrophic yet are readily preventable.
UKHSA recommends: “Mosquito-borne diseases pose significant risks in many parts of the world, including some European destinations.
“Protect yourself by wearing long-sleeved clothing, using insect repellent (at least 50% DEET), and sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets where air conditioning isn’t available.”
This year, travellers should exercise particular caution regarding dengue fever, as infection rates have surged worldwide since last year, particularly in destinations such as Barbados, Thailand, Brazil and India.
Zika virus remains a concern, with the UKHSA specifically advising expectant mothers to exercise extra vigilance regarding this illness.
Rabies poses another threat in numerous popular holiday destinations, spreading through bites or scratches from infected creatures. Whilst this disease proves almost invariably fatal once symptoms manifest, vaccination and prompt treatment can prevent it from becoming lethal.
Nevertheless, the most effective method to safeguard yourself and your loved ones from rabies, dengue fever and malaria is simply avoiding contact with animals and employing protective measures such as mosquito nets and insect repellent to keep these pests at bay.
General holiday health
Summer getaways have become virtually synonymous with sunburn, as holidaymakers attempt to maximise every moment of sunshine before returning to their routine lives in workplaces and classrooms. But this behaviour can be hazardous.
Dehydration can result in severe health complications, whilst excessive sun exposure heightens your risk of developing skin cancer. However, the solution isn’t always as straightforward as drinking more water.
The UKHSA cautioned: “Be mindful of water and food safety – when appropriate, drink bottled water. Traveller’s diarrhoea is common in many destinations. If affected, rest, drink plenty of bottled fluids supplemented with rehydration salts if possible.
“Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or don’t improve within three days. Protect yourself from excessive sun exposure by staying in the shade between 11am and 3pm, wearing sunscreen, a hat and light clothing.”
If you feel under the weather upon returning to the UK, it’s crucial to inform healthcare providers about your recent journey. Make sure to mention where you’ve been, the duration of your stay, and any potential risky activities that might have exposed you to illness, such as consuming contaminated water, contact with stray animals, or unprotected sexual encounters while abroad.