As we enter the summer holidays, we should be mindful of the different challenges that might crop up if we travel – either here in the UK or further afield.
Holidays and travel in general have the potential to present certain health challenges, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. Our attitude to risk and behaviour can also change on holiday, which can increase our vulnerability to accidents.
These challenges may include, but are not limited to:
- Infection – including COVID-19;
- Jet lag;
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT);
- Sunburn/heat stroke;
- Accidents – hazardous sports, drowning, road traffic accidents;
- Security issues.
Most trips will be low risk, but the following factors can increase risk:
- Travel to remote or undeveloped areas;
- Poor local infrastructure;
- Restricted access to medical facilities;
- Extreme climatic conditions;
- Transportation challenges;
- People’s behaviours.
Before the trip:
- Read up about the local area. Take a look at the FCO site to get advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on COVID-19, safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings https://www.gov.uk/foreigntravel-advice;
- Get medical advice about immunisations and prophylactic/preventative medication, e.g. for malaria, well ahead of the trip;
- Discuss any outstanding concerns and the impact that travel may have on your pre-existing health conditions with your GP/practice nurse;
- Make sure that you have enough medication for your trip, including medication rescue packs for those that may need them;
- Consider buying a traveller’s medical kit, extra masks, gloves, hand sanitisers and disinfectant wipes;
- Take out travel insurance/ get a UK Global Health Insurance Card (replaces EHIC). Find out more https://www.gov.uk/globalhealth-insurance-card;
- Find out what the COVID-19 requirements are for your flight, arrival at your location, departure and arrival back in the UK and take the steps you need to in a timely manner;
- Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport.
In order to minimise the risk of DVT (increased risk for flights of more than five hours):
- Minimise alcohol intake and keep well hydrated;
- Maintain mobility and exercise;
- Wear compression stockings for those medically advised to do so (note poorly fitted ones can increase the risk of DVT);
- Avoid tranquilising medication.
Note that the risk of DVT increases with smoking, recent surgery (within 10 days), pregnancy, family history of DVT, oral contraceptive pill and hormone-replacement therapy. There is no clear evidence of benefit in taking aspirin for the prevention of travel-related DVT.
Upon arrival:
- Jet lag: this starts to have an effect if you have travelled across three time zones. The resulting fatigue can affect your concentration and decision making. Allow time to acclimatise upon arrival;
- Traveller’s diarrhoea is the most common traveller’s health problem. Avoid/mitigate by eating freshly cooked food, eating fruit that can be washed or peeled, drinking safe water or ice and consider self-treatment antibiotics in your travel kit;
- Pay particular attention to alcohol, drug use and sexual behaviours while away from home;
- Take and wear sunscreen as appropriate;
If you are in an area endemic for malaria remember ABCD:
- Awareness;
- Bite prevention;
- Chemoprophylaxis (malaria tablets);
- Diagnosis and treatment.
And, most importantly...enjoy yourself!
References:
Related content
