How the experts health-proof their holidays
From dealing with traveller’s tum to getting help in an emergency, Natasha Holt asks medics how they stay well while they’re abroad…
Avoid the lurgy on the plane
“I always book a window seat on the plane, as they are the cleanest,” says Dr Deborah Lee (doctorfox.co.uk).
“Before take-off I wipe my tray table and seat buckle with a sanitising wipe and direct the overhead air vent to deflect the air away from my face, to avoid germs.
“I also drink lots of water during the flight, as staying hydrated boosts the immune system and I always have a herbal tea in mid-air as the steam helps moisturise the nasal passages, which makes them more effective at keeping out germs.”
Protect your gut
“To protect against stomach bugs from swimming or from local food, I take a probiotic, and in the run-up to going away and wduring my holiday I step up the dose from 20 billion live cultures to 50 billion, taking Healthspan’s Super50 Pro,” says Dr Sarah Brewer. “I also take artichoke extracts to aid digestion, especially when travelling.”
Tackle those bites
“My must-have is a pot of Sudocrem,” says Sharon Copeland, optician at Feel Good Contacts. “I love this for bites, stings and burns.
“I carry lubricating eye drops to use on the flight to combat dry eyes and I also pack four pairs of sunglasses and take a photocopy of my passport and travel insurance documents just in case.”
Take care of your meds
“I make sure that whoever I’m travelling with puts any medicines in their hand luggage, so they are with them at all times and won’t get lost if their suitcases end up in a different country,” says Phil Day, superintendent pharmacist at Pharmacy2U.
“I also tell anyone taking regular repeat medication to take a copy of their repeat prescription list with them to show any local healthcare professionals in case of emergency.
“If I travel to the US, I always buy some melatonin from a pharmacy while I’m there to manage the jet lag – it’s not available in the UK without a prescription.”
Beat traveller’s tummy
“Before heading out for a day trip I put a bottle of water in my bag and avoid buying drinks with ice, as it’s usually made with tap water, which isn’t safe to drink everywhere,” says Dr Kathryn Basford from the online doctor’s service, ZAVA UK.
“If I’m buying food I’ll check it’s piping hot and opt for fruits I can peel myself to ensure against bacteria.”
Reduce stress
“Before I travel anywhere I make a list of everything I want to do there and then cut that list in half,” says therapist Marisa Peer.
“That way I make sure I have time to mentally recharge rather than just rushing around.”
Know where to get help
“Whenever I check into a hotel I make a mental note of who is on the front desk and whether there’s a concierge service as they would be my first port of call if I, or anyone I was travelling with, fell ill,” says Reshma Malde, superintendent pharmacist for John Bell & Croyden.
“Before I set off, I make sure my travel insurance is up to date and covers me for the country I’m visiting with no exclusions. I also let my credit card company know I’m travelling as paying for my holiday on my credit cards gives me additional insurance and access to emergency assistance if anything goes wrong.”
Get rid of bedbugs
“As soon as I arrive at my destination I spray Puressentiel Anti-Pest Fabric Spray on the mattresses, bed frames, around the rooms and on all the soft fabrics,” says chemist Dr Tim Bond.
“This not only kills bed bugs, fleas, house pests and dust mites but it also prevents re-infestation. I even spray it on any outdoor furniture too.”