Top tips for travellers

IF you’re jetting off on holiday, falling ill while you’re there is the last thing you need but there are plenty of things you can do to make sure illness, pain and discomfort don’t spoil your much-needed break. Here are some top tips:

Traveller’s diarrhoea affects many people on holiday, and is often caused by drinking local water. Although many people are aware they shouldn’t drink it, it’s easy to forget the rule applies to ice cubes in drinks too.

Avoid ice entirely in countries where you’re advised not to drink the water. Try making your own ice cubes from bottled water if you’ve got access to a freezer.

Water isn’t the only cause of dodgy tums on holiday. In hot countries, be wary of cooked food in all-day buffets that may have been left out for long periods and cooled, as bacteria could have crept in. Also, check any meat, particularly poultry, is cooked through, and always wash your hands after contact with food, animals and rubbish.

Staying well hydrated is always important — but even more so when you’re somewhere hot, as your body loses fluid more quickly, which could result in feeling exhausted and unwell, or heat exhaustion and even serious heat stroke.

Prevention is better than cure, so carry bottled water with you and sip throughout the day, rather than waiting until you feel thirsty or just having a drink at mealtimes.

Water from the sea or pool can get inside ears while swimming, and for holidaymakers susceptible to ear infections or ‘swimmer’s ear’, extra care is advised. Consider wearing ear plugs swimming.”

Don’t swim in contact lenses. Apart from the risk of losing them, you could get a serious eye infection from the sea or pool. Also, never use tap water to rinse lenses, particularly when abroad.