Travel hits and myths

So you think you know how to have a fabulous, trouble-free flight and a happy holiday without getting ill? MICHELE O’CONNOR explores the more commonly held scare stories

SLEEP IS THE BEST CURE FOR JET LAG

FALSE: Contrary to popular belief, jet lag is not caused by lack of sleep but disruption to our bodies’ circadian rhythms as we travel across various time zones.

While it’s tempting to snooze after a long flight, it’s far better to get into the local routine as soon as possible, according to sleep expert Sammy Margo (thegoodsleepexpert.com).

She said: “If possible, get outside and expose yourself to natural light.

“Take some exercise and eat and sleep according to your new time zone.”

SITTING NEAR THE EMERGENCY EXIT GIVES THE BEST CHANCE OF SURVIVING A PLANE CRASH

NOT NECESSARILY: “Passengers near the tail of a plane are about 40 per cent more likely to survive a crash than those in the first few rows up front,” said Popular Mechanics, who examined every commercial jet crash in the US since 1971 that had both fatalities and survivors.

However, a report by the Civil Aviation Authority revealed the aisle seats near the front and within five rows of an emergency exit offer more chance of a quick escape in the event of a fire.

SEAWATER HELPS TO HEAL CUTS

FALSE: Sea water may be severely contaminated, especially near the coast – with a variety of highly unsavoury germs or chemicals swimming in it, said experts at Elastoplast.

These bugs would contribute significantly to the risk of an infection and delay wound healing. Contact with water will swell the skin, which may affect the process of wound closure.

ONLY DOGS CARRY RABIES

FALSE: Rabies can be carried in the saliva of any mammal – including cats and bats.

You can become infected if the animal’s saliva enters your body through a bite, or if you’re scratched by an animal which has licked its paws or claws, said Boots Travel health pharmacist Janky Raja.

So, if you get bitten or scratched, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for several minutes, apply disinfectant or alcohol and seek medical advice immediately.

TAKING ASPIRIN BEFORE TRAVELLING WILL PREVENT DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)

FALSE: There is no evidence to support the theory that aspirin prevents DVT, said Janky Raja.

Although it is used to prevent clogs in arteries, DVT affects the veins and aspirin isn’t proven to be effective at preventing clots.

If you’re travelling on a long journey, exercise your legs, feet and toes regularly by stretching them out and taking walks up and down the aisle.

“Wear loose clothing, drink plenty of water and consider wearing compression socks.”

OPENING A PLANE DOOR WHILE FLYING COULD LEAD TO EVERYONE BEING SUCKED OUT

FALSE: Airline pilot Patrick Smith, host of askthepilot.com, is clear: “You cannot – repeat, cannot – open the doors or emergency hatches of an aeroplane in flight.

“You can’t open them for the simple reason that cabin pressure won’t allow it.”

THE SIDE-EFFECTS OF TAKING MALARIA TABLETS ARE FAR WORSE THAN MALARIA ITSELF

FALSE: Malaria can be fatal and it can take just one bite to contract the disease.

But, if taken correctly, malaria tablets, combined with bite avoidance and other precautions, can save lives, said bite prevention expert Howard Carter.

Some side-effects can occur but these are not life-threatening and many travellers experience none at all.

Visit masta-travel-health.com for more information.

YOU’RE MORE LIKELY TO CATCH A COLD ON A PLANE

TRUE: A study in the Journal of Environmental Health Research suggested that passengers may be up to 100 times more likely to catch a cold on a plane than in their normal day-to-day-life.

Scientist Dr Margaret Ritchie, who is involved in immunology research at the University of Dundee and the University of the West of Scotland, said: “Bacteria may be transported from one country to the next via planes – and the overuse of antibiotics in some countries has caused an increase in the number of bacteria which are antibiotic-resistant.

“Door handles, plane seats and the air-circulating systems on planes mean that bacteria are fairly easily circulated around the craft.

“However, our research showed that the herbal remedy Echinaforce can offer some protection. It reduced inflammation when the immune response of the body was compromised as a result of catching a cold.”

Try A Vogel Echinaforce Echinacea Drops (15ml), £3.95 from Boots, Holland and Barrett, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, avogel.co.uk

WASPS GET IRRITATED IF YOU SWAT THEM AWAY

TRUE: “Wasps are belligerently defensive and if you annoy them they will respond – so treat them with

caution, particularly around their nests,” said Matt Shardlow, CEO of insect conservation trust Buglife.

He added: “Don’t try to swat wasps away – flapping about makes them confused and aggressive.

“The best thing to do is to move away slowly. Most bees and wasps will only follow you for 50 to 100 yards.”

URINE IS THE BEST CURE FOR A JELLYFISH STING

FALSE: This is an old wives’ tale, said Isobel Kearl, national training officer for St John Ambulance. Pouring seawater or bottled water over the sting will help ease the pain.

IT’S DANGEROUS TO SWIM IMMEDIATELY AFTER EATING

FALSE: It might be more comfortable to wait until your body has digested food, but there is no evidence that it can increase your risk of drowning.

Studies of athletes have shown that physical activity, including swimming after a meal, doesn’t cause stomach cramps or nausea. Long-distance swimmers sometimes even eat while they are still in the water.

Studies show, however, that swimming after drinking alcohol does increase your risk of drowning.

YOU DON’T NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE IF YOU HAVE AN EHIC (EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD)

FALSE: Many travellers wrongly assume, due to its name, that the EHIC card is a substitute for travel insurance, said Martin Lewis, of moneysavingexpert.com. An EHIC entitles you to treatment in state-run hospitals in EU countries (and a few others) at the same cost as a local resident using the same hospital. Travel insurance covers you for far more, so think of the EHIC as complementing your travel insurance rather than replacing it, otherwise you could be bringing a large medical bill home with you as a souvenir. For detailed info, including a country-by-country rundown, read the free EHIC card guide. Get one direct from the EHIC website or by calling 0300 330 1350.