Castlebar Health Newsletter

content supplied by John O'Donnell Pharmacist

Tel: 094 24524    Fax: 094 27884

Travel Tips

Health index


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• AVOIDING SUNBURN
  
• FOOD, DRINK & HYGIENE
  
• DIARRHOEA
  
• TRAVELLERS AVOIDING MALARIA& INSECT BITES
  
• ACCIDENT AWARENESS
  
• TRAVEL INSURANCE
  

It is important to speak to a healthcare professional at least 4-6 weeks before your trip. Ideally choose a doctor or pharmacist with an interest in Travel medicine. Be aware that vaccinations are only half of the battle and that you must help yourself to stay well by being careful what you do.

The following travel tips are simple, common sense pieces of advice which are all easy to forget and yet can make all the difference between having the experience of a lifetime or the complete opposite.

AVOIDING SUNBURN

Repeated sunburn can cause various skin diseases including cancer. It is really important to try not to get burnt. Be sure to use an effective sunscreen. Do not sunbathe during the hottest part of the day and wear a wide brimmed hat. Re-apply sunscreen after swimming. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and UVA/UVB ratings refer to the approximate extra length of time you can stay in the sun, longer than without using a sunscreen. (SPF 20 means 20 times longer). You must remember that most of your body is usually covered and may burn naturally in minutes. Apply high factors (SPF 15-20) to sensitive areas and especially on children. You will still achieve a good tan while using a high protection.

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FOOD, DRINK & HYGIENE

Many diseases are caught by eating contaminated food or drink. These include Traveller's Diarrhoea, Hepatitis A, Salmonella and Typhoid. You can help avoid catching them by paying strict attention to food, drink and general hygiene. If in doubt about the drinking water, boil or sterilise it before use. Better still is to use sealed bottled water or a water filter. Use this for drinking, washing food and for cleaning your teeth. Avoid both ice cubes and ice cream unless you are sure they are made from clean water. Avoid food which has been re-heated, kept warm or exposed to flies. Avoid uncooked food unless you prepare it yourself. Eating shellfish, even cooked, I particularly hazardous. Remember that salads will be washed with untreated water which will be unclean. Avoid un-pasteurised milk or boil it before use.

DIARRHOEA

Dehydration following fluid losses from sweating and diarrhoea and fever, if left untreated, can kill. Traveller's Diarrhoea can affect 1 in 2 tourists. Any bowel disturbance must be treated with liberal quantities of rehydration fluid made up in the cleanest water available. Rehydration salts are available from pharmacies without prescription and should always be carried, especially when travelling with children. Seek medical advice if you have a temperature, persistent symptoms or blood is passed.

TRAVELLERS AVOIDING MALARIA& INSECT BITES

Many countries have biting insects, which pose a potential threat to travellers. Malaria is a blood disease caused by a parasite, which is caught from the bite of an infected mosquito. In the U.K. there are about 2,000 cases of malaria each year in people who have travelled abroad. Whilst anti-malarial tablets can reduce the risk of catching malaria they are not 100% effective, so it is essential that you also take steps to avoid being bitten. Use Insect Repellents and sleep under a Mosquito net if necessary.

ACCIDENT AWARENESS

Accidents are the most common cause of holiday disasters. Many of the safety laws protecting you at home simply don't exist abroad. Examples include drink driving, crash helmet and seatbelt regulations. Common sense will prevent many accidents if you just take time to think. Accidents are not just confined to vehicles. Alcohol is the direct cause of many accidents and complicates others, like falling asleep in the sun. As many accidents are minor take a first aid kit, which is relevant to the type of holiday, and make sure that one of your party can use it properly.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not travel without insurance. Try to assess the potential risks of some of the more adventurous holiday activities before trying them, and remember that some activities will not be covered by standard holiday insurance. Be aware that your insurance will not be valid f you knowingly do not declare an existing medical condition. If in doubt check with the insurance company as you may need to pay a small excess payment.