Get holiday health savvy this summer
Whether you’re heading on that holiday of a lifetime or taking the grandkids on an adventure, jetting off can help to reduce everyday stress levels and make us feel good.
To help you get the most out of your time away, Boots pharmacist and travel health expert, Jan Jones, has put together her top tips on vaccinations and antimalarial advice, giving you one less thing to worry about!
- Seek advice about vaccinations even for a 5* stay
Some people may think that because they have done research on where they are visiting and their accommodation is well-rated, they do not need vaccinations. However, it is important to find out what disease risks are present in the country you are visiting and which vaccines to consider. Discuss your trip and the specific activities you will be doing with a travel health professional who will be able to advise you further. It’s worth remembering that proof of vaccination may also be required in order to enter a particular country, so seek advice early!
- Tips to help you stay healthy
Even though you may have had some vaccinations and have malaria prevention medication, if appropriate for your destination, following some simple steps can help you stay healthy on your trip. When it comes to food, try to avoid raw or undercooked meat or seafood, food sold by street vendors or food that has been left standing for a long time or exposed to flies. In countries with poor sanitation, only drink water from sealed bottles or treat water by filtering, boiling or adding water purification tablets. Avoid ice in drinks and use bottled water for brushing teeth. Wash hands thoroughly after visiting the bathroom and use antibacterial hand gels.
- Last minute dash? It’s not too late?
I would always recommend that you seek advice 6-8 weeks before your trip as some vaccinations require a course of two or three doses over the course of a month in order to provide optimum protection. However, if time is short and you are travelling to a country where there is a risk of malaria, some antimalarials only need to be taken one or two days before departure so you should still be able to take measures to help protect yourself.
The Boots Instore Malaria Prevention Service is available in over 2,300 pharmacies and the full travel vaccination service is available in 190 Boots pharmacies*. You can nip in on your lunch hour for a chat with a specially trained pharmacist on the best way to maintain your holiday health. You can book an appointment by heading over to Boots.com.
*Suitable for five years and over subject to eligibility criteria and pharmacist and stock availability. Charges apply.
Jan Jones
Disclaimer
All content on Silversurfers.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated at all as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. Silversurfers will not be responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content on www.silversurfers.com and we are also not liable for the content of any external websites or links from or to Silversurfers to any other websites. Please always consult your own doctor if you’re in any way concerned about any aspect of your health.
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