Taking care of your health on holiday

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Taking care of your health on holiday

For some time now people travel to more exotic destinations. To thoroughly enjoy your stay, do not forget to take a series of precautions:

At the same time you prepare your luggage, do not forget your health

I’m going on a trip, what do I have to do?

It is highly recommended that you visit your GP to check your health condition. If you’re taking medications, make sure that they are available at your destination or remember to pack enough for your trip.

Before you travel, always arrange health insurance adequate for your destination

Take natural fibre clothing (cotton, linen) with you. Pack long-sleeved, light-coloured, light-weight shirts and trousers. Shoes must be wide to avoid blisters caused by friction. They should be made of breathable, absorbent material to avoid athlete’s foot, and they should cover the whole of both feet (carry a pair of spare shoes as well). Don’t forget sunglasses, a cap, and total protection sun cream.

Water

It may transmit infectious diseases.
Always drink bottled water. Avoid ice unless you are sure it is made from treated and chlorinated water. This includes ice used to keep food cool as well as ice in drinks.
Brush your teeth with safe water.

Food

Avoid uncooked or undercooked food (salads, fish, meat, vegetables and shellfish).
Avoid eating fruit, unless you can peel or shell it yourself.
Avoid – or boil for 15 minutes – unpasteurised milk.
Be careful with pastries and ice creams, as they may be easily contaminated.
It is usually safe to drink hot tea or coffee.
Avoid unpackaged drinks or juices.
Avoid food from unreliable sources, such as kiosks or itinerant traders.
Avoid sauces such as mayonnaise and other creamy products.
Avoid contact with all type of animals, even pets.
Avoid bathing in rivers and lakes and be informed about any potential risks.
Do not walk barefoot and be careful where you step on.
Condom is the safest method against sexually-transmitted diseases.

What vaccinations do I need?

Vaccination will depend on your previous vaccination history, your destination and especially the time between the administration of the vaccine and the beginning of your trip. Prescription must be made after a personalised interview with a doctor registered on an International Vaccination Centre.

Bear in mind that some vaccines may exert their protective effect 15 days or 1 month later

Malaria is a serious, widespread disease in most tropical countries. Therefore you have to prevent it by taking appropriate chemoprophylaxis regimen and measures to prevent transmission through mosquito bite.

Economy-class syndrome

This disease is a serious condition where blood clots develop in the deep veins of the legs.

Who is at risk?

The disease can affect anyone, even if they are fit and active.

The risk of the disease is greater in

Elderly people
Pregnant women
Obese people
Smokers
Women are taking the contraceptive pill
People with certain blood diseases, and people who have had blood clots already

On flights lasting longer than 4 hours, take preventive measures:

Get comfortable in your seat and recline as much as possible.
Bend and straighten your legs, feet and toes while seated every half-hour or so during the flight.
Press the balls of your feet down hard against the floor or foot-rest to increase the blood flow in your legs and reduce clotting.
Do upper body and breathing exercises to further improve circulation.
Take occasional short walks around the cabin, whilst cruising at altitude.
Drink plenty of water.
Avoid alcohol, which in excess leads to dehydration and immobility.
Avoid tea and coffee.
Avoid taking sleeping pills, which cause inertia.
Wear loose clothing to keep the blood from settling in the veins in your legs.
If there are no contradictions, taking aspirin before flying.

First-aid kit for travelling abroad

Bear in mind the duration of your trip. Take enough medication to last the duration of your trip.
First-aid material: antiseptics, safety pins, skin closure strips, gauze rolls, safety pins, tweezers, a thermometer, disposable syringes.
Analgesics / antipyretics
Antacid
Antibiotic ointment
Antidiarrhoeals
Laxatives
Antifungical drugs
Antiallergics / antihistaminics
Anti-inflammatory for external use
Collyrium or eye wash, especially if wearing contact lens
Artificial tears
Sun protection cream
Insect repellent. Mosquito nets, if necessary
Water treatment products: hypochlorite and/or 2% tincture of iodine
Oral rehydratation preparations
Medication against malaria, if necessary.

Don’t forget:

Even when you’re back home, if you were taking anti-malaria tablets on your journey, remember to continue taking them after you return.
Some tropical diseases may show their effects months after your trip. If you become ill on your return, do not forget to tell your doctor what countries you have visited or travelled through in the last 12 months.

Heat and humidity can cause medication to deteriorate.

Be careful where you stock

your first-aid kit .

Your chemist or your doctor will advise you on the most suitable medication

Publication date: 19/08/2005

Update: 26/05/2008