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Doctors who've visited 41 countries share their four golden rules to avoid getting sick on holiday
@Source: birminghammail.co.uk
Many Brits have taken advantage of the Easter break to jet off abroad, but the worry of falling ill while away is a real concern for some. Research shows that over a quarter of holiday-goers are unsure about what to do if they get sick on their trip. A worrying 60% are apprehensive about the possibility of illness overseas. According to Public Health England, between 20-30% of travellers suffer from some form of sickness after returning home, with respiratory infections being the most common. Additionally, stomach problems and diarrhoea are often the bane of travellers, usually caused by contaminated food or water, exposure to new bacteria, and the stress of changing diets. No one wants to spend their holiday stuck in a hotel room, searching for pain relief or tissues. READ MORE: £749 DWP payment for condition suffered by millions in UK Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp , click the link to join In light of this, doctors Méabh and Danny, a travel-savvy couple, have offered their insights on how to steer clear of these health issues. The Australian duo, who have explored 41 countries without falling ill, live in a van and share their health and travel advice on Instagram at @celtsontheroad. They revealed: "If you travel or speak to any travellers for a lengthy period of time then the topic of travellers diarrhoea will no doubt come up.", reports the Express . They said: "You'll hear horror stories of travellers trying new foods only to spend the next week feverish and exploding out of both ends. Usually this story will be accompanied by advice like 'avoid local food and only eat in western-style places', 'only eat in your hotel', 'avoid ice', 'avoid salads', avoid meat and fish." However, they pointed out: "We're both doctors and we've travelled to over 41 countries combined, we eat local food everywhere we go, and we rarely get sick." The doctor couple have revealed their top tips for staying fighting fit while travelling – stick to four vital rules in order to indulge safely in the array of local dishes available. They advise:. The duo assured their followers: "Enjoying different foods is one of the absolute best things about travelling. Don't be frightened by some old wives tales. Wash your hands, eat local and savour the experiences!". Taking a sensible approach, they cautioned: "There's always the risk of getting unlucky with unhygienically prepared food but this is a risk at home as well as abroad. Also, there are obviously loads of other ways you can get sick. Before you take a trip it's worthwhile seeing a health professional to see if there's anything else needed for your trip eg vaccines." Travellers have been flooding social media with positive feedback, sharing their personal experiences on how recommended health tips have kept them in good shape while exploring new destinations. One follower shared: "I do the same! Also I eat in crowded places and I take probiotics just in case - I have sensitive intestine - and guess what. I have never been sick before." Additionally, another person pointed out the paramount importance of keeping clean hands and stated: "Hand hygiene....very underrated topic. It doesn't matter how hygienic the restaurant is...your own hygiene is extremely important." With the holiday season approaching, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises travellers to stay informed about potential health risks, ensure vaccinations are up-to-date, be mindful of food and water safety, take precautions against the heat, and protect themselves from insect bites. For those seeking destination-specific health advice, the TravelHealthPro website remains a valuable resource alongside the GOV.UK site for international travel guidance. It's equally important to secure comprehensive health insurance to prevent being hit with hefty bills should you require medical attention while abroad. The NHS website stands ready to support those who return home with any lingering health issues, or alternatively, your local GP can provide further assistance.
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