UK Health Officials Warn Travellers: Stay Healthy Abroad!
Planning a trip abroad? The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging travellers to take some simple precautions to avoid getting sick while enjoying their holiday. As of June 10th, 2025, the UKHSA issued a reminder highlighting the importance of staying healthy and protected from infectious diseases when venturing to new countries.
Why the Warning?
Travelling exposes you to different environments and potential health risks that you might not encounter at home. Things like different food preparation standards, water quality, insect-borne diseases, and even just a different climate can all impact your health. The UKHSA’s warning is a proactive step to ensure Brits can enjoy their trips without unnecessary health concerns.
Key Advice from the UKHSA:
Here’s a breakdown of the UKHSA’s recommendations to help you stay healthy on your travels:
-
Plan Ahead: Travel Health Consultations are Key
Before you jet off, schedule a visit with your GP or a travel health clinic, ideally 4-6 weeks before your departure. This allows enough time to get any necessary vaccinations and receive tailored advice based on your destination and planned activities. During the consultation, discuss potential health risks, recommended vaccinations, and necessary medications for your trip. Don’t underestimate the importance of this!
-
Vaccinations: Your First Line of Defense
Ensure you’re up-to-date on routine vaccinations like measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Depending on your destination, you may need additional vaccines against diseases like:
- Hepatitis A & B: Spread through contaminated food and water.
- Typhoid: Another food and waterborne illness.
- Yellow Fever: Transmitted by mosquitos, common in parts of Africa and South America.
- Japanese Encephalitis: Found in parts of Asia and spread by mosquitos.
- Rabies: If you plan to be around animals, particularly in areas where rabies is prevalent.
- Cholera: Can occur in areas with poor sanitation.
Your travel health professional can advise on the specific vaccines you need.
-
Food and Water Safety: Be Careful What You Consume
Food poisoning is a common travel ailment. Here’s how to minimize your risk:
- Drink bottled or boiled water: Avoid tap water, ice cubes (unless you’re certain they’re made with safe water), and beverages from street vendors.
- Eat at reputable establishments: Choose restaurants and food stalls that appear clean and follow proper hygiene practices.
- Cook food thoroughly: Ensure meat and seafood are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Wash fruits and vegetables: Thoroughly wash raw produce with clean water or peel them yourself.
- Avoid unpasteurized dairy products: Opt for pasteurized milk, cheese, and yogurt.
-
Insect Bite Prevention: Protect Yourself from Bugs
Many diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus, are spread through insect bites. To avoid getting bitten:
- Use insect repellent: Choose a repellent containing DEET or Picaridin and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Wear protective clothing: Cover exposed skin with long sleeves, long pants, and socks, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Sleep under a mosquito net: If staying in accommodation where mosquitoes are prevalent, use a mosquito net treated with insecticide.
- Stay in screened accommodation: Where possible, choose accommodation with screened windows and doors.
-
Sun Safety: Avoid Sunburn and Heatstroke
Protecting yourself from the sun is crucial to avoid sunburn, heatstroke, and long-term skin damage:
- Wear sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it liberally and frequently, especially after swimming or sweating.
- Seek shade: Avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during the hottest part of the day (usually between 10 am and 4 pm).
- Wear protective clothing: Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to shield your face and eyes from the sun.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and heatstroke.
-
Safe Sex Practices:
Practice safe sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Carry condoms with you and use them consistently and correctly.
-
Travel Insurance: Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, repatriation, and other potential issues. Read the policy carefully to understand what’s covered and what’s not. Check if it covers medical emergencies relating to pre-existing conditions and activities you plan to participate in.
-
Medication and First-Aid:
Pack a basic first-aid kit containing essentials like pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, bandages, and any prescription medications you take regularly. Keep a copy of your prescriptions in case you need to replace lost medication. Ensure your medication is clearly labelled and stored properly.
-
Know the Local Health System:
Familiarize yourself with the local healthcare system in your destination. Know how to access medical care in case of an emergency. Save emergency contact numbers and the address of the nearest hospital.
Specific Considerations:
The UKHSA’s advice might also include specific considerations depending on current global health alerts or outbreaks. For example, if there’s an outbreak of a particular disease in a certain region, they might issue additional recommendations regarding vaccination, prevention, and what to do if you develop symptoms.
In Conclusion:
By taking the necessary precautions and following the UKHSA’s advice, you can significantly reduce your risk of getting sick while travelling abroad. A little bit of planning and preparation can go a long way in ensuring a healthy and enjoyable trip. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so prioritize your health and well-being while exploring the world! Always consult with a healthcare professional before travelling to get personalised advice based on your specific needs and destination. Enjoy your travels!
UKHSA urges travellers to take steps to avoid infection abroad
The AI has delivered the news.
The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-06-10 10:12, ‘UKHSA urges travellers to take steps to avoid infection abroad’ was published according to GOV UK. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.
811