Travelling abroad this festive season? These 7 tips will keep you safe

1: CHECK IF YOU NEED ANY TRAVEL VACCINATIONS OR ANTIMALARIALS

Travel jabs and antimalarials may need to be considered depending on where you are travelling this winter, the activities involved and your general health. Those travelling abroad should aim to get their vaccinations at least six weeks before to help ensure they are fully protected ahead of departure. However, don’t worry if you’re travelling sooner than this, as your pharmacist may still be able to help.

The Boots Travel Vaccinations and Health Advice Service is available in selected UK stores and can be accessed to help provide protection against diseases such as chikungunya, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, meningitis and malaria. The latest addition to our vaccinations and health advice service is the Chikungunya Vaccination, available in more than 270 stores across the UK. Chikungunya is a viral, mosquito-borne infection related to overseas travel in Asia, Africa and the Americas.

Symptoms often include a sudden onset of fever, accompanied by joint and muscle pain. While most people recover fully within one to two weeks, joint pain can persist for months or even years. You can access The Boots Quick Check Tool at boots.com to help understand the health risks of the country that you might be visiting and what vaccinations or antimalarials you may want to consider.

2: STAY SUN-SAFE

Wearing sunscreen daily is important all year round, particularly when the sun is stronger and if you’re travelling abroad. A minimum of SPF30 is recommended for all skin tones, increasing to SPF50 for those with sensitive skin, anyone travelling to hotter climates and for children. It’s also important to ensure your sunscreen has a high level of UVA protection. Always check the UVA rating when purchasing sunscreen.

The full Soltan range offers uncompromised 5* UVA protection and no longer produces sunscreen lower than SPF50 for children and SPF15 for adults. Wearing a wide- brimmed hat, covering the skin with light coloured clothing and seeking shade when the sun is at its strongest can help protect the skin. Additionally, our eyes can be sensitive to UV damage and exposing our eyes could have damaging long-term effects. By wearing wraparound sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection, you can help shield your eyes and preserve your vision for years to come.

3: PACK KEY HEALTHCARE ESSENTIALS

Don’t forget to pack essentials like first-aid kits and insect repellent. Mosquitoes usually bite between dusk and dawn and are attracted to humans by our body heat and smell. Products containing DEET have been found to be most effective and are available in sprays, roll-ons, sticks and creams.

First-aid kits can also include key healthcare essentials such as plasters, adhesive tape, scissors and safety pins. You can also consider packing antihistamines if you are an allergy sufferer. These can also help reduce itching and inflammation if you were to be bitten by an insect. It’s also important to make sure you have an adequate supply of any prescription medicines that you need.

4: PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE

It may seem obvious, but good hygiene is key to preventing the spread of infection. When travelling and spending time in crowded spaces, you should regularly wash your hands or consider using a hand sanitiser. When washing your hands, I recommend using warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.

5: KEEP YOUR SEASONAL VACCINATIONS UP TO DATE

The flu virus, which can spread more easily in the winter months, as we tend to spend more time indoors in close proximity with others, can make people of all ages feel unwell. Some groups can be at increased risk of serious complications including children under five, adults aged 65 and over and pregnant women.

You may want to consider having a flu vaccination if you’re travelling and spending more time indoors with others like in airports and planes. It’s important to get the flu vaccination every year as protection from the vaccination can decrease over time. To book an appointment for a flu vaccination, visit boots.com/flu or go to your local Boots.

The Covid-19 vaccination helps protect against Covid, which can still be a serious or life-threatening illness for some people. It’s offered by the NHS, or HSC in Northern Ireland, for free at certain times of the year to those that are considered at risk from complications if they were to get Covid. You may want to consider accessing the Boots Private Covid-19 Vaccination if you are not eligible for the free vaccination but are looking to get protected.

To book a private vaccination visit boots.com/covid19 or visit a participating Boots store.

6: AVOID DISCOMFORT ON LONG FLIGHTS

If you’re getting on a flight there are things you can do to avoid extra pain. Many people experience irritation in their ears, known as aeroplane ear, on a flight due to the difference in pressure between the air in the middle ear and your environment. Swallowing, yawning or chewing gum can all be effective in encouraging more air flow, equalising pressure and easing discomfort in the ears. Swollen ankles and leg discomfort can also occur on long flights due to circulatory problems and fluid build-up prompted by spending long periods being inactive. Wearing compression socks can be effective in helping to combat this by increasing blood flow. If you can get up and stretch your legs this can be handy. Drinking water also helps as plane cabins can have quite low humidity.

AND FINALLY… DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR POST-HOLIDAY HEALTH

When travelling to certain climates, you may be more prone to insect bites and stings. They can often be uncomfortable and irritating but fortunately are usually nothing to worry about and can be easily treated. It’s important to visit your pharmacist or GP if there are signs your insect bite is infected – look out for the area of skin becoming more swollen and painful.

Under the NHS Pharmacy First Service, Boots pharmacies in England can also offer patients access to advice and treatment including prescription treatment, for seven common conditions including infected insect bites and stings.