Health experts have named their secrets to never getting ill on holiday and ruining your well earnt break. Many jet off and end up sick, spending days in bed recovering, having been in contacted with hundreds of people during their journey to their destination.
From airports and planes crammed with passengers to hotel rooms and restaurants, your chances of getting ill while you're away is increased. However, health experts speaking to PA news agency have revealed their top tips for reducing the likelihood of feeling under the weather while on holiday.
Dr Donald Grant from The Independent Pharmacy has warned tourists heading to airports that these hubs of international travel are a hotbed for germs. He says: "Airports often become crowded and therefore they present multiple hygiene risks.
"Touching surfaces, using airport bathrooms and being in close proximity to others can cause bacteria to spread, so it's important to be hygiene-alert." Medical professionals recommend taking hand sanitiser with you during every part of your trip, especially given at the airport your documents are handled by various different people.
By using hand sanitiser, you should reduce the risk of catching viral infections, coughs, colds and potentially gastrointestinal infections. While on your flight, it might be a good idea to wear a face mask, despite the worst of the Coronavirus pandemic being behind us.
Dr Preethi Daniel, deputy medical director at London Doctors Clinic, says: "If someone is sitting next to you [on an airplane] and they have a cold, it may well be that you might catch one. There are hundreds of viruses that cause illness and the fact that you are mixing with people from all over the world means exposure to viruses and bugs your body may not be used to already."
Before touching anything around you, the doctor recommends wiping down your seat, armrest, tray table and anything else you will come into contact with during your flight. After all, someone else was sitting in your exact seat just minutes ago.
Dr Grant adds that when you reach your hotel, thoroughly cleaning the TV remote and drinking glasses is a must. The doctor explains: "To be on the safe side, take some disinfectant wipes and give the surfaces a good wipe down when you arrive.
"And don’t forget the TV remote, which may have been handled by hundreds of people without being cleaned. You should avoid using drinking glasses or mugs provided by the hotel without cleaning them thoroughly first."
