British travellers have been advised to speak to their own doctors before travelling, rather than relying on the advice of friends or relatives.
TV doctor Pixie McKenna has urged people to speak to their doctor 6 to 8 weeks before they travel, to make sure that they are taking the right precautions for their trip. This could ensure that travellers are protected against malaria if they travel to an area where it is present, or know how to reduce their chances of developing the dreaded stomach flu.
She warned that many travellers still believe myths and old wives tales about staying healthy abroad, such as the old colonial myth that drinking gin and tonic protects against malaria and that dogs with Rabies look unfriendly.
She spoke out as part of a new initiative called 8 Weeks to Go, which is designed to raise awareness amongst holidaymakers of the steps they need to take to protect themselves while abroad. The campaign is funded by GlaxoSmithKline’s Travel Health and supported by the NHS’ Fit for Travel program and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Organisers of the campaign say that 1 in every 2 travellers has fallen ill or hurt themselves while abroad and have warned that Brits are some of the biggest importers of malaria in the world.
The Foreign Office is also urging people to make sure they have travel insurance in place before they go abroad, as the costs of falling ill overseas can be astronomical if you are not prepared.