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Health
and Safety Abroad
Vaccinations
If travelling to a tropical or third-world location, specific health
requirement may be needed. Your doctor should be able to advise you.
Check at least 6 weeks prior to travel. For more information you can
visit the UK government Department of Health travel advice web site
at http://www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/.
Also, villa owners can often help you in this matter.
Medical
- If you are taking prescribed drugs, check they are legal in your
holiday destination.
- Always carry medication in their original containers.
- Make sure you have sufficient supplies for the duration of your
holiday plus extra in case of delays.
- Take your prescription with you.
- Pack medication in your hand luggage.
- For UK citizens travelling within the EU, get form E111 from your
local post office for reduced or free emergency care.
Deep Vein
Thrombosis
IMPORTANT: There is growing evidence that passengers on long-haul flights
(over 4 hours) are at increased risk from developing potentially life-threatening
Deep Vein Thrombosis. Everyone is at risk, however there are several
things you can do to help guard against DVT. Consult your doctor for
personal advice but there are some general recommendations.
- Take a low dose aspirin (100 - 150mg) the day before, during a long
haul flight and for three days after - if you have ulcers or other
stomach or digestive problems, check with your doctor.
- Ensure you get up and walk about during your flight at least once
an hour, exercise (rotate) your legs, feet ankles and flex your shoulders
whilst seated, breathe deeply at regular intervals to increase oxygen
intake.
- Keep well hydrated by drinking two small glasses of water an hour
- Avoid excessive alcohol, tea and coffee
- Eon’t sleep in an uncomfortable position
- Don’t use a footrest if it leaves your calves dangling and
avoid calves making prolonged contact with your seat.
- Perhaps one of the most important preventative measures is to consider
wearing compression socks.
Remember, the risk of DVT doesn’t end when the plane lands. Therefore
we strongly advise you to seek further information about DVT, visit
this web site NOW: The
Aviation Health Institute.
Air Safety
There are many regulations governing items you may carry aboard
a passenger aircraft. Most people do not realise that many items used
in daily use are forbidden aboard an aircraft - these include flammable
aerosol cans such as hairspray or insect repellent, matches, cigarette
lighters or lighter fuel. Always take non-aerosol sprays. These are
just a few of the items, so we strongly recommend you visit http://www.airsafe.com/danger.htm
Customs
Be aware of what you can and cannot take in or out of any country,
as well as your duty free allowances. For the UK see http://www.hmce.gov.uk/index.htm
More Travel Info...
Passports
~ Visas ~ Money
~ Insurance ~ Driving
Licence ~ Vaccinations ~ Medical
~ Deep Vein Thrombosis ~ Air
Safety ~ Customs ~ General
Advice & Tips ~ Holiday
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