This is why you always get sick during time off
Holidays are fabulous things. They give us something to look forward to, allow us time to relax by the pool, stretch out on the beach or go exploring, and they leave us with lifelong memories. But there is one thing that isn't so glorious about going away, and that is that we can often get sick.
Is it just Sod's Law that as soon as we pack off somewhere sunny we get a humongous cold, or is there something else at play?
We wanted to get to the bottom of this cruel twist of fate and find out if there's anything we can do to stop ourselves getting a terrible bout of sniffles when we're trying to live our #bestlife and so we called in the experts.
Dr Luke Powles is the Associate Clinical Director for Bupa Health Clinics and knows his stuff when it comes to why we get ill and how to prevent it.
As a doctor I regularly hear from patients who’ve found themselves unwell while on holiday. While the causes can vary, it’s often brought on by exposure to unfamiliar environments or from being near other travellers who are also sick.
In the run up to a holiday, it’s also easy to find yourself getting busy or stressed – which can wear down your immune system, making you more vulnerable to sickness while you’re away.
That all makes sense, so what can we do?
How to stop yourself getting sick on holiday
It's impossible to fully protect yourself from getting ill on holiday but there are lots of little things you can do in that run-up to your trip that will give you the best chance of keeping the sniffles away.
Wherever you can, it’s worth building up your immune system in the weeks before your holiday. Simple steps can make a big difference – for example, make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep and are washing your hands regularly to avoid picking up any bugs.
Likewise try and maintain a healthy diet and include foods rich in antioxidants, like leafy green vegetables, berries and citrus fruits. Vitamin D is also a great boost for your immune system so, if you’re not getting enough sunlight, it might be worth considering adding a supplement to your diet.
If you need us, we'll be by the anti-bac.
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