Watch Out It's Summer

My Weekly’s favourite GP from TV and radio writes for you.

- Dr Sarah Jarvis

We all have happy memories of summer, but as a doctor, my view is slightly different. Where you see barbecues and hotel buffets, I see food poisoning. Where food is concerned in exotic locations, peel it, boil it, cook it or forget it!

There’s hardly any part of the world that isn’t accessible with a last minute offer these days, so it’s easy to forget how high the risk of infections can be in countries outside Western Europe, USA and Australia. Don’t be tempted to jet off without checking with your practice nurse about immunisations at least 2 months before you go. And ask your pharmacist if you need antimalarial tablets – they can provide all types these days.

Simple steps can cut the risk of travel sickness. Don’t read or watch films, look out across the horizon, or close your eyes. Avoid strong smells and sit over the wing of the plane or in the front of the car.