1: DETERMINE YOUR NEED FOR TRAVEL VACCINATIONS AND ANTIMALARIALS

As you plan your winter travels, it’s essential to consider vaccinations and antimalarials based on your destination, planned activities, and personal health. Ideally, travelers should receive necessary vaccinations at least six weeks prior to departure to ensure full protection. However, if your trip is approaching quickly, don’t fret—your pharmacist might still be able to assist.

Boots offers a Travel Vaccinations and Health Advice Service at select locations across the UK, providing protection against diseases like chikungunya, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, meningitis, and malaria. Notably, the Chikungunya Vaccination is now available in over 270 stores nationwide. Chikungunya, a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, is prevalent in regions of Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Common symptoms include a sudden fever along with joint and muscle pain. While recovery typically occurs within one to two weeks, joint discomfort can sometimes linger for months or even years. To assess the health risks of your travel destination and identify necessary vaccinations or antimalarials, use The Boots Quick Check Tool available at boots.com.

2: PRACTICE SUN SAFETY

Applying sunscreen daily is crucial throughout the year, especially when traveling to sunnier locales. A minimum SPF of 30 is advised for all skin tones, with SPF 50 recommended for sensitive skin, those visiting hotter regions, and children. Additionally, ensure your sunscreen offers strong UVA protection by checking the UVA rating before purchase.

The full Soltan range offers uncompromised 5* UVA protection and no longer produces sunscreen lower than SPF50 for children and SPF15 for adults. Wearing a wide- brimmed hat, covering the skin with light coloured clothing and seeking shade when the sun is at its strongest can help protect the skin. Additionally, our eyes can be sensitive to UV damage and exposing our eyes could have damaging long-term effects. By wearing wraparound sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection, you can help shield your eyes and preserve your vision for years to come.

3: PACK KEY HEALTHCARE ESSENTIALS

Don’t forget to pack essentials like first-aid kits and insect repellent. Mosquitoes usually bite between dusk and dawn and are attracted to humans by our body heat and smell. Products containing DEET have been found to be most effective and are available in sprays, roll-ons, sticks and creams.

First-aid kits can also include key healthcare essentials such as plasters, adhesive tape, scissors and safety pins. You can also consider packing antihistamines if you are an allergy sufferer. These can also help reduce itching and inflammation if you were to be bitten by an insect. It’s also important to make sure you have an adequate supply of any prescription medicines that you need.

4: PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE

It may seem obvious, but good hygiene is key to preventing the spread of infection. When travelling and spending time in crowded spaces, you should regularly wash your hands or consider using a hand sanitiser. When washing your hands, I recommend using warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.

5: KEEP YOUR SEASONAL VACCINATIONS UP TO DATE

The flu virus, which can spread more easily in the winter months, as we tend to spend more time indoors in close proximity with others, can make people of all ages feel unwell. Some groups can be at increased risk of serious complications including children under five, adults aged 65 and over and pregnant women.

You may want to consider having a flu vaccination if you’re travelling and spending more time indoors with others like in airports and planes. It’s important to get the flu vaccination every year as protection from the vaccination can decrease over time. To book an appointment for a flu vaccination, visit boots.com/flu or go to your local Boots.

The Covid-19 vaccination helps protect against Covid, which can still be a serious or life-threatening illness for some people. It’s offered by the NHS, or HSC in Northern Ireland, for free at certain times of the year to those that are considered at risk from complications if they were to get Covid. You may want to consider accessing the Boots Private Covid-19 Vaccination if you are not eligible for the free vaccination but are looking to get protected.

To book a private vaccination visit boots.com/covid19 or visit a participating Boots store.

6: AVOID DISCOMFORT ON LONG FLIGHTS

If you’re getting on a flight there are things you can do to avoid extra pain. Many people experience irritation in their ears, known as aeroplane ear, on a flight due to the difference in pressure between the air in the middle ear and your environment. Swallowing, yawning or chewing gum can all be effective in encouraging more air flow, equalising pressure and easing discomfort in the ears. Swollen ankles and leg discomfort can also occur on long flights due to circulatory problems and fluid build-up prompted by spending long periods being inactive. Wearing compression socks can be effective in helping to combat this by increasing blood flow. If you can get up and stretch your legs this can be handy. Drinking water also helps as plane cabins can have quite low humidity.

AND FINALLY… DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR POST-HOLIDAY HEALTH

When travelling to certain climates, you may be more prone to insect bites and stings. They can often be uncomfortable and irritating but fortunately are usually nothing to worry about and can be easily treated. It’s important to visit your pharmacist or GP if there are signs your insect bite is infected – look out for the area of skin becoming more swollen and painful.

Under the NHS Pharmacy First Service, Boots pharmacies in England can also offer patients access to advice and treatment including prescription treatment, for seven common conditions including infected insect bites and stings.