FLU, BACK PAINS, EAR INFECTIONS AND INSECT BITES – THE TOP HOLIDAY PAINS WE ARE MOST LIKELY TO SUFFER ACCORDING TO NEW DATA

One in four travel without insurance and a third have no idea what the emergency service number is when on holiday

• Doctor shares top tips and advises on when to consult a doctor online
• A quarter say they have had a holiday ruined due to illness or injury
• Only 28 percent check travel advice on the place they’re visiting
• 78 percent say access to a free online doctor would be a huge comfort when travelling abroad.

New data released by Post Office and medical partner Air Doctor has found that the top five categories for claims by holidaymakers are flu symptoms (fever, diarrhoea, vomiting), orthopaedics (ankle, falls, back pains), ear infections, insect bites and coughing.

It comes as new Post Office research found that almost half of holidaymakers (46 percent) worry about falling ill while travelling abroad.

And a quarter (25 percent) said that an illness or injury has previously ruined a holiday – with half (47 percent) of Gen Z (16-24 year-olds) saying that this was the case.

Despite these anxieties, 27 percent have travelled abroad without any insurance, a third (31 percent) had no idea what emergency service number to call on holiday and just 28 percent check GOV.UK for foreign travel advice before heading to their holiday destination.

Young adults (25-34) are most likely to have taken the risk (42 percent) on travelling without insurance – even though 25 percent within the age cohort worry about becoming ill or injured abroad.

78 percent of Brits agreed it’d be a huge comfort if they knew they had free 24/7 access to an online English speaking GP for them and their family when abroad.

Indeed, with the convenience of our smartphones, travellers can seamlessly use an online doctor consultation services. Yet only four in 10 (43 percent) feel confident that they can access medical help abroad.

It also emerged that just seven percent of Brits have heard of Air Doctor which powers Medical Assistance Plus; a completely free service for Post Office travel insurance customers that provides the ability to consult with a doctor online from anywhere outside the UK at any time.

Dr. Daniel Zajarias Fainsod – who works as an online doctor for the service – provided his top tips on how to avoid the most common ailments abroad as the new data revealed many holidaymakers do not take steps to protect themselves.

Getting vaccinated is key to avoiding flu symptoms according to Dr Fainsod. But just 52 percent and 31 percent of Brits are vaccinated against Covid and Influenza according to the new data.

Dr Fainsod also recommends proper food hygiene to protect against diarrhoea and abdominal pains – yet just 52 percent wash their hands before meals.

And despite insect bites being the fourth biggest category for Post Office travel claims – just 39 percent use insect repellent abroad and only 12 percent wear long sleeves to minimise the chance of bites.

Paul Paddock, Head of Travel and Protection at the Post Office said: “We were surprised to find out how many holidaymakers still do not book travel insurance – but also fail to take simple measures to avoid the most common ailments suffered when travelling.

“The ability to book a doctor’s appointment online for free as part of your insurance package offers huge peace of mind for individuals and families when travelling. Holidays should be a time to relax, so we always advise people to purchase travel insurance as soon as a trip abroad has been booked and to ensure they get the level of cover required.”

Dr. Daniel Zajarias Fainsod, gives his top tips on avoiding the most common travel illnesses and when to get online doctor advice:

Flu Symptoms: Prevention is key. Get vaccinated every year against influenza and COVID, wash your hands frequently, and keep your distance from those who are sick. If you do come down with it, avoid contact with others and wear a mask, stay hydrated and rest. Unfortunately, most antivirals are not beneficial and can have side effects. If symptoms are severe or long-lasting, book a doctor appointment online — especially if you’re in a higher-risk group.

Diarrhoea and Abdominal Pain: Stick to proper food hygiene—wash your hands before meals and make sure food is cooked thoroughly. Avoid fruits without peels or uncooked vegetables. Drink bottled drinks — fizzy is best. Stay hydrated with clear fluids if you do experience diarrhoea, and stick to light, bland foods. If the pain persists, is severe, or you notice blood in your stools or develop a fever, get an online doctor appointment to seek medical advice immediately to rule out anything serious.

Orthopaedic Injuries: Ankle, Falls, Back Pains: Again, avoiding injury is the best advice. Wear supportive footwear especially on uneven ground; avoid sandals, flip-flops and slippers. If you do sprain your ankle, remember R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). If you are unable to take a couple steps after the injury, there’s a deformity or you heard/felt something crack you will likely need an x-ray. For back pain, use proper techniques when lifting your heavy baggage. Most back pain is actually muscular, and some pain medication and a good massage may improve it. Bed rest can make it worse. If the pain persists, or you have any limb weakness or loss of sensation talk to a doctor online.

Ear Infections: To prevent ear infections, keep your ears dry after swimming and avoid using cotton swabs. Talk to your pharmacist about oil or dilute alcohol ear drops if you have frequent ear infections to use after swimming to remove water.

If you experience ear pain, over-the-counter pain relief can help, but if symptoms last more than two days, you experience hearing loss, fever or the pain spreads elsewhere, speak to a doctor online for further evaluation. Remember changes in pressure can make ear problems worse: avoid scuba diving and air travel if you have ear problems.

Insect Bites: Make sure you are properly vaccinated if you are travelling to areas with serious mosquito-borne diseases. Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves to reduce the chance of getting bitten. If you do get a bite, avoid scratching, keep the bite clean and use anti-itch cream if needed. If the bite becomes red, swollen, you develop a fever or you feel unwell, it’s a good idea to consider booking a doctor’s appointment online to seek medical attention.

Coughing: Cover your mouth when coughing and wash your hands regularly to prevent spreading germs. Stay hydrated and use lozenges or honey to soothe your throat. If a cough lasts more than a week or comes with a fever or difficulty breathing, consult a doctor online for advice.

Top ailments Brits have suffered abroad according to Post Office data:

1. Sunburn (33 percent)
2. Insect bites/stings (28 percent)
3. Diarrhoea (21 percent)
4. Stomach problems/food poisoning (16 percent)
5. Cough (13 percent)
6. Dehydration (13 percent)
7. Heatstroke / heat exhaustion (11 percent)
8. Back pain (10 percent)
9. Motion sickness (9 percent)
10. Skin rashes (9 percent)

ENDS