Foods and drinks, notably in growing nations, can harbour germs and illnesses corresponding to cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A. Extra generally, although, travellers can endure from vomiting and diarrhoea after ingesting contaminated meals or drink.
To assist travellers keep away from this and have extra time to take pleasure in their vacation, Grant Winter, compliance officer at specialist journey insurance coverage supplier Good to go, shares prime ideas for staying wholesome whereas consuming and ingesting overseas:
Water security is essential
Grant advises: “Consuming bottled water is all the time finest overseas, even when the web is telling you faucet water is protected to drink wherever you’re going. Make sure the lid of the bottle is nicely sealed earlier than you drink it. In case you can’t get entry to bottled water for no matter cause, solely drink faucet water that has been boiled; use chlorine tablets or iodine to sterilise the water. All the time remember to keep away from extended publicity to iodine although; this technique isn’t finest when doing it greater than a couple of times.”
All inclusive dangers
Grant feedback: “In relation to meals, keep away from consuming cooked meals that has been left to hold round for too lengthy. All the time goal to get to the all-inclusive buffet earlier reasonably than later to keep away from being left with the meals which has been outdoors for longer.
“It’s additionally higher to keep away from meals that has flies buzzing round it, and solely eat uncooked fruit and greens that you’ve peeled your self to cut back the danger of contamination.”
Don’t ask for ice
Grant explains: “Don’t overlook in regards to the threat of ice cubes in your drinks. In lots of circumstances, these are most likely constructed from untreated faucet water (nonetheless, some massive resorts do use bottled water, so it’s all the time value checking), which may trigger you to get sick.”
Be conscious of meals poisoning risks
Grant shares: “No matter the place you’re consuming, you need to all the time examine to see if the meals is piping sizzling all through earlier than consuming, however when overseas you need to be further vigilant of this. For instance, consuming tropical fish that haven’t been cooked correctly can result in ciguatera fish poisoning, and unpasteurised dairy corresponding to ice cream from a road vendor, may harbour salmonella, e.coli, listeria, or campylobacter, resulting in meals poisoning.”
All the time bear in mind private hygiene
Grant says: “Whereas it might sound apparent, private hygiene ought to be a primary precedence overseas to assist keep away from meals poisoning and contamination. All the time wash your palms after the bathroom and earlier than consuming or getting ready meals, and be sure to take an alcohol-based hand gel to make use of if you’re out and about earlier than consuming any meals.”
Travelling with a pre-existing medical situation? Enquire with Good to Go journey insurance coverage at present.
