As the summer holidays arrive, the City of Wolverhampton Council is encouraging residents to prioritise their health and wellbeing while travelling, whether they are heading abroad or enjoying a break closer to home.
Travel can expose people to unfamiliar environments, climates and health risks, so simple preparations can make a significant difference.
The council is advising travellers to ensure they and their families are in good health before departure, to pack necessary medications and first aid supplies, and to check the latest travel guidance for the area they are visiting, including local risks, weather conditions, and any recommended precautions. For individuals living with long term health conditions, this includes making sure symptoms are stable and well managed ahead of their trip.
Vaccination checks are also vital, including routine vaccinations such as MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), which remains critical given the rise of measles cases globally. Travellers heading to destinations such as Pakistan, India or parts of Africa, Asia and South America may require travel specific vaccines or medication and so are advised to speak to their GP, pharmacist or travel clinic as soon as possible.
While on holiday, maintaining hygiene is crucial, including regular hand washing or the use of hand sanitiser when water is unavailable, and drinking bottled water in countries with unsafe tap water. Travellers should remain vigilant for common ailments such as upset stomachs and mosquito borne illnesses, and take care around unfamiliar animals due to the risk of rabies.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as high fever, prolonged diarrhoea, severe pain, unusual rashes or yellowing of the skin should seek medical advice. People who are bitten or scratched by an animal in a rabies risk country, or are returning from a malaria risk region with signs of illness, should get help urgently.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “Taking a few proactive steps before and during your travels can protect your health and give you peace of mind to enjoy your holiday to the fullest. From making sure you’re up to date with vaccinations to knowing what to do if you feel unwell while you’re away, it’s about being prepared, wherever you’re heading this summer.”