Have a happy, healthy holiday

Like many Singaporeans, I usually plan an overseas vacation during the kid-friendly June and December school holidays season.

Unfortunately for me, it is also a time when the dreadful flu visits while I'm scrambling to pack my luggage. More often than not, I end up being so ill that I sometimes regret my holiday trip.

"Aiyah, why do I always spend so much money on a holiday to hang out with a sick goose," the spouse would grumble.

Apparently, I'm not alone. Doctors TODAY spoke to said falling ill before or during a vacation is a common phenomenon among Singaporeans.

Rather than relax and look forward to a vacation, stress levels of Singaporeans tend to spike - from squeezing in as much work as possible just before the trip to jam-packing too many activities into one holiday.

Said Dr Mohamed Faizal, a family physician at Raffles Medical: "They also do so much last-minute packing that they do not get sufficient sleep before their trip, which puts a lot of strain on their bodies."

Another explanation, he added, is that Singaporeans tend to travel during the school holidays, which usually coincides with the flu season in June and Dec.

And there's also the whole stress of going through airport security, making flight connections, ground transfers, and prepping kids for travel, added Associate Professor Helen Oh, a senior consultant at the department of medicine (infectious diseases) at Changi General Hospital.

According to the experts, a little clever travel planning is essential for a happy, healthy vacation. Find out how.



Before you jet off

1. Read up on your travel destination

Keep up-to-date on the health risks within the country you are visiting. For instance, in light of the current E coli outbreak in Europe, travellers to Germany should following certain precautionary measures while vacationing there (see next story).

2. Visit your doctor or travel clinic to get pre-travel health advice

Do so at least four to six weeks before you depart to check if you need any vaccinations or anti-malaria medications, advised Assoc Prof Oh. Some vaccines require multiple doses and a long period to take effect, so it is wise to visit your doctor early. Be sure to also keep your kids' vaccinations up-to-date, added Dr Faizal.

3. If you have chronic diseases, check with your doctor before travelling

This includes those with conditions such as chronic obstructive lung disease, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic renal failure and hepatic disease. Your doctor will advise you if you're fit to travel and how to manage your condition while overseas, said Assoc Prof Oh.

In addition, don't forget to prepare a travel medical kit, your medications, a letter from your doctor and comprehensive travel insurance.



During your vacation

1. Be practical about your travel itinerary, if you're travelling with kids

Consider the age of your child. Dr Faizal cited an example: If you're travelling with your four-year-old, forget about a jungle hike and settle for Disneyland instead.

Factor in jet lag and include rest time.

2. Avoid taking unnecessary risks

Traveller's diarrhoea (TD) is one of the most common ailments for vacationers. According to Assoc Prof Oh, travellers contract TD by consuming contaminated food or water. Risky foods include undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, raw fruits and vegetables. Tap water, ice and unpasteurized milk are also associated with an increased risk of TD, she said.

In countries where tap water is unsafe, use bottled water to brush your teeth and avoid putting ice into your drinks.

3. Don't forget your meds

If you are on regular medication, don't forget to pop your pills.

Separate your medications between your luggages, in case bags go missing.