The 5 ways to avoid getting sick on holiday, according to travel experts

GETTING sick on holiday can ruin a long-awaited trip.

So travel experts have revealed their top tips on how to reduce your chance of getting ill on holiday – here are their top five.

1. Choose a window seat

Dr Deborah Lee of online pharmacy  advises us to try and book a window seat on the plane, as they are “the cleanest”.

A study conducted in 2018 by Boeing also found you are less likely to get sick if sitting in a window seat.

The lead author of the study Vicki Stover Hertzberg advises: “Get in that window seat and don’t move.”

2. Wipe down the tray, armrests and seatbelt

Tests conducted on the tray table, armrests and seatbelt have previously revealed some horrifying dirt left behind.

A company called Marketplace swabbed five spots on 19 short-haul flights – the seatbelt, tray table, headrest, seat pocket and washroom handle.

Half the surfaces that were tested had high levels of bacteria, yeast or mould that would put a person at risk of serious infection.

Using antibacterial spray or wipes is advised – something which Naomi Campbell has explained she does when she boards flights.

3. Change your time zone

Jet lag can mean a wasted few days on your holiday.

Self-proclaimed sleep doctor Dr Michael Breus, suggests adjusting your schedule to the time zone of your destination before flying.

He recommended the app  which helps you to create a personalised jet lag plan for your flight.

4 . Avoid icy drinks

ZAVA UK’s Dr Kathyrn Basford said ice can be a huge problem abroad, so avoid drinks with it as they could be made with contaminated water.

So this means smoothies, iced coffees and milkshakes should be avoided.

Dimitry Alexeev, Head of Microbiome Research at direct-to-consumer health testing company  said to be careful of water altogether in some places: “Drink plenty of clean water and avoid drinking water from outdoor fountains.”

“Bottled water can be safer in countries with lower hygienic standards for tap water.

5. Try taking probiotics

A study involving over 4,500 people found that taking probiotic supplements while on holiday can reduce the risk of travellers’ diarrhoea.

Dr Sarah Brewer advises taking probiotics before a holiday long with artichoke extract which can help digestion

And Jonathan Leary, who calls himself the “concierge wellness doctor,” explained why he takes magnesium which can help with jet lag.