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Public Health Agency health advice for travellers – 17th June 2026

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has put together a handy guide of health advice to help protect you and your family when travelling. Whether planning a family holiday or backpacking across the globe, there are many things to consider to help keep well when abroad.

Dr Patrick McAleavey, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: ‘When preparing for a holiday most people remember to pack the sunscreen, which is really important, but there are several other things to consider to help protect your health while you are away.

“Knowing the health risks of the country you’re travelling to is a good place to start, but also think about the environment you’ll be in, such as potential animal contact, risk of insect bites and accommodation safety.”

To help protect you and your family’s health when travelling you should think about:

Practise good hygiene and water safety
Good hygiene and safe swimming habits can prevent illness both at home and on holiday:

  • Wash your hands before eating and drinking and after using the toilet.
  • Do not swim if you have had diarrhoea within the past 48 hours.
  • Shower before entering swimming pools.
  • Use swim nappies for young children and take regular bathroom breaks.
  • Avoid swallowing water in pools or natural sources.

Rabies: avoid contact with animals in affected countries and consider vaccination before travelling

Rabies is a very serious disease and is present in many parts of the world. It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through a bite, scratch or lick to broken skin. It can affect domestic pets as well as wild animals. If you’re travelling to a country affected by rabies, there are some things to bear in mind:

  • Children are particularly at risk as they are more likely to approach animals and may not report bites or scratches.
  • Do not touch or feed animals, even in temples, zoos or sanctuaries.
  • Avoid attracting stray animals by dropping food or litter.
  • Rabies-infected animals may behave strangely or seem unusually tame, but some may not have any signs that they are infected.
  • To find out about the rabies vaccine or what to do if you are bitten see www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/rabies

Protection against insect and tick bites
Insect and tick bites are common when travelling. While often minor, they can sometimes transmit serious diseases. To reduce your risk:

  • Use insect repellents on exposed skin (even if clothing has been treated). DEET-based repellents are the most effective.
  • Stick to footpaths and avoid dense vegetation where possible.
  • Check your body for ticks after outdoor activities and remove any as soon as possible.
  • Wear long sleeves, long trousers and socks; tuck trousers into socks if walking in long grass.
  • Choose light-coloured clothing to help spot ticks or insects.

Are your vaccinations up to date?
Illnesses that may not be in circulation here, or have very low numbers, may be more prevalent in other countries. For example. measles cases have increased dramatically in recent years, with outbreaks reported in many popular travel destinations. It is highly infectious and can affect people of all ages, not just kids. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is by getting the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine:

  • Ensure you’re fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR vaccine.
  • Arrange to have your vaccinations at least two weeks before travel.
  • For more information, visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/mmr
  • You may also be eligible for, or require, additional travel vaccinations depending on your destination. Speak to your GP, pharmacist or a travel clinic well in advance of travel.

Protect yourself from the sun
Sunburn and heat-related illness can quickly affect your health, particularly in warmer climates:

  • Use a high-factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or above with UVA protection) and reapply regularly.
  • Spend time in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is strongest.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and protective clothing
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
  • Take extra care with children who are more vulnerable to sunburn and heat exhaustion.

Carbon monoxide: pack a portable alarm
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that can be fatal. It can leak from faulty appliances in enclosed spaces:

  • Bring a portable CO alarm when staying in holiday rentals, caravans, tents or motorhomes with gas, oil or solid fuel appliances.
  • Never use barbecues or fuel burning devices indoors or in enclosed spaces.
  • Make sure rooms are well ventilated.

“By being aware of the risks and taking a few simple precautions, we can all reduce the likelihood of illness and enjoy our well-deserved holidays,” Dr McAleavey added.

For further information on the health risks at your destination, or to find out about the travel vaccinations you may need, visit www.travelhealthpro.org.uk or speak to your GP, pharmacist or local travel clinic.

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