5 top tips to prevent traveller’s tummy

Over 30 million UK residents now travel abroad each year, with many sun seekers travelling to far flung destinations to escape the unpredictable British weather.

While many foreign holiday destinations provide excellent facilities for tourists, differences in hygiene standards mean there is an increased risk of illnesses such as diarrhoea caused by bacteria and viruses present in food and drink.

Experts in hygiene and sanitation, Milton, have put together five top tips to help you have a healthy holiday and avoid the dreaded traveller’s tum.

1. Wash your Hands
In a recent survey 1 in 10 people in admitted to not washing their hands after going to the toilet . It might sound simple but hand washing is the number one way to prevent the spread of germs which can cause infections and viruses. Pop a bottle of Milton Antibacterial Hand Gel in your luggage for quick and easy hand washing on the go.

The gel is clinically proven to kill bacteria including salmonella and listeria, as well as viruses and fungi, and it doesn’t require any water so you can use it anywhere. Simply pop a thumbnail size amount in your palm and rub hands together until dry. Be sure to use after going to toilet and before eating. Milton Antibacterial Hand Gel costs £1.99 for a handy travel sized 100ml sized bottle and is available from all major supermarkets and pharmacies.

2. Avoid ice in your drinks
Ice may seem like the ideal accompaniment to your drink on a hot day but the local water used to make the ice may not have been treated and could contain harmful bacteria so it is best avoided.

3. Drink Bottled or Sterilised Water
The local tap water may contain bacteria or parasites so it best to stick to bottled water where possible or sterilise water before you drink it. Add a quarter of a Milton Sterilising Tablet to 12.5 litres of water and leave to stand for 30 minutes before drinking. It leaves no unpleasant after taste and will kill any harmful bacteria that may be present in the water. Milton Sterilising Tablets £1.99 for box of 28 tablets, available from all major supermarkets and pharmacies.

4. Be careful eating salads and raw fruit
The water used to wash raw fruit and vegetables may be contaminated. Stick to fruit you can peel and try to avoid eating salad or unpeeled fruit unless you wash them yourself in bottled water. It is possible to soak fruit in a solution of Milton – add 1 Milton Sterilising tablet to 5 litres of water.– this may be particularly beneficial for fruit given to children as their immune systems are more sensitive to bacterial infections.

5. Make sure all food is thoroughly cooked
Visiting a different country is all about immersing yourself in their country and trying new foods, so don’t be shy to try new things, just make sure that anything you eat has been thoroughly cooked.

For further information visit milton-tm.com.