Sunburn and heat stroke cause serious problems and are both preventable. 

• Increase sun exposure gradually, 20 minutes limit initially

• Wear protective clothing e.g. sun hats
• Avoid going out between 11am - 3pm, when the sun's rays are strongest
• Use sun blocks of adequate Sun Protection Factor strength (see below), and use them correctly.
• Take special care of children and those with pale skin/red hair
• Drink extra fluids in a hot climate
• Be aware that alcohol can make you dehydrated

You can get severe sunburn in the UK.

Visit Cancer Research  for further advice.

Always use sun screen of at least factor 15.  Factor 15 represents the best balance between protection and price.

• No sunscreen, no matter how high the factor, can offer 100% protection
• Factor 15 sunscreen offers about 93% protection
• Factor 30 sunscreen offers about 96% protection
• Factor 60 sunscreen offers about 98% protection

Use SPF 60 on any areas of recent scarring / skin damage.

• Make you only use sunscreen labelled 'broad spectrum', which will provide protection UVA and UVB
• Choose water resistant preparations, which are less likely to wash or be sweated off
• Check the 'use by' date.  Most sunscreens have a shelf life of 2-3 years
• You don't have to pay for expensive brands.  All types sold in the UK are tested and the cheaper brands are just as effective if used properly

• Try to apply 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun
• Apply to clean, dry skin and rub in only lightly
• Use generous amounts
• Re-apply once outside to ensure even coverage
• Then re-apply every 2 hours or more frequently if washed, rubbed or sweated off
• Put on before make-up, moisturiser, insect repellant etc
• Never use it to spend longer in the sun
• In hotter climates and hotter days in the UK avoid direct sun exposure between 11am and 3pm
• Do not store sunscreens in very hot places as extreme heat can ruin their protective chemicals

Mosquitoes, certain types of flies, ticks and bugs can transmit many different diseases e.g. malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever.  Some insects bite at night, but some during daytime. The most effective way to avoid these illnesses is to avoid being bitten.

• If your room is not air conditioned close shutters early in the evening and spray room with knockdown insecticide spray
• In malarious regions, if camping or sleeping in unprotected accommodation, always sleep under a mosquito net.  We recommend using a mosquito net impregnated with an insecticide e.g. permethrin.  Always check the expiry date as these nets have a limited shelf-life
• Avoid camping near areas of stagnant water which are common breeding areas for mosquitoes etc
• Electric insecticide vaporisers are very effective but rely on there being no power failures.  Electric buzzers, garlic and vitamin B are not effective
• Cover up skin as much as possible, particularly if going out at night.  Wear light coloured clothes, long sleeves, trousers or long skirts
• Use insect repellents on exposed skin
  
  

Choose those containing DEET or eucalyptus oil base.  A content of approximately 50% DEET is recommended for tropical destinations.

Clothes can be sprayed with repellents too. Impregnated wrist and ankle bands are also available.
Check suitability for children on the individual products.

If you are bitten :
Report any unexplained illness with symptoms such as fever, headache, malaise, muscle aches and fatigue.  See our Malaria Section.

Having unprotected sex puts you at risk of many different sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including Chlamydia and HIV, regardless of whether or not you are on holiday.  Some infections e.g. HIV are much more common in some parts of the world than they are in the UK, particularly in some groups of the population e.g. sex workers.  Indeed some infections are common in some parts of the world but rarely seen or talked about in the UK.  There have been many examples of outbreaks of STIs both in the UK and abroad which have been due to travellers having unprotected sex.

The best strategy is always avoidance, but if you are considering having sex abroad, it is particularly important to:

• Consider whether you would choose to have sex with this person if you were not on holiday.  How will you feel on your return?
• Remember that it is difficult to be sure of someone’s sexual history, especially if you have just met them
• Bare in mind it is difficult to talk about safer sex and condom use, especially if there is a language barrier
• Remember that the other person’s knowledge and views about sexual relationships, STIs and safer sex may be very different from yours
• Be aware that alcohol clouds your judgement about individuals and about what risk you are prepared to take
• Always use a condom
  
  

 
Be sure to check for the British Kite Mark.

In the UK condoms carry the British Kite Mark to prove they have met strict quality standards but elsewhere there may not be such a requirement, or the standards may not be so high.  It is always best to take some condoms with you, even if you do not plan to have sex with anyone whilst abroad.