The 12 summer holiday mistakes nearly all families make – that risk fungal infections and eye-bleeding diseases

The Sun

2 days ago

SUMMER holiday season is finally upon us.
Whether you're going camping in the UK or jetting off for an all-inclusive break abroad, there's a lot to consider before you travel.
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You've probably thought about new sandals, swimwear and suitcases, as well as how you're getting to the airport.
You may also have booked a few excursions, got a pet sitter sorted and made sure your travel insurance is up to date.
But have you considered how to protect your health?
It may not be as exciting as a fresh wardrobe or snorkelling, but some simple mistakes could ruin your getaway.
From fungal infections to parasites and even vision loss, here's how to avoid unwanted issues.
1. NO SUNGLASSES ON KIDS
MANY parents stick a hat and sun cream on their children and believe that's enough to protect them from the sun.
But Denise Voon, clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists and specialist optometrist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, warns that's not the case.
'They need to wear sunglasses too,' she tells Sun Health.
'Children's eyes are more susceptible to damage from UV radiation as their pupils are bigger and their lenses are clearer meaning more UV can reach the back of the eyes.
'Many parents think kids' sunglasses are too easily broken or lost to be worth buying.
I caught brain-swelling virus after snorkelling on holiday
'But wearing a hat and sunglasses together can reduce UV radiation from reaching your eyes by up to 98 per cent.'
This can help to avoid photokeratitis - or sunburn on the eyes - which can cause pain, redness, blurred vision, swelling, sensitivity, twitching and vision loss.
The longer your eyes have been exposed to UV rays, the worse your symptoms are likely to be.
2. BUYING CHEAP SPECS
UNFORTUNATELY, even families that do wear sunglasses often buy them on the cheap.
They may also simply look for the darkest ones they can find, thinking they will be the safest choice.
But Denise says: 'Don't buy sunglasses without checking if they have the CE or UKCA mark, which confirms they meet British standards for UV protection.'
That might mean you need to pay a little bit more, but she says it's totally worth it.
It's also important to ensure your sunscreen has a high level of UV protection. Always check the UVA rating
Claire NevinsonPharmacist
'Long term exposure to even small amounts of UV radiation has been linked to an increased risk of developing some eye conditions in later life,' Denise says.
'Some of these, such as cataracts, can cause problems with vision which can impact everyday life - for example, driving.'
Claire Nevinson, Boots superintendent pharmacist, adds: 'Exposing our eyes could have damaging long-term effects.
'By wearing sunglasses with 100 per cent UVA and UVB protection, you can help shield them and preserve your vision for years to come.'
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3. MISSING JABS
IF you're jetting off to somewhere like Spain, France or Italy, it can be easy to assume mosquitoes won't pose a threat - or even that you'll be free of them completely.
But a range of disease-ridden insects have made their way to Europe from places like Africa, Asia and Central and South America.
As well as packing insect repellent, it's also vital to ensure you've had the relevant vaccines before travelling.
Claire says: 'Travel jabs and antimalarials may be recommended depending on where someone is travelling to, the activities involved and the general health of the individual.
'Those travelling abroad should aim to get their vaccinations at least six to eight weeks before to help ensure they are fully protected ahead of departure.
'However, don't worry if you're travelling sooner than this, as your local pharmacist may still be able to help.'
You can use the NHS' Fit for Travel website or Boots Quick Check Tool to understand the health risks of your destination.
The top threats for Europe in 2025 include:
Chikungunya virus
Found in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, North Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Madeira)
Can cause severe muscle and joint pain, sudden fever, headaches, fatigue, a rash, nausea and red eyes
Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever
Found in Spain, Bulgaria, Greece
Can cause severe bleeding (including from the eyes), fever, organ failure
Dengue
Found in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, North Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria Turkey and Madeira
Can cause fever, headaches, body aches, internal bleeding
Leishmaniasis
Found in Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal
Can cause sores, ulcers, weight loss, anaemia
Lyme disease
Found in United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia
Can cause rashes, fatigue, flu-like symptoms
Malaria
Found in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Cyprus
Can cause fever, chills, sweats, headache, muscle aches
Tick-borne encephalitis
Found in United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden
Can cause mild flu-like symptoms
West Nile virus
Found in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, and Turkey
Can cause headaches, joint pain, rashes, brain swelling
4. BAREFOOT BY THE POOL
BEING barefoot is one of the joys of being on holiday - but keep it to the beach only.
Superdrug 's pharmacy superintendent Niamh McMillan says: 'Swimming pools, communal showers and hotel spas can be breeding grounds for warts, verrucas, and athlete's foot.
'Even walking barefoot in your hotel room or putting on damp flip-flops could expose you to these infections.
'The warm, moist environments create the perfect breeding ground for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause plantar warts and verrucas.
'These often start as small, rough patches on the soles of your feet and can quickly become painful if left untreated.
'Always wear waterproof sandals or flip-flops around pools, communal showers and changing rooms.
'Keeping your feet dry and clean is also crucial to help reduce the risk of fungal infections.'
If you do fall victim, seek treatment early. While some issues will resolve on their own, infections can spread.
5. LOW SPF
IT'S instilled into most of us that applying sun cream is essential. Getting burnt increases our risk of skin cancer after all.
But are you wearing the right one?
Claire says: 'Wearing SPF daily is important all year round, but particularly during the summer when the sun is stronger.
'A minimum of SPF 30 is recommended for all skin tones, increasing to SPF 50 for those with sensitive skin, anyone travelling to hotter climates and children.
'It's also important to ensure your sunscreen has a high level of UV protection. Always check the UVA rating when purchasing sunscreen and ensure it is at least four stars.'
UVA protection can also be indicated by the letters 'UVA' in a circle, which indicates that it meets EU standards.
UVA and UVB protection
THE sun emits two types of ultraviolet rays that are damaging to the skin - UVA and UVB.
Both cause different types of damage, and not all products protect against them in the same way.
UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB, and cause long-term damage like wrinkles, sagging, sun spots, leathery skin and other signs of ageing.
They are present at all times of day and can pass through clouds and even glass.
Bottles will carry a UVA rating out of five.
This indicates the percentage of UVA radiation that's absorbed by that particular sun protection, compared to UVB.
The higher the number, the better the protection.
The NHS recommends always using a sun cream with at least a four-star score, or the European approval mark.
The three letters in a circle show it meets the EU standard.
UVB rays damage the skin's upper surface and are the main cause of sunburn.
While they don't penetrate as deeply as UVA rays, they are just as damaging.
They play a large part in the development of skin cancers, including melanoma.
6. BAKING BETWEEN 11AM AND 3PM
SPENDING the day on the beach or by the pool is common practice on holiday.
But we really shouldn't be swimming, reading, playing or snoozing in the blazing midday sun.
Claire says: 'You should try to avoid the sun when it is at its strongest; this is usually between 11am and 3pm.
'If you can't, other measures can be taken to help protect yourself, including wearing clothes that cover your arms and legs and sunglasses with wraparound lenses.'
7. NO PROTECTION ON CLOUDY DAYS
THIS advice applies even when it's cloudy.
No, it won't feel that hot and you might even feel a bit silly reapplying your SPF every two hours when there is no sun, but it's vital.
'Always make sure kids wear sunglasses and a hat in the summer months, even if it's cloudy or overcast,' Denise says.
'Check the UV level on the weather forecast, as powerful UV rays can even cause damage on cloudy days.'
8. NOT DRYING EARS AFTER SWIMMING
YOU'VE been for a dip and flop down on a sunbed to dry off.
Before you close your eyes, remember to dry your ears!
Niamh says: 'Many people think ear infections are just for children, but adults can also get outer ear infections, especially after swimming in public pools.
'Trapped water breeds bacteria in the ear canal, causing pain, inflammation and even temporary hearing loss.
'Use ear plugs and dry ears thoroughly post-swim.'
9. NOT ENOUGH WATER
YOU don't want to be a fun-sponge on holiday - especially when it's happy hour.
But staying hydrated is vital if you want to avoid headaches, tummy trouble and even more serious issues like kidney problems and heatstroke.
It doesn't mean you can't enjoy a cocktail or three, but drink plenty of water too!
Adrienne Benjamin, gut health nutritionist at ProVen Biotics, says: 'Constipation and bloating are the most common digestive complaints during travel and many travellers experience them within hours of arriving at their destination.
'They're most commonly caused by long flights, changing time-zones, disrupted routines and unfamiliar foods. But a lot of it is down to moving less and drinking less water.
'The gut thrives on rhythm and travel, especially long-haul, throws that rhythm off completely.
'Stay hydrated, take regular movement breaks, even if it's just walking up and down the aisle of the plane, and keep your meals balanced.'
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10. FORGETTING INSECT REPELLENT
'MOSQUITO bites might be a holiday cliché, but that doesn't make them any less irritating or potentially harmful,' Niamh says.
'Prevention is always better than cure, so I recommend applying insect repellent throughout the day, especially before evening walks.'
Claire adds: 'Mosquitoes usually bite between dusk and dawn and are attracted to humans by our body heat and smell.
'Products containing DEET have been found to be most effective and are available in sprays, roll-ons, sticks and creams.
'You can also consider packing antihistamines if you are an allergy sufferer.
'These can also help reduce itching and inflammation if you were to be bitten by an insect.'
11. SHARING CUTLERY
HOLIDAYS are about enjoying food with your fellow travellers, whether that's your partner, family or friends.
But be careful when it comes to sharing meals, as this can be a hotbed for nasty germs.
Niamh says: 'Traveller's diarrhoea is caused by many different germs like bacteria (E. coli, salmonella), viruses (norovirus) and parasites (giardia).
'These are spread through eating and drinking contaminated food and water, or using contaminated dishes and cutlery.'
Remember to wash your hands, clean utensils and wipe down surfaces regularly.
12. GOING TOO HARD AT THE BUFFET
WHEN there is so much choice at the hotel buffet, it can be hard to resist piling your plate high and going back for seconds.
But what we eat while we're away from home can wreak havoc on our stomachs.
Niamh says: 'Even just eating more rich, spicy, or greasy food than usual can upset your digestion and once symptoms start, they can quickly leave you feeling dehydrated.'
Keep you portions regular-sized, and go easy on the indulgent treats.