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Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Brits warned to make vital check with their GP before heading on holiday
There are a lot of things to remember while preparing for a holiday - but the NHS has urged all travellers to book in with their GP ahead of their travels in order to stay safe While booking a holiday can be exciting, travellers are warned to check with their GPs before jetting off in order to stay safe. Going on holiday requires a lot of planning, making sure your passport is in date, sorting arrangements for your stay and remembering your SPF but also it's crucial to make sure you are vaccinated if heading to certain countries. Brits are being warned to double-check their vaccinations at least six weeks before going away, as they have to be done ahead of time to allow your body to build an immunity against viruses and diseases abroad. The NHS recommends booking in with their doctor to avoid falling unwell while on holiday and health experts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advise people to check if they need to take any preventative measures. In the UK, the NHS routine immunisation (vaccination) schedule protects you against a number of diseases, but does not cover all of the infectious diseases found overseas. The UKHSA urged: "Ideally travellers should consult their GP, practice nurse, pharmacist, or travel clinic at least four to six weeks before their trip for individual advice, travel vaccines and malaria prevention tablets, if relevant for their destination." Travellers can also use the TravelHealthPro website which offers country-specific advice giving vaccine recommendations as well as active health risks at each destination. NHS vaccinations include MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), polio, meningitis, hepatitis and tetanus which all adults and children should be up to date with - as these infections can be more prevalent in some countries. In a recent report by UKHSA, it indicated a rise in travel-associated fever cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a total of 702 instances of cases - including typhoid and paratyphoid infections - were reported in 2024, compared to 645 cases in 2023. These are preventable illnesses that are transmitted through contaminated food or water, and the majority of cases caught during travel to regions with poor sanitation. Brits heading abroad can A free free typhoid vaccination is available at local GP surgeries for British travellers heading abroad, but there are no existing jabs paratyphoid. The NHS say you may be more at risk of some diseases if you are doing any of the following: travelling in rural areas backpacking staying in hostels or camping on a long trip rather than a package holiday It's also important to note that some countries require proof of vaccination (for example, for polio or yellow fever vaccination), which must be documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before you enter or when you leave a country.
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Filthiest household item 'dirtier than your toilet' as GP issues stark warning
Brits are warned to keep an eye on certain household items used every day as they may contain thousands of harmful germs and bacteria despite keeping them 'clean' Even if you keep your kitchen spotless - there is one item that may be holding onto millions of germs and filthier than a toilet seat. There is an estimated 200,000 different species of microbes in homes and some unexpected household items are breeding grounds for different bacteria. According to rubbish clearance experts and NHS GP Dr Hana Patel, items such as kitchen sponges, towels and toothbrush holders are among the biggest culprits in homes. While sponges are a staple for washing up, they are also one of the dirtiest items in the home. They're porous, which means they harbour damp, and combined with food particles, it's the perfect place for bacteria to grow and thrive including E. coli and Salmonella which could lead to infections. The experts recommend to avoid letting these germs harbour on your sponge and build up, to replace your sponge every 1-2 weeks as needed, or when the sponge begins to look worn. Toothbrush holders are also another breeding ground for bacteria - particularly enclosed ones. They can provide the perfect moisture trap for bacteria to grow as toothbrushes are often damp when placed in the holder, making it a moist environment with the potential for mould growth if not frequently cleaned. They can also be exposed to airborne bacteria in the bathroom, such as that from toilet flushing which can release faecal particles. Dr Hana Patel warns: "Toothbrushes which are kept in air conditions have less bacteria than those which are kept closed, and the bacterial growth is 70% higher in wet and protected environments. "The wet environment in the bathroom, where toothbrushes are usually kept, may facilitate the bacterial growth and the crossed contamination, especially that which happens through the aerosols produced during the water passing in lavatories, with enteric types and pseudomonas from the toilets and sanitary drainage." Always ensure your toothbrush is dry before putting it in the holder, and make sure you clean the holder regularly to prevent mould and bacteria build up. The experts also urge people to avoid putting the holder inside an enclosed cupboard or container, as this will trap moisture, limit ventilation, and promote mould and bacteria growth. Reusable bottles are also on the list and while they're good for the environment, these bottles can be a breeding ground for bacteria as they're often moist, providing a breeding ground for bacteria from the user's mouth, food particles, and hands. Without regular and sufficient cleaning, these bacteria can lead to illness. It is advised to ideally wash these bottles daily, to avoid any bacteria growth or moisture build up. Pay particular attention to hard to clean areas such as straws and small crevices, as this is where bacteria can grow if not adequately cleaned. Lastly, bathroom towels are also a risk. Studies have found that a third of people only wash their towels once a month, but this may not be enough. Bathroom towels are often left in damp, warm bathrooms, meaning they have the perfect environment for bacteria and mould growth. Many people believe them to be clean as they are used to dry clean hands, but germs and mould can thrive on our damp towels, and the dampness itself could create problems, as Dr Hana Patel explains: "There are possibly millions of mould species on earth. The rare species that cause diseases do so by triggering allergies or asthma, or may be involved in hypersensitivity diseases. 'Even if visible mould is not present, dampness alone can increase the risk of health problems. Excessive moisture can promote the growth of microorganisms such as mould and other fungi, certain species of house dust mites, bacteria or viruses." To prevent mould growth, Clear It Waste recommends that shower towels be washed every 3-5 uses or a minimum of once a week , and hand towels should be changed every two to three days due to frequency of use.
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Glasgow Times
Warning over 'dangerous' Listeria-contaminated cheeses
The Spanish Food Safety Agency (AESAN) confirmed on 15 August 2025 that two types of French cheeses - Brie Meule (1 kg) and Camembert Viejo Porche - have tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The affected products have been distributed across Spain and are being withdrawn from sale. Spain is the most popular travel destination for Brits, with more than 15 million people from the UK visiting every year, and experts are warning holidaymakers to be extra careful this summer. Mark McShane, Food Hygiene Expert from Food Hygiene Certificate, says: 'Listeria is particularly dangerous because it can grow even at fridge temperatures. "Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, the elderly, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems face the highest risk. If you have purchased these cheeses in Spain or brought them home from holiday, do not eat them under any circumstances.' AESAN has instructed that anyone in possession of the recalled products should not consume them and instead return them to the point of purchase. Symptoms of listeriosis may include: High fever Muscle aches Nausea Vomiting or diarrhoea In severe cases, the infection can spread beyond the digestive system and become life-threatening. Consumers who have eaten the affected products and feel unwell are advised to seek medical attention immediately. Mark McShane added: 'This is a timely reminder of how important food safety is when travelling abroad. "Always check for official recalls, practise strict hygiene when handling dairy products, and avoid high-risk foods if you are in a vulnerable group.' Recommended reading: What is a food recall? A food recall is when a food product may have to be withdrawn or recalled. A withdrawal is when unsafe food is removed from the supply chain before it has reached consumers. A recall is when unsafe food is removed from the supply chain and consumers are advised to take appropriate action, for example to return or dispose of the unsafe food.
