Health: Bites and stings

Take a sensible approach and precautions and you'll reduce your chance of getting bitten by creatures large and small.

Flies and insects

Mosquitoes and sandflies are the bane of many a tropical holiday, while tsetse flies and various other insects are common companions in countries such as Africa.

• Regularly apply insect repellent to skin and clothes, ideally containing DEET
• Mosquitoes love to feed in the early evening, so wear long sleeves/trousers after dusk
• Be on the lookout for mosquitoes, especially near stagnant water
• If you need a sleeping net, use one impregnated with insect repellent
• Spray air-conditioned rooms with repellent at night
• If you have children, use a repellent that is not too harsh for their skin
• Sandflies commonly haunt beaches, so be vigilant

If you get bitten:

• Mosquitoes spread malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever and Japanese B encephalitis. If you're bitten in a malarial region, continue taking your anti-malarial pills. See a doctor immediately if you start to feel unwell. Even if you feel fine, visit your doctor when you get home. Malaria can take months to reveal itself
• Do not scratch bites - they will become more inflamed and infected
• Soothe bites with antihistamine cream, calamine lotion and ice
• Menthol sprays and tonics are great for reducing itching
• The natural remedy arnica is good for reducing inflammation caused by insect bites
• Anaphylactic shock - a sudden, severe allergic reaction - requires urgent medical help

Animal bites

The main concern here is rabies, which is fatal if not treated immediately. Cases still occur in under-developed countries, Europe and North America. Dogs and wild animals are common culprits. If you've not had a tetanus shot in the past 10 years, get one before you travel. Check with your doctor whether you need a Rabies jab. Even if you've had one and you get bitten, you should take the following precautions:

If you get bitten:

• Get medical help immediately
• Wash the bite with soap and water immediately, apply alcohol if possible
• Tell police what the animal looked like and where you encountered it
• If it's a pet, tell the owner and have them monitor the pet for rabies symptoms
• See your GP about the bite as soon as you get home

General reminders

• Keep applying insect repellent
• Burn repellent tablets/coils at night
• Be aware and vigilant of the dangers
• Know your skin type and use products that won't irritate

Department of Health:www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAdviceForTravellers/fs/en