Is hand sanitiser enough?
Norovirus, more commonly known as food poisoning, is one of the most common travel illnesses, and it thrives in exactly the kind of crowded spaces holidaymakers pass through: planes, cruise ships, hotel buffets, and busy restaurants.
Early warning signs of a stomach bug
If prevention does not work out, norovirus symptoms tend to appear fast. “Symptoms typically hit suddenly, 12 to 48 hours after exposure, and last for one to three days,” says Dr. Vukovic. Watch out for sudden nausea, sharp abdominal cramps, vomiting, and frequent loose stools, sometimes alongside a mild fever, chills, headache, or general fatigue.
Dr. Kaul advises staying well hydrated throughout, particularly after long flights or in warmer climates, and seeking medical attention if symptoms are severe, prolonged, or come with signs of dehydration.
A cold or flu tends to look a little different, building up gradually rather than hitting all at once: a sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever, body aches, or unusual tiredness. The advice here is much the same as for any virus: wash your hands often, keep some distance from people who are visibly unwell, rest properly, and keep your fluids up throughout the journey.
Travelling with kids: what to pack and watch for
Children are more exposed on holiday than parents often realise. “Children often have close contact with shared surfaces, and they can forget simple hygiene measures when they’re excited or distracted,” says Dr. Kaul, which makes them more likely to pick up common travel bugs.
Both doctors recommend a pre-trip visit to a paediatrician, ideally four to six weeks before departure, to check that routine childhood vaccinations are up to date and whether your destination calls for anything extra. “Protect your kids with child-safe insect repellent, and dress them in long sleeves and trousers during peak mosquito hours,” Dr. Vukovic advises, alongside regular sunscreen and keeping sleep and meal times as close to normal as possible.
It is also worth packing a small family health kit before you leave: a thermometer, any regular medication, age-appropriate fever relief, oral rehydration salts, antihistamines, antiseptic wipes, and a few bandages. Dr. Vukovic also suggests travel health insurance for the whole family.
If a child develops a persistent fever, repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, or seems unusually sleepy or lethargic, both doctors agree it is worth seeking medical advice quickly rather than waiting it out.
Why does the jump from AC to heat feel so rough?
Anyone living in the UAE already knows the feeling: stepping out of a cool, air-conditioned mall or car straight into 40°C heat. Those who will be travelling can also relate to the feeling.
According to Dr. Vukovic, that rapid switch puts real strain on the body. “Moving quickly between hot outdoor temperatures and cold indoor air stresses the circulatory system. The abrupt shift causes your blood vessels to constrict rapidly, which can trigger tension headaches, fatigue, and muscle stiffness,” she explains.
Air conditioning itself is not the enemy, both doctors agree, and is in fact an important tool during extreme heat, lowering the risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and added strain on the heart. The catch is prolonged exposure to very dry, recirculated air, which can dry out your eyes, throat, and nasal passages, and, according to Dr. Vukovic, may even blunt your nose’s natural ability to filter out germs. Neglected AC filters can also recirculate dust and mould, worth bearing in mind if you have asthma or allergies.
Both doctors suggest a few simple fixes: drink fluids regularly, dress in layers you can add or remove as needed, avoid sitting directly under very cold air conditioning for long stretches, and give your body a few minutes to adjust whenever you move between indoor and outdoor spaces. During the hottest parts of the day, take regular breaks somewhere shaded or air-conditioned.
Do you need any vaccines before you go?
Vaccination advice is never one-size-fits-all.
“Travel vaccination recommendations vary depending on the destination, length of stay, planned activities, and the traveller’s individual health profile,” says Dr. Malaz Yabrodi, Specialist Internal Medicine at Medcare Shaikh Saqr Al Qasimi Hospital Sharjah, who sees a rise in summer enquiries for destinations across Asia, Africa, and parts of South America, as well as countries with specific entry requirements or higher exposure risks. Both she and Dr. Kaul recommend a pre-travel consultation four to six weeks before departure: enough time to review your vaccination records, assess destination-specific risks, complete any recommended schedule, and allow immunity to actually develop, rather than discovering a requirement during the visa process or just before you fly. If you are short on time, two weeks is generally the minimum needed for most single-dose vaccines to take effect, though even a last-minute visit to the doctor is better than skipping it altogether.
Families should first confirm that routine vaccinations are up to date for both children and adults, in line with national immunisation schedules, before layering on anything destination-specific. As Dr. Yabrodi puts it, travellers should avoid assuming the same vaccinations apply to every trip: depending on where you are headed, additional protection against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and other travel-related illnesses may be recommended on top of the basics.
I’m a passionate journalist and creative writer graduate specialising in arts, culture, and storytelling. My work aims to engage readers with stories that inspire, inform, and celebrate the richness of human experience. From arts and entertainment to technology, lifestyle, and human interest features, I aim to bring a fresh perspective and thoughtful voice to every story I tell.
