FIT TO FLY

Stay healthy from take-off till touchdown

- SYDNEY SWEENEY

Just booked a flight set for European summer? Congratulations, everyone stuck in the southern hemisphere is really happy for you.

Before you jet off for sunny adventures and Aperols by the sea, it’s worth taking a moment to consider your health. Whether it’s the recycled air on the plane, the germs circulating in that cramped metal box or unfamiliar bugs at your destination, getting sick while travelling is more common than you'd think.

And while it might feel like it’s something out of your control, there are steps you can take to stay healthy and happy on holidays. As Professor Nick Zwar, chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Specific Interests Travel Medicine group says, a little planning goes a long way.

SMART SHOT

It’s safe to say that in 2020, most of us got pretty familiar with vaccinations and the importance of staying up to date — but that doesn’t mean you should skip checking in with your GP before heading abroad. Yep, even if you're travelling to more westernised destinations like Europe.