Print this pageStay Healthy on Holiday in Alicante
You're going to have a wonderful time, but just to put your mind at rest in case there are any health problems we have provided you with a list of emergency numbers that you can print off and take with you. For those little health niggles that could occur, just take yourself off to a Spanish pharmacist, most speak excellent English and in Spain they are usually the first port of call, before a doctor. They can advise you on what treatment you may need for you ailment or, if you are already on medication and run out, a suitable replacement.
Important - European Health Insurance Card
In Spain, along with other European countries, you are entitled to free or reduced cost emergency treatment provided you have the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) that replaced the E111 form on 1st January 2006. You can apply for one through the Post Office or online at www.ehic.org.uk/InternetPROD/home.do Whilst it isn't a replacement for good insurance cover, it can help for emergencies though not for medication.
On the following pages we have provided information on the more common health concerns. It isn't an exhaustive list and we don't offer remedies, so please ensure you take with you preventative and standard medicines to help if any of the following rings bells with you! And we most certainly would recommend you getting proper medical advice before or during you holiday, if you have any real concerns.
Insect Bites
You never see them do you, but they always manage to get you! Most of the time they're not too much of a problem but if you do find that you are sensitive to insect bites then use a suitable repellent and cover your arms and legs, particularly at night when mosquito's (don't we just hate the little blighters?) are most active. For children, big or small, you can now get sun creams and after sun lotions with built in insect repellent - so that’s one thing less to remember. And if you do suffer from a nasty bite that looks like it won't go away, take yourself off to the pharmacist and get their advice, before it gets the chance to become infected.
Animal Bites
We are a nation of pet lovers, but whilst on holiday, to be safe, it is better to be wary of all animals. A bite will always need looking at and you may even need a tetanus injection. So try and admire the furry ones from afar!
Tummy Troubles
Tummy upsets can occur through any number of reasons, and it usually isn't the food! Be mindful of the following, it might help you to avoid any aches or pains:
- We all want a cooling drink in the heat of the day, but did you know that making your body cope with a clash of temperature, iced drinks verses overheated bodies, you can set yourself up for tummy upsets. Best to have chilled drinks when you're in the hot sun and save the ice cold drinks until you're a bit cooler!
- In general it's advisable to buy bottled water for drinking. Tap water is fine for teeth cleaning and cooking but the taste can take a little while to get used to.