For immediate release
24th May 2007

SUN, SEA AND SICKNESS? 70% OF BRITS’ HOLIDAYS DAMPENED BY COLDS

- Does winding down for a holiday lead to getting ill? -

Holidays are supposed to be the time in the year where we kick back, relax and enjoy ourselves. However, new research1 revealed today that seven in ten Brits have holiday hell caused by coughs and colds.

The research, by probiotic experts Yakult, revealed that the break we have waited all year for is hampered by a whole range of problems; the most common being the head cold – with 55% most likely to suffer from a runny nose.

Other holiday makers experience headaches (42%) and sore throats (40%) while stomach bugs, diarrhoea and constipation are also common symptoms experienced by 32% of British holidaymakers.

It may not seem like a big problem, but physical symptoms do affect other parts of the holiday. Over 70% said that their bug prevented them enjoying activities they wanted to do and nearly 20% spent several days of their holiday confined to their bed. Not the best way to get a tan or enjoy time away from the office! Indeed one in ten said their bug completely ruined their holiday for them.

As a nation we seem to value taking travel insurance – 78% of people purchase it but they seem to be more relaxed about ensuring their body is taken care of too. Only 20% of people take steps to boost their immune system before going on holiday to avoid illness.

So why is it that so many Brits get ill as soon as they are on holiday?
Dr Tony Leeds, senior lecturer at Kings College, London explains: “Many people believe that they are only susceptible to illness when the weather is cold, but it’s something that can affect you any time of the year. If you take care of your natural defences then you can build up defence against illnesses for instance – managing stress, helping yourself relax and getting enough sleep. In the build up to a summer break, people forget the simple measures they can take through being more proactive about your health and diet so as to avoid potentially wasting a happy break.”

Dr Tony Leeds’ top tips to prevent illness on your summer holiday:

• Look after your gut: The majority of your immune system lies within the digestive system., so taking care of the gut really can help your natural defences. Before going on holiday improve the health of your gut through your diet. Eat prebiotic foods like asparagus, onions and artichokes as well as eating a well-balanced diet and take a regular probiotic such as Yakult.
• Eat well: Our bodies need a good healthy, varied diet in order to function well. Ensure your routine isn’t disrupted in the build up to holiday and make time for regular well balanced meals. Swap processed junk foods and microwave meals in favour of plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, fibre-rich and wholegrain foods.
• Drink water: Cut down on caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee, and cola. Instead, drink lots of water, unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas. Water will flush out your system, and fruit juice is packed full of vitamins and minerals. Stay hydrated throughout your holiday; particularly when in the sun and on the plane where air cabins can dehydrate you.
• Get moving: Exercising for 30 minutes five times a week will improve circulation helps keep your digestive system and your body's defences on top form. On the plane get as much exercise as you can to avoid discomfort and sluggishness. When on holiday get double benefit from the pool – while cooling down do a few lengths and keep in shape.
• Sleep well: Sleeping is your body's way of repairing your defences so you're ready to fight infections. Aim for around 7-8 hours every night, and keep to a regular bedtime, even at weekends. This is especially important for long-haul flights where you can minimise the effects of jet lag by getting a good night's rest for a few nights running before departure.
• Chill out: Stress causes your heart to beat faster and long term is not good for you. So it is important to pace yourself - take time out when you feel the pressure and find ways to manage difficult situations. Ensure there are no last minute panics at work by doing a bit more each day in the build up to your holiday rather than leaving everything to your final day at work.

- Ends -

Notes to editors

Dr Tony Leeds is a senior lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics at Kings College, London

Further stats:

• Men are less likely to be ill on holiday than women, with 38% saying they are never ill compared with 27% of women
• Women (48%) are more likely to take precautions to avoid getting ill before going on holiday than men (35%)
• People from London and Yorkshire are the most likely to get sick on holiday
• The Welsh experience the healthiest holidays
• 18-24yr olds are most likely to suffer from exhaustion on holidays (33%)
• 19% of people stress about leaving work to go on holiday with 40% of women and 34% of men changing their work patterns leading up to their break
• Londoners are the most likely to change their work habits with only 51% working as normal before they go on holiday