The NHS GP and TV doctor shared advice in an episode of his No Appointment Necessary podcast
Dr Amir Khan shared a tip for holidaymakers(Image: ITV)
NHS GP and TV doctor, Dr Amir Khan, has recommended that holidaymakers start taking a tablet daily one week before their departure date. The health expert offered the advice to help people tackle a common problem many face while on holiday.
The GP suggests taking the tablets to help reduce the common issue of irritation from mosquito bites. While Brits often complain about the insects during the summer population boom, they are even more common in mainland Europe, much to the frustration of holidaymakers.
Thankfully, Dr Khan has shared advice that could help anyone visiting a country where bites are likely. The NHS doctor and TV personality offered the tip during a recent episode of the No Appointment Necessary podcast. Dr Khan, who is a co-host of the show, revealed he swears by the method himself.
The doctor clarified that the trick does not prevent bites, but it can help to reduce irritation. He told viewers: “How do we protect ourselves against insect bites?
“This won’t avoid you getting bitten, but it will help you reduce all that irritation and redness. Start taking a daily antihistamine a week before you go on holiday. I do that now, and it has changed my reaction to mosquito bites.
“They’re not as bad as they were, and I’m not like just miserably itchy on holidays. So every day for a week beforehand.” He added: “Antihistamines a week before you go on holiday, and while you’re out there as well, because your whole point is managing your overimmune response, and antihistamines will help do that.”
The advice proved popular with social media users when a clip from the podcast was shared on Instagram. The video gained over 4k likes. Replying to the post, a commenter said: “True fact as we did before going to Sri Lanka last year and what a difference!!”
A similar reply said: “I’ve been doing this for a while and it works.” Another response read: “Did this going to Thailand last year and it worked a treat.” However, there were also some commenters who said they had tried the tip before without noticing a difference.
The NHS says you should speak to a pharmacist or GP before taking antihistamines if you’re already taking other medicines. It’s also important to follow the directions when taking antihistamines.
The NHS website explains: “Antihistamines are medicines often used to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as hay fever, hives, conjunctivitis and reactions to insect bites or stings.
“They’re also sometimes used to prevent motion sickness, to treat feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting), and as a short-term treatment for insomnia. Most antihistamines can be bought from pharmacies and shops, but some are only available on prescription.”
