paracetamol

Pharmacologist Dan Baumgardt, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology at the University of Bristol, warned travellers they risk importing dangerous conditions from abroad

A health expert has delivered a chilling alert that tourists returning from abroad must never overlook three key warning signs that could signal serious disease. Pharmacologist Dan Baumgardt emphasised that jet-setters face the danger of bringing back hazardous illnesses – and should never simply brush off the red flags.

The senior academic from the School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience at the University of Bristol highlighted three critical symptoms demanding immediate medical care – fever, stomach upset and yellowing of the skin. Penning his advice on the Conversation website, he declared: “International travel poses a risk of catching something more than a run-of-the-mill bug, so it’s important to be vigilant for the tell-tale symptoms.

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“Here are the main ones to look out for while away and when you return.”

Fever

Mr Baumgardt explained: “Fever is a common symptom to note after international travel – especially to tropical or subtropical regions. While a feature of many different illnesses, it can be the first sign of an infection – sometimes a serious one.”

He warned it might indicate Malaria which is a deadly condition triggered by parasites transmitted to people via bites from contaminated female Anopheles mosquitoes.

The disease poses a major worldwide health threat, affecting over 200 million individuals and causing hundreds of thousands of fatalities each year, reports the Daily Record.

Malaria remains especially widespread across tropical and subtropical areas globally. Early symptoms of the disease can mimic those of the flu, including headaches and muscle aches, but these can escalate to severe fever, sweating and shaking chills.

Other signs to look out for include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), swollen lymph nodes, rashes and abdominal pain – although these symptoms can vary greatly and can resemble many other conditions.

Mr Baumgardt warned: “Prompt medical attention is essential. Malaria is serious and can become life-threatening. It’s also worth noting that symptoms may not appear until weeks or even months after returning home. In the UK, there are around 2,000 imported malaria cases each year.

“Travellers to at-risk areas are strongly advised to take preventative measures. This includes mosquito-bite avoidance as well as prescribed antimalarial medications, such as Malarone and doxycycline. Although these drugs aren’t 100% effective, they significantly reduce the risk of infection.”

There has also been an increase in Dengue fever, another disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Symptoms include high temperatures, severe headaches, body aches and rashes, which overlap with both malaria and other common viral infections.

Mr Baumgardt warned: “Most people recover with rest, fluids and paracetamol, but in some instances, dengue can become severe and requires emergency hospital treatment. A vaccine is also available – but is only recommended for people who have had dengue before, as it provides good protection in this group.

“Any fever after international travel should be taken seriously. Don’t brush it off as something you’ve just picked up on the plane – please see a doctor. A simple test could lead to early diagnosis and might save your life.”

Upset stomachs

Speaking about dodgy tummies, Mr Baumgardt revealed: “Few travel-related issues are as common – or as unwelcome – as diarrhoea. It’s estimated that up to six in ten travellers will experience at least one episode during or shortly after their trip. For some, it’s an unpleasant disruption mid-holiday; for others, symptoms emerge once they’re back home.

“Traveller’s diarrhoea is typically caused by eating food or drinking water containing certain microbes (bacteria, viruses, parasites) or their toxins. Identifying the more serious culprits early is essential – especially when symptoms go beyond mild discomfort.”

He went on to stress that people should watch out for particular red flags – including large volumes of watery diarrhoea, blood present in stools or urgent toilet trips. He continued: “These may suggest a more serious infection, such as giardia, cholera or amoebic dysentery. These conditions are more common in regions with poor sanitation and are especially prevalent in parts of the tropics.”

In certain instances, antibiotics and antiparasitic treatment may be required.

Jaundice

This ailment, which causes your skin or the whites of your eyes to turn yellow, can signal something severe like liver disease, so urgent medical attention is needed, according to NHS guidelines.

Whilst many people come back from holidays with a tan, it could also be an indication of jaundice.

Mr Baumgardt explained: “Several travel-related illnesses can cause jaundice. Malaria is one culprit as is the mosquito-borne yellow fever. But another common cause is hepatitis – inflammation of the liver.

“Viral hepatitis comes in several forms. Hepatitis A and E are spread via contaminated food or water – common in areas with poor sanitation. In contrast, hepatitis B and C are blood-borne, transmitted through intravenous drug use, contaminated medical equipment or unprotected sex.”

For the full article on the Conversation, click here.

Italy has been named as the cheapest place to live for British expats, according to a recent study – here are the other countries that made the list

A study has pinpointed the most affordable havens for British expats – crowning Italy as the best bet. 2022 witnessed a staggering 3.6 million Brits heading to Italy’s shores, seeking the Bella Vita beyond well-trodden cities like Rome, Milan or Venice. Lesser-frequented gems such as Rimini, Naples and Capri also offer magnificent experiences away from the usual tourist trail.

The research, conducted by YourOverseasHome, assessed the living costs in seven nations, with comparison to the UK. Despite a handful of Italian locales boasting steep prices, Italy emerged as the overall winner for cost-effective long-term residence.

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YourOverseasHome said: “Despite there being a few cities and towns that have reputations for being expensive destinations, Italy is by far the cheapest place to live long term when you’re not spending like a traveller.”

Moreover, they stated: “This is despite the fact that energy costs more in Italy.” The report also touched upon the considerable variation of living expenses across different regions, reports the Express.

Yet, for those settled in typical Italian towns or villages, avoiding major tourist hotspots, the country is seen as the most affordable choice according to previous coverage by The Express.

While energy costs may be steeper in Italy, groceries are generally far more affordable than in the UK. Products such as fish, chocolate, and gin cost over twice as much in the UK compared to Italy, although lettuce was found to be cheapest in the UK.

Housing expenses in Italy could also result in savings for Brits, with decorating materials and domestic cleaning services being less expensive than in the UK. Electrical goods, including televisions and Amazon Alexa Echo Docks, were also discovered to be cheaper in Italy.

Moreover, Brits could savour a cappuccino in an Italian café for just £1 on average, a stark contrast to the £3.20 typically charged in the UK.

And let’s not overlook Italy’s recent €1 home scheme. This initiative could enable travellers to purchase a home in the stunning region of Sicily, aimed at attracting expats to the area.

However, participants in the scheme had to adhere to certain rules, including that the property must be renovated within a specific timeframe and that the home can only be utilised for residential or tourism purposes.

Once refurbished, the homes available could command prices of up to €30,000 (approximately £25,000). Meanwhile, if you’re a foodie who enjoys dining out, you’ll be thrilled to learn that eating out in Spain is a steal, with a three-course meal averaging at just £13.

In terms of dental care, Spain again offers the best value, with appointments costing roughly £21.50, a significant difference from Germany’s hefty £50 fee.

Entertainment seekers in the UK might find themselves forking out more compared to other European nations, with cinema tickets costing a pretty penny.

In contrast, certain products are cheaper in Britain; take paracetamol as an example, which costs almost a tenfold more in Italy. As for petrol prices, Greece is experiencing a hike where 50 litres of unleaded fuel reach an eye-watering £86, topping the UK’s substantial £81.

Portugal offers a bit of financial ease to British expats, with the cost of the same amount of petrol hovering at about £78. Christopher Nye, Senior Editor at YourOverseasHome.com, shared his insights: “We know that thousands of Britons are considering moving abroad, more so than ever! UK natives are looking to jump ship to avoid high energy costs and never-ending price rises.

“But if you’re moving under the assumption that you’ll be getting more for your money, you could very well be jumping from the frying pan into the fire, as prices have shot up across the eurozone too.”

Post-Brexit, Germany has emerged as the country with the highest living costs following the UK, with Spain and France also appearing relatively expensive.

Don’t let a dicky tummy, sunburn or travel sickness ruin your holiday this summer, with nutritional therapist and pharmacist Deborah Grayson’s top tips

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to summer holidays – whether you’re jetting off to the Mediterranean, road-tripping across the UK, or packing for a long-haul getaway. But one of the most important things is sometimes the first to be overlooked – your health. As a pharmacist with more than 30 years’ experience, I’ve helped countless holidaymakers caught off-guard by sunburn, food poisoning or an unexpected allergic reaction.

One in eight holidaymakers get ill abroad, according to statistics. And nearly half of us fear a medical emergency abroad. But the good news is that with a few smart, proactive steps, you can avoid most common travel ailments and keep your summer trip on track. So whether you suffer from travel sickness, struggle with jet lag, or just want to avoid the classic sunburn-blister-sore-feet trifecta, here are 10 essential summer health hacks to help you feel your best, wherever you’re headed.

How to build the ultimate travel first aid kit

You don’t need to carry half a pharmacy with you, just pack the essentials. Make sure you have plasters and antiseptic wipes, as well as antihistamines (for bites, allergies or hay fever), and rehydration salts for heat or stomach bugs. Pop a pack of paracetamol or ibuprofen in your kit, as well as anti-diarrhoeal medication like loperamide.

Don’t forget travel sickness tablets, and hydrocortisone cream for rashes or bites. If you have prescribed medications, keep them in their original boxes with your name clearly labelled. Keeping these in a bag in your hand luggage ensures you’re covered if your main suitcase goes missing.

Beat travel sickness before it starts

Motion sickness happens when your inner ear and eyes send conflicting signals to your brain – often triggered in cars, boats or planes. Prevention is far more effective than waiting until you’re nauseous. Antihistamines such as cinnarizine or hyoscine patches are proven remedies and available over the counter. For natural alternatives, ginger capsules or acupressure wristbands may help some people. I also recommend facing forwards in a moving vehicle, avoiding reading or scrolling, and crack a window where possible.

Stay one step ahead of jetlag

There’s nothing worse than losing the first day or so of a long-awaited holiday due to jet lag. While you can’t avoid it altogether, there are some things you can do to minimise the effects. If possible, try to adjust your sleep schedule a few days before you fly. Drink plenty of water on the flight, and avoid alcohol. If it’s an overnight flight, avoid eating a heavy meal. Get some sunlight as soon as you arrive to help reset your internal body clock. Melatonin supplements may be useful for short-term sleep regulation but speak to a pharmacist first.

Stay hydrated – especially on your flight

Cabin air is dry, and dehydration not only leaves you feeling groggy but can worsen jet lag, headaches, and increase your risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Drink a glass of water every hour during your flight and avoid caffeine or alcohol, both of which dehydrate you. Consider oral rehydration salts if you’re flying long haul or suffer from conditions that make you more prone to dehydration. Pack a refillable water bottle (you can fill it after security) and use hydrating facial mists or moisturiser to combat dry skin.

Prevent sunburn

It’s tempting to start a holiday by spending hours in the sun lying on the beach or by the pool. But a trip away can easily be ruined by sunburn, which isn’t just painful but can increase your risk of skin cancer and can lead to sunstroke. Always use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapplying every two hours and immediately after swimming. Don’t forget areas like ears, feet, scalp, and the back of the neck. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest.

Protect against bites and stings

Mosquitoes, midges and other biting insects can cause allergic reactions or transmit illness depending on where you’re travelling. Use an insect repellent containing DEET, especially around sunrise and sunset. Wear loose, light-coloured clothing, and sleep under a mosquito net if needed. If you’re bitten make sure to clean the area, apply hydrocortisone cream, and take oral antihistamines to reduce swelling and itching. If the area becomes red, hot or painful – or you develop a fever – seek medical advice.

Avoid holiday tummy troubles

Food poisoning and traveller’s diarrhoea can ruin any trip. In many hot countries, bacteria multiply more quickly, especially in street food or undercooked meats. Stick to bottled or filtered water (including when brushing teeth) and avoid ice cubes unless you know the source. Peel fruits yourself and be cautious with salads washed in local water. Pack antidiarrhoeal tablets and rehydration salts. If symptoms last more than 48 hours, or there’s blood in the stool, seek medical help.

Plan ahead for pre-existing conditions

If you have a long-term condition, speak to your GP or pharmacist at least 2-4 weeks before you travel. Get any vaccinations you need and ensure you’re fit to fly, particularly for long-haul trips. Take a basic health summary or EHIC/GHIC card (for EU countries) and always declare conditions on travel insurance. If you’re flying with mobility issues, allergies or need medical equipment like oxygen or needles, inform your airline in advance. And remember – pharmacies abroad don’t always stock the same brands or doses. Being prepared gives you peace of mind.

Mind your medication in the heat

Many people don’t realise that extreme heat can reduce the effectiveness of some medications, particularly for blood pressure, thyroid conditions or diabetes. Tablets like nitroglycerin and insulin are especially sensitive and should be kept below 25°C, away from direct sunlight or car glove boxes.

For those on temperature-sensitive meds, pack a cool bag or insulated pouch, especially on day trips. Additionally, store your medication in carry-on luggage rather than checked bags, as luggage holds can get extremely hot. A travel-sized thermometer in your kit can help you keep an eye on conditions if you’re somewhere very hot.

Deborah Grayson is a pharmacist with 30 years’ experience, and a nutritional therapist. She runs Digestion With Confidence: digestionwithconfidence.co.uk

FILL YOUR FIRST AID KIT

Take steps now to make sure you have everything you need for every kind of holiday health challenge

Kwells 300mcg travel sickness tablets, £3.99 for 12 (Boots)

O.R.S hydration tablets, £6.49 ( orshydration.com )

Navigate Carnaby travel bloom washbag, £23 (dunelm.com)

Sea-Band Nausea relief Ginger Capsules, £6.69 for 20 (Superdrug)

Skincalm Bite & Sting Relief 1% Cream Hydrocortisone – 10g, £4.65 ( amazon.co.uk )

Bioré Aqua Rich UV Invisible Face Mist SPF 50, £17.99 (Superdrug)

La Roche Posay UVMune 400 Dermo-paediatrics Invisible Spray SPF50+, £25.50 (lookfantastic.com)

Regatta x Orla Kiely water bottle, £38 ( regatta.com )

A pharmacist has urged holidaymakers to check the rules on taking a drug which is popular in the UK, but regulated or banned in other countries

A pharmacist has issued a stark warning to the millions of Brits who regularly take a medicine that is either banned or heavily regulated in several countries, including Greece and France. Co-codamol, which is a mixture of paracetamol and codeine, can be purchased in shops and is also prescribed to 3.5 million people.

The medicine is available in three strengths, the lowest of which contains 8g of codeine to 500mg of paracetamol and can be purchased without a prescription. Higher doses (those with 15g and 30g of codeine) are available only with a doctor’s authorisation.

Despite its popularity in the UK, the drug is considered illegal in Greece and is obtainable only with a prescription. It is entirely prohibited in Ethiopia, and possession of it in the United Arab Emirates or China could land you in prison.

In Thailand, it is classified as a category 2 narcotic. In Indonesia, Qatar, Singapore and Japan, it is either regulated or banned without specific licences or forms. Even with a prescription, bringing co-codamol into Mexico is forbidden, reports the Liverpool Echo.

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Since 2018, the drug has required a prescription in Australia and also necessitates one in France, Italy, India, Romania, Ireland, Canada, the US and Germany.

A number of EU countries permit low-dose over-the-counter codeine (up to roughly 12 mg per unit), but only under the supervision of a pharmacist: these include Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovenia.

Peter Thnoia, superintendent pharmacist at online pharmacy PillTime, issued a stark warning for holidaymakers, saying: “Know the rules of the country you’re travelling to, because you’d be surprised how many everyday tablets are banned or regulated abroad.

“For example, co-codamol is available over the counter and in supermarkets here in the UK. But in Greece, the codeine element is treated as a controlled drug – so you can only bring it into the country with a prescription and a doctor’s note.

“If you’re unsure on whether your medication is under restricted use in the country you’re travelling to, then check the official embassy website for your destination. It will explain exactly what you can – and can’t – bring into the country.

“It’s always best to be safe and check before you travel, so that you have all the essential medication you need to make sure your holiday is as enjoyable as possible.”

Peter also offered guidance on how to transport medications when flying: “Always keep your medication in your hand luggage, in its original packaging with the prescription label intact. Security staff may need to verify it, especially if it’s liquid or regulated.

“If you’re unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a supporting letter. This can be especially helpful when travelling with larger quantities.”

Sam Thompson gets emotional ahead of Soccer Aid which will see him play on the same team as ex-love Zara McDermott’s new boyfriend Louis Tomlinson

Playing with their football heroes is a dream come true for the stars taking part in Soccer Aid – but raising money for UNICEF is the real prize for stars including Sam Thompson and Louis Tomlinson. Since singer Robbie Williams created the event in 2006, over £106 million has been raised. This year’s match takes place at Old Trafford and will see Wayne Rooney playing for England alongside his former Manchester United teammates Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, plus Lionesses Jill Scott, Steph Houghton and Toni Duggan.

Joining them is a cool crew of celebs including Paddy McGuinness, Sam Quek and Tom Grennan. While the World XI team includes Richard Gadd, Edwin van der Sar, Martin Compston and Tony Bellew.

Sam has got a dual role: as well as playing on the pitch, he’s also been running and cycling 260 miles to hand-deliver the ball to Old Trafford and raise more money in a challenge called Matchball Mission for Unicef.

“One of the most special things about Soccer Aid for UNICEF is the togetherness that it brings out,” says Sam, 32. “I’ll never forget being sat at that training dinner table watching the television screens of UNICEF’s great work. People were shedding tears – everyone’s in it together. When we realised we’d helped to raise a record milestone of over £100 million since the game first began, the cheer that went up was bigger than the cheer of winning the actual game, which I think is quite telling.”

Tears also played a part when Sam crossed the finish line on Friday as he delivered the match ball to Old Trafford and got a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Kier Starmer.

He told the Mirror it’s “mad” that the Prime Minister said he was “inspiring”. “I can’t believe the prime minister knows my name,” Sam said. “I’m on double codeine and paracetamol… I am not going to lie, it hurts a lot,” Sam admitted as he walked to a nearby hotel.

The 32 year old, who has already raised over £1.5 million from the challenge, confessed: “I am totally broken – but so happy . The fact this challenge has grabbed everyone’s attention is just so incredible and I have just been blown away!”

And yesterday he was crying again on This Morning yesterday as he recalled the feat, telling Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley: “I’ve gotto stop crying! You’re making me so emotional, so many tears man.”

Soccer Aid host Dermot O’Leary is also returning and says half-time is his favourite part of the match because he gets to play pundit. “You have these special moments, it’s a laugh and you’re watching a game of football and you’re seeing goals,” says the 52-year-old.

Former One Direction star Louis lists playing with Ronaldinho as one of his greatest Soccer Aid memories, but for Jill, it’s buddying up with Football Factory star Danny Dyer that makes her day.

“He’s my type of player,” grins Jill, 38. “Strong tackles, probably swears a little bit too much, but I love that passion and football aggression!”

Soccer Aid for Unicef 2025 airs on Sunday at 6pm on ITV1. Join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News, TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads – or visit The Mirror homepage.