Going on holiday gives everyone time to relax and let their hair down. Getting away from the stress of everyday life is great, but being off your guard can significantly increase the risk of having an accident.

Most accidents on holiday occur within the first couple of days, and the most common types of injuries are fractures, cuts and sprains. These tend to occur early on in the holiday when you are unfamiliar with the new surroundings. You can reduce your chances of injury or illness by following these seven holiday steps.

1. Equip yourself with a travel first aid kit and medical pack

A travel first aid kit will need to include all the basic bandages and dressings necessary for your trip. A premium Medical Pack will include sterile syringes, needles and cannula sets. Having your own syringes and needles ensures that a high level of hygiene can be achieved if you are admitted to hospital in countries with a lower standard of hygiene than the UK . You could save yourself from a nasty infection.

2. Avoid getting bitten

In the UK , most bites and stings are painful but harmless and only affect the area around the sting. When abroad however, allergic reactions or infections from insect bites can become life-threatening. You should use a reliable insect repellent, and if you are heading for the tropics, check out the need for malaria tablets with your doctor. When abroad, be aware of other stinging and biting animals and insects, such as scorpions, snakes, spiders, and jellyfish. Vinegar is great for jellyfish stings. Carry some sachets (such as the ones in fast food outlets) in your first aid kit.

3. Don't ignore earache

Ear infections are a really a common problem on holiday. Bacteria picked up while swimming or playing in water seems to be the main cause. They are unbearably painful and could prevent you from flying. The cabin pressure intensifies the pain and can burst an infected ear-drum. Antibiotics work quickly, so the advice is that if you have an earache, get to a doctor sooner rather than later.

4. Watch what you eat

An upset stomach can ruin your holiday. It could be caused by food poisoning or from consuming food and water that has been contaminated by bacteria, parasites or viruses. You could experience vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Reduce the risk of stomach upset by only drinking bottled (preferably carbonated) water, avoiding shellfish (particularly uncooked varieties such as oysters), avoiding ice cream and ice in drinks, and only eating food that is piping hot.

5. Beware of the sun

A Royal Mail survey found that 38 per cent of us have suffered from extreme sunburn at some time. Those traveling to hot climates from countries such as the UK increase their risk of sunburn because their skin is unused to the sun. Fair skins are also more prone to sunburn. Because sunburn changes the skin's DNA, it has been linked to skin cancers.

Sun protection is getting more and more effective. The factor you use depends on your skin type (fair skin = higher factor) and also on the area you are visiting, and the altitude. If you are unsure, play it safe with a factor of 25 or over.

6. Drink up!

Not too much alcohol though! If you become dehydrated, you are more likely to become ill. People don't realize how much water they lose through perspiration at high temperatures. Symptoms include feeling dizzy, light-headed, lethargic and thirsty, followed by rapid heart rate and visibly wrinkled, inelastic skin. Children and the elderly are most at risk.

7. Check out the swimming areas

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents advises not to swim anywhere without being sure in advance that it is safe. This includes lakes, rivers and seas and if nobody is swimming in a certain area, ask why. Do not dive or jump into water unless you are certain that it is deep enough.

Never leave children alone in or near water. Avoid scuba-diving within 24 hours of a flight, and learn the basics in the UK before you go. The British Sub-Aqua Club training is more comprehensive than the internationally recognized Padi course.

The First Aid Warehouse specializes in the supply of first aid equipment and diagnostic products to both the public and trade. They offer an extensive range of products including Travel first aid kits, first aid items, and clinically approved sun care products.

With a wealth of industry knowledge, their online e-commerce platform provides a safe and secure environment to purchase from. They accept all major credit and debit cards and welcome orders from members of the public and health organisations including Primary Care Trusts, Care Homes, Surgeries, schools etc. If you wish to set up a business account, you can contact them either via or on 0845 6121217

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This article was written by Sharon Mason and is brought to you by First Aid Warehouse, UK's premier supplier of medical equipment, , blood pressure monitors , , medical furniture, burnshield dressings and stethoscopes . We supply equipment to medical professionals, the care industry and the general public