A holiday in Spain usually means sunshine, beaches, long days outdoors and discovering a new cuisine. But changes in temperature, diet, routine and environment can sometimes cause unexpected health problems, especially when your body is not used to the Spanish summer.
From stomach problems and dehydration to insect bites or ear infections after swimming, many common holiday illnesses can be prevented with a few simple precautions. Knowing what to look out for can also help you decide when you can take care of yourself and when it might be better to speak to a doctor.
Trying local food is one of the best parts of travelling, but gastrointestinal problems can quickly interrupt a holiday.
Good food hygiene remains one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk. Be especially careful with food that has been left unrefrigerated for long periods and always wash your hands before eating or preparing food.
A few useful habits include:
Spain’s warm weather is one of its biggest attractions, but spending several hours outdoors in high temperatures can put significant strain on the body. Excessive heat can cause dehydration, heat cramps and heat exhaustion, while severe overheating can develop into heatstroke, which requires urgent medical attention.
During particularly hot days, remember to:
Not every holiday health problem is directly caused by the heat. Mosquito and other insect bites are common during warmer months and usually cause a small area of redness, itching or swelling. Avoiding scratching, using insect repellent when appropriate and covering exposed skin in areas with many insects can help reduce discomfort and further irritation.
Respiratory infections can also appear while travelling. Airports, planes, crowded tourist attractions and changes between hot outdoor temperatures and strongly air-conditioned indoor spaces mean that coughs, sore throats and other respiratory symptoms can still occur in summer.
Most mild problems improve without complications, but symptoms should not simply be dismissed because you are on holiday.
Days spent moving between the sea and the swimming pool can sometimes lead to another classic summer complaint: swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa. Water remaining in the ear canal creates a moist environment that can encourage infection.
Common symptoms can include itching, discomfort, redness, drainage and pain that may become more noticeable when touching or pulling the outer ear.
Simple prevention can help:
A little preparation can prevent many of the health problems that commonly interrupt a holiday. Staying hydrated, protecting yourself from excessive sun exposure, practising good food hygiene and taking simple precautions after swimming can help you enjoy your trip without unnecessary setbacks.
Being abroad shouldn’t mean having to navigate illness alone. International Doctor 24h provides medical assistance for international visitors in Spain, helping travellers receive professional medical care when unexpected health problems appear during their stay.
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