Many Brits travelling abroad take pointers from friends and colleagues rather than their GP, it has been claimed.
Caravanners planning a trip abroad should seek out professional health advice instead of relying on what their associates tell them, TV doctor Pixie McKenna stated.
The expert is backing the 8 Weeks To Go campaign, which encourages holidaymakers to visit their GP prior to departure to get reliable advice.
Dr McKenna revealed that one in two Brits will experience some sort of holiday injury or illness in their lifetime.
She noted that many people are taken in by myths that circulate among friends and colleagues, such as the belief that gin and tonic can help ward off malaria.
Another common misconception is that rabid dogs are never friendly – which could be costly to unsuspecting caravanners who are bitten by one.
“People are misinformed about many things and if you hear something from a friend or a colleague you are probably going to think that it is the correct information instead of trying to verify it yourself with a healthcare professional,” Dr McKenna explained.
