How to stay well this holiday season

Healthdirect Australia Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nirvana Luckraj, says managing health and wellbeing these holidays is more important than ever and is helped by keeping the healthdirect app on hand.

“After another year of lockdowns and restrictions keeping many of us from seeing our loved ones, we all want to enjoy the time we can spend together,” Dr Luckraj says.

“As we get together with our family and friends, we must continue to practise the healthy habits that have been so important throughout the pandemic including good hand hygiene, social distancing and wearing a mask when appropriate.”

Dr Luckraj says the healthdirect app provides trusted information and advice for health concerns that are more likely to occur during the holiday season.

"In summer people are more likely to experience heat stroke, sunburn, dehydration, bites and stings, heat rashes and the effects of too much alcohol,” Dr Luckraj says.

To avoid these health issues people should take precautions, including:

• Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Avoid excess alcohol, plan days around the heat, particularly the middle of the day
• When outdoors, stay protected from prolonged sun exposure by wearing a hat and sunscreen, even if it is overcast

People showing severe signs of illness should seek urgent medical attention,” Dr Luckraj says.

The healthdirect service provides 24-hour health advice via website, app and helpline, including access to after-hours GP services for eligible callers. For those that need urgent medical attention, you can find your closest emergency department on the healthdirect app, or call triple zero (000).