Common symptoms of jet lag include: Feeling tired or exhausted Difficulty staying awake Sleeping excessively Disturbed sleep Poor concentration Reduced coordination Irritability Changes in appetite Altered bowel habit (constipation or loose stools)- may be related to change in meal times or reduced fluid intake on flights
The circadian rhythm is the normal cycle of being awake during the day and sleeping at night and generally dictated by the cycle of daylight and darkness. When we travel, the differences in time at our destination cause a disturbance of our normal circadian rhythm. Melatonin is produced naturally in the body- it is a [...]
Once your body eventually adapts to the time at your destination, the Jet Lag symptoms usually subside but this may take a few days. There are some tips that may help reduce the effects of jet lag: Adapting your schedule to the new time zone is critical- e.g. not sleeping until it is reasonably close [...]
Diarrhoea is 3 or more loose bowel motions per 24 hours. Traveller’s Diarrhoea is Gastroenteritis (“gastro”) that develops shortly after or during travel abroad. It can range from a tummy upset for a day or two, with mild diarrhoea, to more severe diarrhoea, tummy cramps, vomiting, fevers and dehydration lasting several days or longer.
Traveller’s Diarrhoea is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with germs (bacteria, viruses or parasites) or their toxins. It can be spread by contact with an infected person. The commonest germs include: Bacteria Escherichia coli (E Coli) - found in undercooked beef, unpasteurised milk and juice, sprouts and contaminated water. Campylobacter- found [...]
Symptoms (other than diarrhoea) may include: Abdominal pain Nausea (feeling sick) and/or vomiting Fevers Aches
The risk depends on where you travel to: High-risk areas: South and Southeast Asia, Central America, West and North Africa, South America, East Africa. Medium-risk areas: Russia, China, Caribbean, South Africa. Low-risk areas: North America, Western Europe and New Zealand.
Fluid replacement is the most important element of treatment. While water is often enough, oral rehydration salts (such as Hydrolyte) can help to increase rehydration and replace electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhoea. In milder cases, rehydration is all that’s required. However, other treatments such as anti-diarrhoea medications, anti-emetic (anti-nausea) medications and antibiotics may be [...]
Most people have mild symptoms that may not need treatment other than resting and drinking plenty of fluids. However you should see a doctor if you: have a fever (high temperature) above 38.5C. have blood in your diarrhoea or vomit. are becoming dehydrated- ie. passing less urine, dry mouth, feeling dizzy/light-headed, headaches, weakness/fatigue etc. have [...]
An employee must inform their employer if intending to take sick leave or carer’s leave. This has to be done as soon as possible, but can be after the leave has started. It should be specified how long the absence from work will be, or is expected to be. An employer can ask an employee [...]
