Nothing can kill your honeymoon passion like getting ill, before you know it, the dream holiday will become a nightmare quicker than you can say, ‘but I'm scared of needles Doctor!' So we've got a round up of the essential health advice you will need to stay safer in the sun.

WHATS UP DOC?

The best place to start is at your GP's office, so pop in with this checklist:

• The dates and places you will be travelling to.
  With these details they will be able to tell you which inoculations you will need and what the potential health risks are in that country.
  

• Do you need a new batch of inoculations or top up on your jabs?
  With some jabs you may only need to have a little top up, as the initial dose can compensate for several years. Again your surgery will advise you on what you need.
  

• Don't leave it to the last minute!
  Some inoculations need a couple of weeks to get working before you hit the beach. Also, you may have reactions such as a cold or sore arm for a couple of days, so you may need time to recover. It's a good idea to pencil in the appointments a few weeks ahead of your trip - that way you won't forget.
  

• Terrified of needles...
  If the very sight of a needle sends you screaming out of the surgery, then speak to your GP about any alternatives. However do not assume that other methods will be just as affective as the real deal, so factor in a friend to support if that will help your nerves.
  

• Malaria advice
  Its one of the biggest problems facing tourists in honeymoon hotspots and not one to ignore, so its essential that you take the proper precautions. The first step is to start the tablets. There are different types and your Doctor will advise you on which ones are right for you, depending on if you're allergic to any of them. Follow the dosages advise religiously, yes they taste disgusting but think of the alternative and knock them back!
  

BIG BROTHER IS LOOKING OUT FOR YOU

The next place to touch base with is the governments website or from the Foreign Office. You can access Foreign Office travel advice by country calling 0845 850 2829 for information. The telephone line is open 24 hours a day.

With the world a smaller place now, you can get the social, financial and medical low-down on a country from the comfort of your bedroom. At www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/ you'll find all the information you need on global health advise

The big health story is still the ongoing saga of swine flu. In 2009, the travel plans of many newly-weds were put into jeopardy when the pandemic struck hot honeymoon destinations like Mexico. Twelve months on, whilst the situation may not seem as bad as it was, it's still advisable to be precautions. Don't be surprised if you're asked to fill in health survey's on route to your honeymoon destination or go through a type of ‘health customs' when you arrive at the airport. It's also important that you follow the same advice that you would do at home. For further information on swine flu and travel visit www.direct.gov.uk/en/Swineflu/DG_177834

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS...

There are a few things that you always tend to overlook, so here are some quick tips:

• Do take out travel insurance. It's more than just cover for your valuable possessions, its taking care of the most priceless thing you have - your body. If the worst-case scenario does happen, you need to know that you'll be able to get treatment without having to re-mortgage your house in the process.
  
  If you're travelling to Europe you can make sure you have your free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to any necessary medical treatment, including for swine flu, during a visit to another European Economic Area country. You can get an EHIC application form from the Post Office, by calling 0845 606 2030 or by following the link https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do.
  

• Do check if you can drink the water? Its not just back home where, the water is a bit dodgy for our sensitive British systems, so be on the safe side and stick to bottled. It doesn't have to be Evian every time, but always insist on a new bottle with the cap seal intact. Some shady places merely fill mineral water bottles with tap water to fleece you. Also think about other ways you may be exposed to it, such as eating salads at restaurants, which have been washed in, yep, you guessed - tap water! Even in high-risk countries, it's worth using bottled water to brush your teeth.
• Do take a sanitizer gel with you. Now we may sound like we're going a little overboard, but in some countries you would be well advised to take your germ and bacteria blasting gel with you. Even when you handle money, it's a good idea to cleanse your hands as old notes carry the sweat and germs of someone who may not be washing their hands as much as you...
• Don't forget the sunscreen! Whilst a tan might not be on the same level as swine flu or malaria, sunburn can be dangerous, especially if you have fair or sensitive skin. Apart from ageing the hell out of you, it has the potential to expose you to all sorts of nasty skin diseases in the long-term. So whether you're white, black or brown slap on the sunscreen and enjoy the holiday!!