Scuba diving is a great family activity to do when on holiday.
However, the activity can cause problems such as the bends.
This is when the swimmer resurfaces too quickly and bubbles of dissolved gas form in the body and the blood.
Yet there is another problem that many families may not be aware of when it comes to scuba diving.
Conjunctivitis can also affect holidaymakers who are scuba diving or snorkelling.
This is due to sharing equipment that may not have been washed properly or previously used by someone with the condition.
A report showed that 27 individuals in Fiji suffered from an outbreak of conjunctivitis due to poor washing of the masks and the handler having previously battled the infection.
However, there are ways to make sure the common infection doesn’t ruin a holiday.
Dr Riccardo Di Cuffa, Founder of Your Doctor states that it can easily be avoided by not sharing equipment.
He also says: “With infectious pink eye, a warm, moist compress may help reduce redness and swelling. Use a different compress for each eye, and a clean compress for each application to prevent spreading the infection.
“Wipe from the inside, next to the nose, towards the outside of the eye.”
However, if it doesn’t go away over a few days then it may be worth seeing a doctor.
He wrote: “Certain types of conjunctivitis can develop into a serious condition that may harm your vision so it may need treating.”
It’s easy to fall ill on holiday, being around different diseases and people.
The experts have given top tips on how to avoid it as much as possible.
Some obvious advice remains to always have the correct vaccinations and to make sure food is always cooked through.
Yet some additional steps such as not sharing crockery and wearing mosquito repellant bands can also come in handy.
