NHS GP and TV doctor Dr Amir Khan has advised holidaymakers to start taking a daily antihistamine one week before their departure to reduce the irritation caused by mosquito bites. The recommendation was shared during an episode of his podcast, No Appointment Necessary, where he revealed he uses the method himself.
How the tip works
Dr Khan explained that while the tablets do not prevent bites, they help manage the body's overactive immune response, reducing redness and itching. He said: "How do we protect ourselves against insect bites? This won't avoid you getting bitten, but it will help you reduce all that irritation and redness. Start taking a daily antihistamine a week before you go on holiday. I do that now, and it has changed my reaction to mosquito bites."
He added: "They're not as bad as they were, and I'm not like just miserably itchy on holidays. So every day for a week beforehand. Antihistamines a week before you go on holiday, and while you're out there as well, because your whole point is managing your overimmune response, and antihistamines will help do that."
Public reaction
The advice gained popularity on social media after a clip from the podcast was shared on Instagram, receiving over 4,000 likes. One commenter said: "True fact as we did before going to Sri Lanka last year and what a difference!!" Another wrote: "I've been doing this for a while and it works." A third added: "Did this going to Thailand last year and it worked a treat." However, some commenters noted they had tried the tip without noticing a difference.
NHS guidance
The NHS advises speaking to a pharmacist or GP before taking antihistamines if you are already on other medications, and to follow the directions carefully. According to the NHS website: "Antihistamines are medicines often used to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as hay fever, hives, conjunctivitis and reactions to insect bites or stings. They're also sometimes used to prevent motion sickness, to treat feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting), and as a short-term treatment for insomnia. Most antihistamines can be bought from pharmacies and shops, but some are only available on prescription."
