There's nothing worse than spending a fortune on your well deserved summer holiday, only to be struck down with an illness.

Unfortunately, it's not that unusual - a colossal six out of 10 Brits will be unwell while they are away this year, according to new research by Tesco.

Whether it's headaches, insect bites, sunburn, diarrhoea or heat rash, summer holiday ailments can make you feel miserable. Here, experts from the Tesco Health Council tell us how to deal with the problems so we can get on with enjoying our break.

Before you go

Make sure you purchase travel insurance before you go anywhere abroad.

If you're in Europe, a European Health Insurance Card will also ensure you get the same medical treatment as a local. If you need jabs see your GP at least six months before you are due to go.

One of the first things you should pack is a first aid kit, according to Penny Beck, superintendent pharmacist at Tesco.

"My top five recommended items in a holiday first aid kit would be anti-diarrhoea tablets and rehydration sachets, painkillers, insect repellent and anti-histamines, plus heartburn and indigestion remedies."

Travel sickness

"Have a small snack before you leave home as this will help to keep the stomach settled," Beck says. "When travelling, drink regularly (but avoid fizzy drinks) and don't read.

"Sitting in the front seat of the car will help - having a good view of the road in front helps the brain understand the movement sensed by the body. The middle seat in the back of a car also works.

"On a boat, sit on the top deck and face the direction of travel, looking out at the horizon. On a plane, try and get a seat over the wings. Sucking on a sweet during take off and landing can also help ease the pressure on the ears."

Sunburn

"As a general rule, if you normally stay out in the sun for five minutes in the UK before your skin starts to turn pink, an SPF of 15 could offer 75 minutes (15 x 5 minutes) before your skin would start to burn," explains Dr Joe Walls, a plastic surgeon who specialises in the effect of sun on the skin. "At this point, putting on more SPF15 won't give you any further protection, nor will it stop you burning. If you stay out in the sun for longer, you must increase the SPF level of your sun protection."

Prickly heat

If you've ever suffered from prickly heat, a red skin rash that causes a prickling or burning sensation, you'll know how uncomfortable it can be.

It happens when sweat glands are blocked by dead skin cells and bacteria, so when your body tries to cool you down by perspiring, it becomes trapped, causing the itchy rash and sometimes even blisters, usually under the arms and around the waist.

"Put on loose cotton clothing, keep the room temperature cool, have cool baths and try using aqueous calamine cream," Walls recommends.

Insect bites

Getting bitten on holiday can be an annoyance - all that scratching might ruin your tan! But in some countries, there can be more serious consequences, such as malaria, dengue fever or Lyme disease.

To avoid being bitten, cover yourself in insect repellent when you're outside, particularly from dusk until dawn in malarious areas, and try to wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.

Tummy bugs

There are ways of avoiding an upset stomach, including washing your hands before eating, choosing food that has been cooked from fresh and is served piping hot, avoiding dairy products, shellfish and food left uncovered, and drinking bottled water instead of from the tap.

However, if you do become a victim, make sure you drink plenty of water and take an anti-diarrhoea product.

If you have a fever, blood loss or are vomiting continuously with your diarrhoea, you should see a doctor.