Travel With A Clean Bill of Health
Travelling to a new holiday destination? If you are, it’s worth checking out whether there are any local health issues that may directly affect you during your vacation. Consider talking to your local pharmacist about your health on holiday; they’ll have lots of information on appropriate medicines, vaccines and ideas to keep you safe and well on your travels.
Time Zone Changes
If you are taking, specific, timed medication, you need to take into account any time zone changes – essential if you are going long-haul. Your pharmacist will be able to guide you on how to work out when to take your medicine. For instance, the progesterone-only contraceptive pill is classed as “missed” if you are three hours late in taking it!
Help – I’ve Lost My Medication!
Ensure that you have enough medication to take you through your holiday and a few days over (in case of cancelled flights!). If your medication runs out or goes missing, don’t panic. If you are in the UK, head for the nearest pharmacy with a copy of your repeat prescription form and they will usually be able to send you on your way with an emergency supply of medication. If you need morphine or benzodiazepines, you’ll be directed to an appropriate out-of-hours or walk-in-service.
Europe – take your EU Health Card to the nearest approved Medical Centre, together with a copy of your repeat prescription – emergency supplies can then be dispensed. If you are in a remote place – don’t hesitate to seek advice. Always keep a detailed copy of what medications you take – and keep your meds list in a safe place.
You may be presented with medicine that is in unfamiliar packaging but don’t be alarmed – your pharmacist will find you something that has the same ingredients as your usual medication.
Medication Restrictions
Check if there are any restrictions about what medicines can be taken into another country. You might be surprised to learn that it is against the law to take codeine based products into the United Arab Emirates or Greece. Your GP can provide you with a covering letter in the event you require codeine based medication, or if you require liquid medication to be carried in your hand luggage. There may be a fee a letter – but it’s worth it! It’s a good idea to inform your airline in advance too.
Health Problems – Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is a common problem and luckily, you can purchase anti sickness medication in most places. Medication with antihistamine is considered helpful and treatment is effective if taken before a journey commences. If you suffer with motion sickness avoid reading, breathe deeply and focus on something ahead. Ginger in almost any form, is considered helpful.
Deep Vein Thrombosis 
Every year in the UK, DVT – deep vein thrombosis, affects one in every 1,000 people.
If you are sitting down for a long time, and there’s not much space around you, do some simple leg and calf exercises every half an hour. Better still, take a walk – this applies regardless of your mode of transport. Avoid tight clothing around your waist, and drink lots of water to keep alert and hydrated – which means you’ll also have to use facilities, so you’ll have another opportunity to take a stroll. A pair of compression socks may not look great, but they are highly recommended!
Mossies and Malaria
The National Pharmacy Association provides its members with regular information about what anti-malarial meds are recommended for specific travel destinations and if there are any vaccine requirement updates. Pick out a good insect repellent with a high concentration of DEET, and keep covered up after sunset. Plug-in vaporisers are worth the investment.
Stomach Bugs
60% of all travellers suffer with upset tummies! Contaminated food or water and poor hand hygiene in food preparation are the main culprits, so take some re-hydration sachets with you. You can also ask your pharmacist about anti-diarrhoea medication. Remember, locals will have a high tolerance to consuming their own water, but you might not, so think before you request ice in your drinks or sample a home made ice-cream
Sunburn
There are dozens of sun protection preparations on the market. Sunscreen should be applied generously and often – the higher the SPF rating – the better. If you do get burnt, it can be pretty grim. Inflamed skin is often accompanied by headaches, blistering and fever. Try to take as much heat out of the skin as possible, with cool baths or showers – and apply after sun-care and moisturiser. Pain killers and good hydration will help you feel better too. So remember the Aussie guidance – Slip, Slap Slop – slip on a shirt, slap on some sunscreen and wear a sloppy old hat to keep the sunstroke at bay!