HEALTH MATTERS
DR Julia Huddart, clinical lead for urgent and emergency care, NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group WE all look forward to going on holiday! Planning the trip, buying a summer wardrobe, checking we’ve packed everything we need – but with so many things to remember, essential items can get left behind.
One small trip to the pharmacy before take-off could save you a lot of hassle and stress abroad.
It might not be top of your list, alongside passport and tickets, but a visit to the pharmacy should be part of your pre-holiday preparations.
Stomach upsets are the most common problem to hit travellers aboard, with between 20 and 60 per cent affected. You can save yourself an unwanted trip to the resort’s pharmacy by visiting one at home before you go, to make sure you’ve got basic diarrhoea or indigestion tablets at hand if you need them.
If you regularly take certain medication, or are on medication for a long-term condition, such as asthma, diabetes or a heart problem, take a few minutes to talk to your pharmacist to find out if you need a repeat prescription before setting off.
Some pharmacies abroad don’t have access to the same medication as yours so it’s better to be prepared.
It’s also handy to pack a basic first aid kit which includes things like antiseptic, painkillers, bandages, plasters and antihistamines plus insect repellant and sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15.
This will help you to deal with any minor illnesses or injuries while you’re away – such as stomach upsets, allergies, headaches, sunburn, insect bites, sprains and strains.
Your pharmacy can help with that and advise on the best things to take.
Or if you want advice online, you can check out the interactive first aid kit at www.nhs.uk.
One last thing to check is the rules about types and quantities of medicines you are allowed to take into the country you’re visiting, as this can vary.
Holiday makers travelling in Europe should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) - available free at www.ehic.org.uk. This will give you access to state-provided healthcare in European Economic Area (EEA) countries, including Switzerland, at a reduced cost or sometimes for free, and will also cover treatment until you return to the UK.
These small steps will go a long way to ensuring that your well-deserved holiday goes exactly as planned.
Have a safe journey!