When it comes to vaccination, timing plays a role. It’ s better to be at home if you experience a reaction( fever, chills, GI upset) than to be in the middle of a busy airport. The traveller can always decline a recommended vaccine, but Mike advises against it.“ You might feel sick for a few days now, but it’ s a much better option than paying thousands of dollars to be even more sick at your dream destination.”
Lina’ s consultation at the travel clinic verified that her routine adult immunizations were current and recommended she start anti-malarial drugs prior to her departure, though, of course, it was up to Lina to decide.
What to Take with You
Not all medications are treated the same around the world, and it’ s always important to check that all your prescription medications are legal in the country you’ re visiting( e. g., medical cannabis).
Here are a few valuable tips Lina learned about travelling with medications:
• All medications must be stored in the original labelled package, including overthe-counter vitamins, supplements, painkillers, anti-nausea, and anti-diarrhea medications.
• Put your medications in your carry-on luggage and place them in the overhead luggage compartments.
• Ensure you have enough doses for your length of trip. Plan for extra doses in case of possible delays.
• Carry a list of all your medications( including vitamins and supplements) in your wallet or purse. Because medications can be lost or stolen, it is recommended that you carry a copy of your original prescription that includes your name, prescriber, and name of medication.
Lina Kind speaking to Mike Song, pharmacy manager for ARTARx South Pharmacy in Calgary.
First-Aid Kit and Other Safety Tips
• Mosquitoes are most active at sunrise and sunset, so wear long pants, tucked-in longsleeved shirts, hat, and apply an approved mosquito repellent.
• Pack a first-aid kit with adhesive bandages, alcohol hand wash, etc. Check out the following website for further information: travel. gc. ca / travelling / health-safety / kit
• When travelling to foreign countries like Kenya, using water purification tablets and purchasing a water filtration device for your water bottle is suggested. Information can be found at bit. ly / goc-water-filter.
• Bring an extra pair of prescription glasses in case of loss.
• Taking a long flight? Do you have a history of heart disease, blood-clotting disorders, or circulatory problems? Consult your healthcare provider, as prolonged immobility on airplanes can put you at risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis.
ARTARx offers medication reviews, convenient medication packaging, travel consultations, and vaccinations.
All content is for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your health-care provider or any other health-care professional.
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