ANY QUESTIONS?
Our Pharmacists are on-hand and available.
They are ready to assist with whatever query you have or advice you require.
We can help you with:
Your pharmacist can help you take care of your health when travelling. Also help you carry your medicines safely when travelling. Know what precautions to take before travelling. It is important to prepare your trip well in advance. Follow these general guidelines before getting ready to travel.
- Visit your doctor, practice nurse or pharmacist at least 6-10 weeks before you travel abroad to check on immunisation requirements. If you are travelling for more than a month, see them earlier.
- For malaria requirements again visit your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist who will help you sort out your required medication.
- Obtain a first aid kit and any medication you might need – including enough prescription medication for the trip.
- Read up about your chosen destination to learn about the culture, laws and customs.
- Check that your passport is valid and does not expire before you return.
- Check on visa requirements for your chosen destination.
What is a DVT and what are its’ symptoms?
A Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a clotting of the blood in any of the deep veins – usually in the calf. If a clot develops, you will feel an intense pain in the affected calf. You should seek medical attention immediately if this occurs, especially after a long journey.
A DVT can occur some days or even weeks after a trip. In most situations you may not have any symptoms.
If the clot is large it can cause an obstruction and prevent the blood flowing through the veins. When this happens you might experience pain, redness and swelling in the calf – this pain is made worse when walking or standing. If these symptoms are experienced you should seek medical help immediately.
Complications can occur if the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, blocking the flow of blood. Breathlessness and chest pain can occur hours or days after the clot formation in the calf. This is a potentially fatal condition and urgent medical attention is required.
Who is at risk of a DVT?
Not moving for long periods of time can increase the risk of DVT. The following factors can also add to your risk of developing a DVT:
- Travel for more than 3 hours in the four weeks before and after surgery
- A personal or family history of DVT
- Recent surgery or leg surgery
- Existing clotting abnormality
- Obesity (BMI of above 30)
- Hormones or the oral contraceptive pill
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Varicose veins
- Pregnancy
- Existing cardiac problems or a history of cardiac problems or stroke
- Dehydration
- Aged over 60
Those in a high-risk category should see their doctor or pharmacist before they travel and discuss prevention. Those at risk should try to exercise at least every hour on long journeys. Exercise the calf muscles by rotating your ankles. Correctly fitting anti-thrombosis stockings/socks increase blood flow, therefore lowering the risk of DVT. These special stocking/socks should be worn on all forms of travel when a passenger is sitting still for a long period of time. See your pharmacist for advice.
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