Shades?...sandals?...camera? Check! There is so much to think about before travelling abroad that sometimes the excitement will result in leaving travel health essentials until the very last minute. Whether it’s a short getaway or long haul, make sure you are well equipped to advise and support your customers to ensure they stay safe and healthy whilst being away.

Many health problems will occur due to ignorance, misadventure, accidents and lack of immunity which could have been prevented with a little bit of planning such as:

• Investigating the area your customer is travelling to and assessing the risks – you can signpost patients to: Fit for Travel (Scotland) and The National Travel Health Network and Centre (England, Wales & Northern Ireland) for further advice.
• If they have pre-existing medical conditions, they need to find out the risks before travelling.
• Seek advice on which vaccinations will be needed before travelling – this information can be provided by a pharmacist or GP. Arrange sufficient travel insurance – for peace of mind and protection.
• Put together a travel kit checklist to ensure they have everything they need to treat some of the common problems that affect travellers.
• Ensure they take enough medication for any pre-existing medical conditions to cover the trip and possible delays.

Team talk

Food for thought…consider creating an attractive campaign or display on ‘Travel’ to highlight pre travel advice to your customers when travelling abroad resumes.

NB: if you are a Healthy Living Pharmacy (HLP - England) or a Health+Pharmacy (Northern Ireland) consider utilising your health promotion area.  It’s a great way to capture attention but more importantly, it will raise awareness and aim to educate…