Bringing medication on board?

• Always bring prescribed medication in its container, labeled with your name, the name of the medication, the dosage, and your doctor’s name.
• Make sure that you filled all of your prescriptions before leaving and that you have enough for the length of the trip. It is usually not possible to fill a prescription in another country.
• Bring all of your medication with you on the plane in case your checked baggage is lost. Also, it can sometimes be very cold in the luggage cabin. Some medications, such as asthma pumps, can be damaged when frozen.
• If you need to carry syringes with you, make sure that you bring an official letter from a doctor. You can be arrested and imprisoned for carrying syringes.

Travel sickness
To prevent nausea, some find it helpful to eat a small snack before getting on a plane. Some medication can be bought over the counter to control nausea, such as Gravol or Transderm-V. If you suffer from flight anxiety, it is a good idea to discuss this with a physician before traveling. Also, try sitting in specific areas of the vehicle. On a plane, reserve a seat over the wings, in a boat stay in the middle sections (both vertically and horizontally), and in a bus/car, sit closer to the front or middle.

Jet lag
Jet lag refers to difficulties adapting to time changes. Symptoms include: disturbance in sleep/wake cycle, malaise, headache, irritability, poor concentration and appetite disorder. Flights to the west are generally tolerated better than the flights to the east.

To alleviate symptoms, change the time on your watch to the time of your destination as soon as you board the plane. Eat and sleep according to that time during your flight. Limit your naps to 40 minutes in duration on the first few days. Try to stay in the sunlight, avoid alcohol and do not consume caffeine for 4-6 hours before bedtime.

To alleviate symptoms, change the time on your watch to the time of your destination as soon as you board the plane. Eat and sleep according to that time during your flight. Limit your naps to 40 minutes in duration on the first few days. Try to stay in the sunlight, avoid alcohol and do not consume caffeine for 4-6 hours before bedtime.

Tips for Traveler’s Diarrhea

Symptoms
A symptom of traveler’s diarrhea is loose, watery stools, usually lasting between 3-5 days. It is often accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, and low-grade fever.

Prevention
Follow these tips to stay healthy while you travel.

• Stay away from contaminated food and water, which causes diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis A, and cholera.
• Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it! Don’t eat anything raw, unless it is a fruit or vegetable you can peel yourself. Otherwise, ensure that your food is well-cooked.
• Only drink treated, bottled, or canned water. When you arrive in a hot country you might become thirsty right away. Bring a water bottle with you on the plane.
• Avoid all ice cubes! They can be made from contaminated water.
• Avoid creams, dairy products, pastries, and ice creams.

If you become ill...

• Hydrate yourself with weak tea, or mineral water with some sugar in it.
• Try to eat salty crackers. Avoid any greasy or spicy food.
• Rest.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Get medical attention if you start to experience one or more of the following symptoms: violent vomiting, intense headaches, high fever, acute abdominal pain, or bloody stools.

General Travel Tips

• Practice safe sex. Bring condoms with you. Inexpensive condoms are available at Student Health Services, suite 3312.
• Never swim in stagnant water.
• Be a cautious driver and pedestrian. The number one cause of death among travelers is road accidents.
• Respect your limits. Don’t engage in dangerous sports or activities. Check the equipment that you are using. Security standards differ between countries.
• Bring a first aid kit! Here are some ideas about what to include:
  • Antibiotic ointment (like polysporin)
  • Disinfectant, alcohol wipes
  • Adhesive tape (water proof)
  • Ace bandage (tensor bandage)
  • Sling
  • 2 safety pins
  • Gauze
  • Acetaminophen and/or Ibuprophen
  • Antacid medication
  • Anti-histamines
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Tourniquet
  • Ice pack
  • Small flash light
  • Small pack of sugar
  • Small face shield for CPR

Upon your return...
If you have been away for a long period of time, especially in an isolated rural region, it is recommended that you see your family doctor for a check-up. If you develop symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, heavy diarrhea, constant headaches, rashes or any other questionable symptoms, you should go to a medical clinic. It is important to inform the physician that you have just returned from a trip. If you are taking an anti-malarial regimen, make sure to continue taking the medication for 4 weeks after you return.

Websites
Here are some websites that you can visit to prepare for your trip. They can give you useful information about different diseases particular to your destination. Also, try to research the political situation in the country you plan to travel to. The more you know about your destination, the better your trip will be.

Health Canada: www.hc-sc.gc.ca
World Health Organization: www.who.int
Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/travel
Department of Foreign Affairs Canada: www.fac-aec.gc.ca
Travel Health Online: www.tripprep.com

For more information about preparing for a healthy trip, make an appointment to see the Travel Nurse at McGill Student Health Services. Call 398-6017 to book an appointment– be sure to schedule it at least six weeks before your trip.