Travel health tips from your pharmacist
There is so much to think about when planning a trip! Between passports, visas, itineraries, reservations and packing, health considerations can sometimes be overlooked, even though they are numerous and important.
Fortunately, your Accès pharma chez Walmart-affiliated pharmacist is always nearby to answer your questions, provide advice and guide you through your travel health preparations.
We have compiled essential information into five key tips to ensure a safe and healthy journey.
Travel health tip #1 – Before booking: visit a travel health clinic
Don’t risk compromising your trip!
Travelling to certain destinations may require additional vaccines beyond those received in childhood. Proof of vaccination, showing that required doses were administered within a specific timeframe before departure, may also be necessary. This is why visiting an Accès pharma travel health clinic before your trip is essential.
Which vaccines are required for travel?
Each traveller has different vaccination needs based on health conditions, trip duration, destination and the nature of their travel plans.
Whether you’re planning an expedition through the jungle or a relaxing week on the beach, your needs will differ.
Travel health clinic services
All travel health clinic services are available through your Accès pharma chez Walmart-affiliated pharmacist.
Our services include administering travel vaccines, issuing vaccination certificates and prescribing medications such as malaria prevention tablets.
Additionally, your pharmacist can provide guidance on preventing or treating common travel-related health issues, such as traveller’s diarrhea or motion sickness, using precautions and over-the-counter products.
Travel health tip #2 – Before packing: do you have everything you need?
Before departing, thoroughly check your luggage. Here is a checklist of essential items, categorized for convenience:
Medications
- Pain and fever relief medications (e.g., Tylenol®, Advil®)
- Medications for constipation and diarrhea
Essential health documents
- Up-to-date vaccination record
- A copy of your travel health insurance card
- A list of your current medications
First aid kit
- Alcohol-based disinfectant
- Bandages and wound care items
- Sunscreen with SPF 30 or above
Other useful items
- Insect repellent and mosquito netting if travelling to insect-prone areas
- Oral rehydration salts (e.g., Gastrolyte®) in case of dehydration
For a more detailed checklist and tips on preparing your travel health kit, visit our dedicated page. Being well prepared allows you to travel worry-free and fully enjoy your adventure.
Travel health tip #3 – On your way: avoid travel sickness
Car, bus, train, boat or plane travel: motion sickness
Motion sickness symptoms, primarily nausea and vomiting, may also include headaches, a sensation of warmth or discomfort, a pale complexion, abdominal discomfort, sweating and dizziness. Children aged 3 to 12 are particularly susceptible, but it can affect people of all ages.
Tips to minimize motion sickness symptoms
- Whenever possible, step outside for fresh air.
- If possible, look outside and focus on a distant point. If not, close your eyes.
- Avoid reading, playing video games or staring a screen. Instead, keep your mind occupied by listening to music or relaxing.
- Eat several small snacks rather than one large meal, and avoid greasy or spicy foods and alcohol.
- On a plane, choose a window seat near the aircraft’s centre, where movement is minimal.
- On a cruise, opt for a lower, centrally located cabin to reduce motion effects.
- In a car, bus or train, face forward and choose a seat with a clear view of the road ahead. If possible, drive yourself.
Treatments for motion sickness
If symptoms persist, your Accès pharma chez Walmart-affiliated pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter medications such as dimenhydrinate (e.g., Gravol®), commonly used for motion sickness, or the scopolamine patch, which is convenient for long trips, such as cruises, as it provides relief for several days.
However, these medications may cause drowsiness. Ginger, a natural remedy with anti-nausea properties, offers an effective alternative without side effects. Ginger-based products are available at Accès pharma chez Walmart.
In an airplane: circulatory issues and deep vein thrombosis
Due to significant changes in atmospheric pressure, air travellers are at risk of circulatory problems. Deep vein thrombosis, i.e., the formation of a blood clot in a vein due to prolonged sitting, is a recognized concern during flights.
People with existing circulatory issues, such as those who have had a stroke, may be at greater risk of complications during long flights.
General guidelines for reducing circulatory issues on flights
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Walk the aisle regularly to stretch and move your limbs.
- If you have circulation problems, especially in your legs, consider wearing compression stockings for relief.
Travel health tip #4 – During your stay: precautions to take
Beware of water and raw foods: avoid traveller’s diarrhea
Traveller’s diarrhea (commonly called “turista”) is usually caused by food poisoning. Certain bacterial infections and diseases can be transmitted through contaminated water or food.
Sanitary conditions in some regions may not ensure safe drinking water, especially for foreign visitors whose immune systems are not accustomed to local bacteria.
If you have any doubts about water quality, consume only bottled or canned beverages. Avoid drinking tap water and consuming ice made from it. Be cautious with cocktails, and use boiled or bottled water to brush your teeth.
Protect yourself from insects: avoid diseases transmitted by biting insects
Mosquitoes and other insects can transmit parasites or viruses that cause potentially serious diseases. It is advisable to take all necessary precautions to avoid bites and contamination.
If you are travelling to an area where malaria or the West Nile virus is present and transmitted by mosquitoes:
- Avoid low-altitude marshy areas
- Use an effective mosquito repellent, ideally containing DEET*
- Protect yourself with a mosquito net (especially useful at night)
* Note: DEET-based products are not recommended for children between 6 months and 2 years. If applying to children aged 2 to 12 years, ensure the DEET concentration is below 10%.
Beware of sunburn and heatstroke, whether you’re travelling to a sunny destination or not
Sunburn, also known as erythema, is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. The first signs of sunburn may take several hours to appear, with its full effects occurring after 24 hours or more.
Signs of sunburn
- Red, sensitive skin that feels warm or painful to the touch
- Blisters forming after a few hours or days
- Peeling skin on burned areas several days after sun exposure
While mild sunburn can be treated at home, severe sunburn requires immediate medical attention. For more information on what actions to take in such cases, consult the Government of Canada’s recommendations on first aid for sunburn and heat-related illnesses.
Symptoms of sun poisoning or heat-related illness
- Fever, chills
- Skin rashes
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Rapid breathing or fast heartbeat
- Extreme thirst (dry mouth or thick saliva)
- Less frequent urination, darker yellow urine than usual
- In children, behavioural changes (drowsiness or tantrums)
You can prevent skin cancer by protecting your skin and your children’s skin from harmful sun exposure.
Travel health tip #5 – After your trip: monitor your symptoms
Diseases contracted abroad can appear after your trip, sometimes weeks or even years later. The symptoms of certain serious illnesses, such as malaria, can be mistaken for those of a mild illness like the flu.
Pay attention to your body and take any symptoms seriously by consulting a doctor as soon as possible. Be sure to mention your recent travels so that the correct diagnosis can be made.
Your pharmacist: your travel health partner
To travel with peace of mind and be fully prepared, don’t wait until the last minute. When it comes to travelling abroad, the saying “better safe than sorry” is especially true!
To best prepare for your trip, book an appointment with your affiliated Accès pharma chez Walmart pharmacist and learn more about travel health services.
The information provided does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional and does not constitute professional liability for affiliated pharmacists at Accès pharma chez Walmart. At the time of publication, the information presented was accurate but remains subject to change.
