Expert Support
Preparing for travel
Josée Poirier, R.N., B.Sc., MSCN
Josée Poirier has been the Nursing Coordinator for the MS Clinic at the CHUM’s Notre-Dame Hospital since 1994.
Travel is becoming more and more popular throughout the year. If you are planning a trip down south or to another destination, you will need more than just your passport! This article discusses the medications you will need to bring and the vaccinations you will have to get, as well as the precautions you should take.
If you are travelling to certain countries, such as the Dominican Republic or Cuba, it is recommended you get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. There is a vaccination that combines the two. Every country has its own requirements. It is always best to find out what vaccinations you will need before you book a plane ticket. Once you have done this, you can make an appointment at a travel clinic. You should plan your trip several months in advance so you can get all of the necessary vaccinations. Having multiple sclerosis does not mean you cannot get vaccinated. The same applies to people who take immunomodulator treatments, whether using interferon or glatiramer acetate. You may also receive a prescription for antibiotics in case of diarrhea.
You will also have to take certain precautions if you are travelling to a country in Asia, India, or Africa. You must not drink tap water, even if you are told that it is safe. The same precaution applies when brushing your teeth. Avoid juice-based cocktails, because some hotels use tap water to make their juice instead of using bottled water. Beware of salads, fish, and raw meat. Peel any fruit before eating it.
It is strongly recommended that you bring the following medications with you: Gravol™ to treat diarrhea, air sickness, and dizziness; Immodium™ to treat diarrhea; Benadryl™ to treat allergies; Tylenol™ to reduce fever; and rehydration salts to treat gastroenteritis. All of these medications are available over the counter, so it is not necessary to obtain a prescription from your doctor. Of course, you also have to bring all of the medications that you take on a regular basis. Bandages are also practical, along with tweezers for removing splinters.
If you are sensitive to heat, apply 30 SPF sunscreen, or 45 SPF if you have very fair skin, to prevent sunburn and heatstroke. Drink plenty of water in order to prevent dehydration. Avoid exposure to the sun in the early afternoon, when it is at its strongest. Re-apply sunscreen after swimming. Wear a hat. If you walk on the beach, you could burn your shoulders without even noticing. Wear a white shirt, because it will attract fewer sun rays than a darker colour. If you have sensitivity issues and the soles of your feet are sore, wear sandals when walking on the beach, because the sand can be very hot!
If you will be travelling with an immunomodulator and using an auto-injector instead of injecting manually, be sure to put it in your hand luggage. Because the medication is injectable, it is preferable for you to have a signed letter from your neurologist that specifies you are required to carry syringes. Some clinics offer letters written in English, French, and Spanish. Some pharmaceutical companies provide a small card that includes this information. Ask your neurologist to sign it. In addition, be sure to have the pharmacy label from the package that contains the name of the medication, the dosage, the frequency, the administration method, and the name of the prescribing physician. Injectable medications must be transported in your hand luggage and not in the hold of the plane in order to prevent freezing. Rest assured your medication will not be damaged if it goes through an airport scanner. All immunomodulators can be stored at room temperature for 30 days, with the exception of Avonex® generic, which can only be stored at room temperature for 7 days. If your hotel room is air-conditioned, you will not need to store your medication in a refrigerator. Some pharmaceutical companies provide special needle removers/clippers you can use to dispose of your used syringes. This will prevent you from having to discard sharp syringes in the garbage. Other companies provide mini-containers designed to hold sharp objects. Call the help-line for information about the medication you are taking. You will find the telephone number on the agenda you can use to record your injection dates and times.
Is everything ready? Have a great trip!
This feature is intended solely for informational purposes and is not a substitute for routine or urgent medical evaluation, treatment or consultation. Josée Poirier’s guest editorial should not be construed as a medical opinion aimed at establishing a diagnosis or course of treatment. Individuals who are being treated should not construe information here as replacing or superseding recommendations of their own physician.
