Lesson 11 Travel medicine Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is the primary purpose of a travel medical kit?
To help one stay comfortable and safe, and take care of oneself
A travel medical kit should be compact yet contain necessary items catered to the individual’s needs.
List factors to consider when putting together a travel medical kit.
- Start date of travel
- Current medical conditions
- Living conditions
- Travel itinerary
- Allergies
- Medicines available at home
- Customer’s preference
- Age of travellers
- Medicines available in the pharmacy
- Current medications
- Budget
- Quantity of medicines
What are common health concerns during travel?
- Insect bites
- Sunburn
- Minor ailments (cough, cold, fever)
- Zika/Dengue/Malaria
- Motion sickness
- Traveller’s diarrhoea
What types of products can be recommended for travel-related health issues?
- Cough and cold medications
- Fever and pain relief
- Gastrointestinal products
- Eye, ear, and nose care
- Oral health items
- External rubs and creams
- General surgical items (e.g., masks)
- Wound care supplies (e.g., plasters)
- Hygiene items (e.g., disinfectant sprays)
- Patient compliance aids (e.g., pillboxes)
- Other first aid supplies (e.g., first aid kits)
- Skin care products
- Sunscreens
- Moisturisers
- Travel pillows and accessories
- Water purification tablets
- Travel compression socks
- Jet lag pills
- Motion sickness remedies
What is DEET and why is it recommended?
DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the most effective ingredient in insect repellents, providing long-lasting protection against mosquito bites
It is safe for adults, children over 2 months, and pregnant women.
What are symptoms of altitude sickness?
- Headache
- Feeling and being sick
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
How can altitude sickness be prevented?
- Travel to high altitudes slowly
- Avoid direct flights to high altitudes
- Take 2 to 3 days to acclimatize
- Avoid climbing more than 300m to 500m a day
- Have a rest day every 600m to 900m ascended
- Drink enough water
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours
- Eat a light, high-calorie diet
- Take acetazolamide for prevention
What is the recommended dosage for acetazolamide for altitude sickness prevention?
125 mg twice daily; may be discontinued after staying at the same elevation for 2 to 4 days or if descent is initiated
It should be used in addition to gradual ascent.
What is Enterobiasis?
A threadworm infection caused by the pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis)
It is a type of helminth infection that affects the intestines.
How is threadworm infection spread?
Via the faecal-oral route through contact with contaminated items such as furniture, bedding, towels, toilets, and doorknobs.
What are signs and symptoms of threadworm infection?
- Itching of the anal or vaginal area
- Sleeping difficulties
- Restlessness
- Prickling sensation in perianal area at night
- Rare: abdominal discomfort and loss of appetite
What is the pharmacological treatment for threadworm infection?
Benzimidazoles, specifically Albendazole
It works by inhibiting microtubule polymerization in threadworms.
What are non-pharmacological methods to prevent re-infection of threadworm?
- Practise proper handwashing techniques
- Clean laundry thoroughly and regularly
- Wash affected bedding and toys every 3-7 days
- Shower daily to remove pinworm eggs
What vaccinations may be recommended for travelers?
- Covid-19
- Influenza
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Rabies
- Yellow fever
- Japanese encephalitis
- Cholera
- Meningococcal diseases
- Malaria
- Helminth infections
What is the ASMETHOD acronym used for?
To help ask appropriate questions when assessing a customer’s needs
It stands for Age, Allergies, Self or someone else, Medication (chronic), Extra medicines, Time persisting, History, Other symptoms, Danger symptoms.
