The exceptional school year is coming to an end, the last months of which were marked by remote work and learning and social isolation. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our idea of travel and leisure. Mandatory masks and a two-meter distance in closed rooms and hand disinfection have become a permanent part of our everyday lives.
One thing has not changed, however. Just like before the pandemic, or maybe even more so, we all miss the holidays, which are a time of rest, relaxation and carefreeness. When planning a safe, family vacation, remember that even a trivial health problem can ruin the most wonderful and long-awaited vacation. "Your Doctor" advises what to watch out for!
Gastrointestinal complaints
Chills, high temperature, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea can be symptoms of the so-called pharaoh's revenge, which can keep you bedridden for several days. How to avoid it?
– wash your hands before each meal and after using the toilet,
– drink only bottled water,
– wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly, and preferably peel them,
– absolutely do not eat raw meat, fish and seafood.
Even simple diarrhea caused by food poisoning can lead to dehydration, so you need to replenish fluids, but avoid milk, juices and alcohol. We recommend eating easily digestible dishes made from rice, wheat or oats. It is worth having popular, universal medicines for all gastrointestinal ailments in your travel medicine cabinet. You should also always pack electrolytes in your suitcase. We also suggest taking probiotics in preventive doses 2 weeks before departure.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs as a result of diarrhea or heavy sweating. The elderly and children are particularly at risk, but adults also cannot forget about constant hydration while on vacation. In hot weather, we recommend drinking much more water than usual. Dehydration in adults is manifested by fatigue, drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, weakness, muscle pain and cramps, or reduced urine output. In turn, the most common signs of dehydration in children include: apathy, drowsiness, cold hands, rapid and shallow breathing, dry mouth, and a negligible amount of urine. The remedy for any dehydration is, of course, water and other fluids, as long as they are unsweetened. Rehydration products and electrolytes will also prove beneficial.
Bites
On summer vacations, we are not only exposed to mosquito, ant, or spider bites. These are harmless and cause mild symptoms: slight pain, itching, and minor swelling. Less pleasant are the bites of wasps, bees, bumblebees, and hornets. Then we can feel anxiety and fatigue, chills, fever, and headaches.
In the event of a bee sting, the stinger should be removed immediately. In other cases: wash the bite with soap and water, apply a cold compress and observe for any allergic symptoms. If any appear, contact a doctor immediately. People who are allergic to Hymenoptera venom should be especially careful. In their case, anaphylactic shock can have tragic consequences. However, even if we are not allergic, let's pack a gel for stings, insect repellents and lime in our holiday first aid kit.
Help is just a phone call away
New safety standards in place in healthcare facilities during the pandemic have meant that many consultations are still being provided by phone. Contacting a doctor without having to leave home is, in many cases, a significant convenience. It's during a teleconsultation that the doctor decides whether an in-person visit to the clinic is necessary, emphasizes Mariola Madler-Litera, head of the "Twój Lekarz" (Your Doctor) network. Thanks to this solution, we can consult our family doctor even while on vacation. All that's needed is access to a phone or online registration. "This procedure requires more commitment and is more time-consuming, but thanks to it, we, as doctors, can be closer to our patients despite the pandemic," adds Mariola Madler-Litera.