Jetting off to Paris, exploring the temples of Thailand, or heading on safari in South Africa? Whatever your destination, Northampton’s local pharmacists have one key piece of advice: preparation is everything.
Your passport and plane ticket may be at the top of your checklist, but there’s another travel essential you shouldn’t overlook — your health. We spoke with several Northampton pharmacists to compile a list of smart, pharmacist-recommended steps every traveler should take before heading abroad.
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Get Your Vaccinations in Order
Many destinations require — or strongly recommend — specific vaccinations. Northampton pharmacists suggest booking a travel health consultation at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure.
“You’d be surprised how many people don’t realise they need vaccines for places like India, Southeast Asia, or even parts of Eastern Europe,” says Sarah, a pharmacist in Northampton town centre. “We check your destination and make sure you’re protected.”
From hepatitis A and typhoid to yellow fever and rabies, your pharmacist can explain what’s needed — and administer many of the vaccines right there in the pharmacy.
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Pack a Personal Travel Health Kit
Overseas pharmacies can be unpredictable, especially in rural areas or countries where language is a barrier. Your pharmacist can help you build a personalised travel kit that includes:
- Pain relief (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
- Anti-diarrhoea tablets and rehydration salts
- Antihistamines
- Insect repellent and bite cream
- Motion sickness tablets
- Antiseptic wipes and plasters
- Prescription medications in labelled containers
“If you’re prone to travel sickness, hay fever, or sensitive skin, we can suggest products tailored to your needs,” adds pharmacist Tom from Abington.
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Don’t Forget Travel-Specific Prescriptions
Certain destinations carry a higher risk for diseases like malaria. Northampton pharmacists can provide anti-malarial tablets after a quick consultation, saving you a trip to the GP.
“People heading to sub-Saharan Africa or parts of Asia often need malaria prevention,” explains Tom. “We help them understand which medication to take, when to start, and any side effects to watch for.”
If you use inhalers, EpiPens, insulin, or other essential medicines, ensure you’ve got enough for the whole trip — plus a few extra days, just in case of delays.
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Sort Out Sun Safety and Hydration
It’s easy to underestimate the strength of the sun abroad, especially in tropical or high-altitude climates. Northampton pharmacists recommend packing broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, aftersun lotion, and electrolytes for hydration.
“We often suggest high-SPF lip balm too — a detail many forget,” says Sarah.
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Check Travel Insurance and Know Local Health Access
Finally, ensure your travel insurance covers medical emergencies and check whether your destination accepts the GHIC (UK Global Health Insurance Card), where applicable. Your local pharmacist can also give you tips on accessing emergency care abroad.
Before You Fly, Stop By
Whether it’s a weekend city break or a month-long backpacking trip, a quick visit to your Northampton pharmacist can make the difference between a healthy holiday and a stressful one.
“We see travel as an exciting opportunity — and we want to make sure our customers stay safe, wherever they’re going,” says Tom.
So, before you pack your bags and head to the airport, step into your local pharmacy. A few minutes of planning can save days of trouble — and let you enjoy the journey with peace of mind.
