Do you find yourself visiting a pharmacy to purchase ‘just in case’ medicines before your travels? The thought often arises: What if I get sick while abroad?
As the winter holidays approach, this worry leads many UAE residents to buy cold, flu, and multivitamin supplements before their flights, as pharmacists in the UAE reported to Khaleej Times.
Travel Checklist: Supplements are Essential
Pharmacists in Dubai and Sharjah indicated that multivitamins, vitamin C, zinc, immune boosters, and hydration supplements are among the most sought-after items as travel plans loom.
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“Before the travel season kicks off, many individuals come in to assemble a medicine kit,” explained a pharmacist at a community pharmacy in JLT, Dubai. “There’s a significant demand for multivitamins and supplements, alongside basic medications like painkillers and cold and flu remedies.”
“Customers often pick vitamins and immune boosters, believing they’ll protect them on flights or in colder places,” the pharmacist noted. “We clarify that while supplements support general health, they’re no guarantee against infections.”
Antibiotic Requests Denied Without Prescription
Despite the focus on supplements, pharmacists continue to encounter requests for antibiotics without prescriptions, which are consistently denied.
“Many ask for antibiotics just in case, but we don’t provide these without a prescription,” stated Abdul Salam, pharmacist at a community pharmacy in Al Nahda, Sharjah. “We suggest safer over-the-counter options and recommend consulting a doctor, since the climate, food, and environment abroad may vary greatly.”
Pharmacists regularly advise travelers to avoid self-medication and seek professional advice if symptoms develop, rather than relying on medications brought from home.
Doctors Advise Caution
Doctors warn that unnecessary self-medication, even with supplements, poses risks, especially if taken excessively or improperly combined.
Dr. Jadeer Akkaparambil, internal medicine specialist at Medcare Hospital Sharjah, noted that most travel-related illnesses are viral. “Common colds, mild fevers, or stomach upsets usually don’t require antibiotics,” he said. “Unnecessary use of strong medications increases health risks and can delay proper diagnosis and treatment.”
He added that many travelers wrongly believe that taking multiple vitamins or immune boosters will ward off illness during flights or vacations.
“Supplements may enhance general health, but they don’t replace medical advice, adequate rest, hydration, or timely treatment if symptoms arise,” stated Dr. Jadeer.
Doctors also caution that mixing multiple supplements and cold medicines can strain the body, especially when traveling across different climates and environments.
Dr. Marian Malak Eshak Morkos, family medicine specialist at Burjeel Day Surgery Center in Al Shahama, mentioned that she often encounters patients stocking antibiotics or multiple supplements before travel.
“Vitamins mainly support overall health but don’t prevent infections,” she said. “Overusing or combining supplements can lead to side effects or interact with other medications.”
Simplify Your Travel Medicine Kit
Doctors advise keeping travel medicine kits basic, including pain and fever relief medications, oral rehydration salts, allergy medication, and essential first-aid items.
“Carrying a simple kit is beneficial,” said Dr. Morkos. “But packing various vitamins or strong medicines without medical guidance can be more harmful than helpful.”
As winter travel continues, pharmacists and doctors emphasize a clear message to travelers: prepare wisely, avoid unnecessary medications, and seek medical help if symptoms worsen or persist, rather than relying on a ‘just in case’ cure.
