Deep thoughts on Big S’s passing: Please check the “health protection list” for travel prepared by medical staff!

Recently, a female star died of pneumonia caused by influenza during her trip to Japan, which aroused widespread social concern. We seem to have just realized that life is so fragile and unpredictable, and health is the first factor.

Therefore, as someone who is engaged in medical services at the International Medical Department of Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , I and we (doctors and nurses) would like to prepare a "health protection checklist" for you in advance so that you can travel more safely and healthily, especially if you are going abroad or to mountainous areas with harsh natural environments, such as places with great differences in climate and altitude.

1. Preparation before traveling

1. Prepare yourself

Learn in detail about the epidemic situation in the country or region you plan to visit, your own health assessment, vaccination preparation, etc.;

2. Drug Preparation

List of commonly used medicines: common medicines for chronic diseases, cold medicines, emergency medicines, appropriate amounts of sleeping pills, anti-allergic medicines, test strips for local epidemic infectious diseases and corresponding medicines (such as influenza A and B, mycoplasma antigen detection kits, mabaloxavir or oseltamivir);

3. Preparation of supplies

Appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes, thermometer, and if necessary: ​​blood pressure monitor, blood glucose meter, portable non-invasive ventilator, etc.;

4. Purchase insurance

Medical insurance coverage is recommended to be at least US$100,000 to US$500,000;

Insurance companies with a long history and service experience should be preferred. The insurance should cover emergency medical rescue: emergency, hospitalization, surgery and medical transfer to domestic or more advanced hospitals. It is best if they can help with hospital reservations and provide translation support (keep the insurance company's 24-hour global service phone number), etc.

2. Common sudden illnesses and countermeasures

1. Food allergy or anaphylaxis

Symptoms: rash, itchy skin, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock;

Countermeasures:

For mild allergies, take antihistamines (such as loratadine);

If you experience laryngeal edema or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. Severe cases may require an injection of epinephrine.

2. Diarrhea, vomiting, etc.

Symptoms: diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever;

Causes: Accustomed to the local climate and eating raw and cold food: such as sashimi, uncooked seafood, etc., leading to bacterial and viral infections;

Countermeasures:

In mild cases, montmorillonite powder can be taken to stop diarrhea, and oral antibiotics can be taken if bacterial diarrhea is considered;

If you have diarrhea for more than 3 days, high fever, bloody stools, or severe abdominal pain, you should seek medical attention immediately;

Preventive measures: Avoid eating raw food and drinking raw water, and try to choose cooked food and reliable water sources.

3. Cardiovascular events (chest pain, palpitations, blood pressure fluctuations)

Symptoms : chest tightness, palpitations, dizziness, and severe cases may cause myocardial infarction;

Precautions :

People with underlying diseases should avoid strenuous exercise and fatigue; those with chronic diseases should take regular medicine on time; patients with hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea syndrome, coronary heart disease, asthma history, etc. should bring a blood pressure monitor, blood glucose meter, portable non-invasive ventilator, etc., and carry a rescue medicine box with them;

Countermeasures:

If people with chronic diseases experience severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or profuse sweating, they should call for help immediately and dial the emergency number.

4. Trauma, sprain, fracture

Countermeasures:

Mild sprains require immediate cold compresses, followed by heat compresses after 24-48 hours. Elevate the affected limb to reduce swelling;

Bleeding wounds can be disinfected with iodine and then bandaged to stop bleeding. If the wound is too deep (or contaminated), seek medical attention immediately to clean the wound, stop bleeding, and determine whether a tetanus shot is needed.

When a fracture (dislocation) is suspected or the patient is unable to move, the injured part should be temporarily stabilized and should not be moved at will, especially in the case of spinal injuries. Professionals are required to carry the patient correctly and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

5. Fever and respiratory infections (flu, cold, pneumonia)

Symptoms: high fever (>38.5℃), severe cough, sore throat, body aches, extreme fatigue;

Countermeasures :

For mild symptoms (cold) or fever, take more rest and take Tylenol, ibuprofen or Gankang orally; for positive influenza A and B test or influenza-like symptoms in epidemic areas, take Mabaloxavir or Oseltamivir orally;

Avoid bathing if high fever persists; seek medical attention immediately if high fever lasts for more than 3 days without underlying disease, or if high fever, breathing difficulties, or severe chest pain occur with underlying disease.

6. Altitude sickness

Symptoms: Headache, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, and in severe cases, pulmonary edema or cerebral edema;

Countermeasures:

Take acetazolamide or high altitude red orally 2-3 days in advance, gradually adapt to the altitude, and avoid drinking and strenuous exercise;

Mild symptoms can reduce activity, rest more, drink more water, and breathe oxygen;

If you experience severe symptoms (severe headache, confusion, inability to walk), you should immediately descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention.

3. How to seek help abroad

1. Use translation software

If you don’t speak the same language, you can use translation software (such as Google Translate, DeepL, etc.) to communicate with local people, or seek help from hotel staff or the Chinese embassy or consulate in the local area;

2. Contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country

Telephone: Find the emergency contact number of the local embassy or consulate;

Website: Visit the official website of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the official website of the Chinese embassy or consulate to obtain contact information;

WeChat: Some embassies and consulates provide WeChat services.

3. Call the local emergency number

Emergency numbers vary from country to country. Here are some common emergency numbers:

United States: 911; Japan: 119

France: 15 (medical care), 17 (police), 18 (firefighting)

New Zealand: 111; Australia: 000

Please try to remain calm when calling and explain your location, situation, and the help you need.

4. Give priority to international medical institutions

In case of medical emergencies, give priority to large hospitals, emergency centers or internationally recognized private hospitals (such as those in Thailand), which usually have better facilities and multilingual services.

5. Call the insurance company’s 24-hour global service hotline

To get financial support and rescue services when needed.

Guidance experts:

Professor Chen Mingliang, Dermatology Hospital, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University

Professor Liu Heli, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University

Professor Liu Hua, Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University

Professor Wen Ting from the Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University

Professor Peng Jie, Department of Gastroenterology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University

Professor Shi Ruizheng, Department of Cardiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University

Professor Li Chunhui, Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University

Associate Professor Bai Ning, Department of Thyroid Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Peng Emin, International Medical Department, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University

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(Edited by YT)