Most common medical complaints on holiday
People who go on holiday sometimes have to deal with medical complaints. Fortunately, many complaints can be remedied (and prevented) yourself. Skin rashes, insect bites and diarrhea are the three most common medical complaints of Dutch people on holiday.
This is evident from data from the medical contact center of Medicinfo, where more than 2.000 calls and apps are received from concerned holidaymakers every week at peak times.
Striking this year is the increase in the number of young people who use the medical app service to anonymously ask questions about a possible STI or pregnancy. Fortunately, many complaints can be remedied quickly and a visit to a foreign doctor is not (immediately) necessary or preventable.
The medical contact center, which works on behalf of various health insurers, helps to prevent Dutch people from having to go to foreign hospitals unnecessarily and at the same time offers personal advice. Many Dutch people are aware of this: if you go to the doctor abroad with a slight earache, you will leave with a bag full of antibiotics, of which you doubt whether that is the right solution. Moreover, it is easier to discuss your health in your own language.
Top 5 complaints
The most common medical complaints can be resolved quickly, without having to go to the hospital or taking unknown medicines. This is what most Dutch people ask a question about via app or telephone:
- Skin rashes from allergies and sunburn.
- Insect bites (mainly mosquitoes).
- Diarrhea due to drinking contaminated water
- Forgotten pill and risk of an STI.
- Ear pain after flying or swimming.
Popular apps
In the month of June of this year, the number of questions per app was 84% higher than in the same period in 2017. The nurses and doctors at Medicinfo notice that young people in particular like to discuss their questions per app. These questions mainly concern possible STIs and pregnancies. Women who are concerned about forgetting to take the pill appreciate the personal contact. The app is also popular with questions about skin rashes because a photo can be shared immediately.
Rabies
Rabies, more commonly known as rabies, is another hotly debated topic. Until recently, everyone traveling to a risk area was advised to vaccinate against this as a preventive measure. There is currently a nationwide shortage of the vaccine. After a bite or lick from a dog, cat, bat or monkey, it is therefore important to inquire on the spot about the need for vaccination.
NEVER Tips
Prevention is still better than cure, so it is good to know what you can do yourself to prevent the most common complaints or to remedy them yourself.
- Watch out for the exhaust on that fun scooter you're going to rent! Do you have a burn? Then cool it for at least 30 minutes with lukewarm water.
- Don't pet strange animals, no matter how cute they look. Take great care when visiting caves to avoid being infected with rabies by bats.
- Bring an insect repellent such as DEET for mosquitoes. It sounds logical, but it is something that many people forget at the last minute.
- No matter how difficult: do not scratch bites or stings from insects, this causes inflammation!
- Always carry an extra strip of the contraceptive pill, or a few spare pills, in your wallet (in addition to the condom against an STI, of course).
Free helplines
Before your holiday, make sure you have the numbers and apps of Dutch medical services in and on your phone. These are free and available 7 days a week. Check your health insurer's website to see what services they offer.