Having MS does not mean that holidays are out of the question, in fact quite the opposite: a holiday can be very relaxing and therapeutic, although certain holidays will have to be considered carefully and possibly ruled out, should they adversely affect your condition.
Holidays provide a chance to relax and wind down. Simply enjoying time being with friends and family is probably one of the best ways to make the most of a holiday period and return to routine life relaxed, rested and refreshed.
Wherever you decide to go, plan your trip well and prepare for any problems that could occur. Avoid physically exhausting journeys, and allow time off for a rest every now and again, and make sure you recover from any effort.
When choosing your means of transport, remember that a flight can be less harassing than a bus or coach tour. Do not forget that a holiday in the tropics can be hazardous because of the heat and the increased risk of infection. Too hot a climate can provoke or even enhance disorders. Remember to pack all your medicines and possibly an appropriate insect spray or ointment.
Things to consider when traveling
there are no restrictions on where you can travel to. Nevertheless, it is important to see your neurologist before you leave.
It should be remembered that hot countries, and prolonged or frequent exposure to the sun, could promote transient neurological complaints such as Uhthoff's phenomenon.
Customs formalities
To ensure the continuity of your treatment, you should take your medication with you. Since this may be administered by injection, you will need to be able to travel with syringes and needles for injections.
Legislation can vary from one country to another, regarding this. We suggest contacting your country customs authorities or the embassies or consulates of the countries to be visited for additional information.
As an example, you may take into consideration the following US Customs requirements:
- You must be able to show a prescription, giving not only the tradename but the scientific name of your drug(s), together with the amount of medicine needed for the total length of stay;
- You must also possess an attestation in the language of the country visited (or in English), indicating the disease from which you suffer, and the fact that it requires the prescribed treatment cited on the prescription, as well as the dosage; and
- Medicines should always be transported in their original packaging.
Traveling by plane
When flying, it is advisable to keep your injectable medicine with you in the passenger accommodation, rather than leave it with the consigned luggage in the hold. Request permission to do this when reserving your seat and also check which kind of information would be needed by the air company. As soon as you enter the airplane, make yourself known to the cabin crew.
If your treatment makes it necessary to maintain cold storage, you must state this when booking the flight. Airplanes are usually equipped with a refrigerated freezer container.
When you board the aircraft, you can ask the cabin crew to put the medicines, still in their original packaging, in this container or in a standard refrigerator in accordance with the recommendations for storage of the product.
It is important to ensure that the drug is stored in a minimal-volume bag, equivalent to a standard plastic chemist’s or pharmacy bag. Transport of products in a refrigerator is a service usually provided by the airline, free of charge.
How should you prepare for a flight if your mobility is impaired?
If you are traveling with a wheelchair, take certain precautions beforehand. It is advisable to contact the air company in order to ensure that air travel is tailored to your individual needs.
The airline will inform you of any compulsory requirements or recommendations.
Traveling by train
In general, there is seldom provision on a train for keeping medicines cold. Nevertheless, in the case of trains that have a restaurant or buffet car, patients should try to contact the restaurant staff before departure in order to ask them to keep treatment products in the refrigerator throughout the journey, if possible.
When traveling by rail it is preferable to make all possible arrangements (having an insulated cold bag or picnic bag) to avoid any risk of failure to maintain the necessary temperature.
How should you prepare for rail travel if your mobility is impaired?
In some countries, the national railways provide information for persons whose mobility is restricted. It is advisable to inquire beforehand all the information you may need from the railway network of the country where you live, or which you intend to visit.
MS and vaccinations
Expert opinion is divided on vaccinations for people with MS. Some professionals are of the opinion that MS patients should only be vaccinated if absolutely necessary, whereas others recommend specific vaccinations.
In general terms, MS patients can receive vaccinations without any worry apart from a few exceptions. But since vaccinations stimulate the immune system, complications can occur, as they do in people without the condition. Patients suffering from an MS attack should not be vaccinated.
International legislation makes specific vaccinations compulsory for certain countries, even in less exotic areas.
It is important to bring your vaccination record up-to-date before departure, especially with regard to an anti-tetanus jab. This is advisable when staying in a foreign country, or as a precaution before engaging in leisure activities which involve the risk of cuts and infection.
At any rate, you should always discuss any necessary vaccinations with your doctor. You should never be vaccinated if you are suffering an episodic attack of MS. Ask your specialist’s opinion of the indication for, and best time to carry out, the necessary vaccinations.
