December is a season of joy in the Free State, South Africa and around the world. Families get back together, people travel, go to church services, play sports and celebrate the end of the year.
But while the holiday season brings excitement, it can also pose serious health risks, especially for people with chronic conditions or those who rely on daily medications.
MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi, MEC for Free State Health. Photo: Facebook
Late nights, long journeys, disrupted routines and lavish festive meals often cause people to forget or postpone their medication. According to Free State health officials, even missing a few doses can undo months of treatment progress and lead to dangerous complications.
Free State MEC for Health, Mr Monyatso Mahlatsi, has urged residents to remain disciplined with their treatment plans during the holidays.
“Please continue to take your chronic medications during the holidays. Don’t let temporary festive pleasures undo the progress you’ve worked so hard for,” he said.
‘Don’t prioritize alcohol and fun over your health’
Mahlatsi warned that travel and late nights often interrupt medication schedules, increasing the risk of serious health consequences such as heart attacks, blood sugar spikes and recovery from HIV or tuberculosis treatments. He further warned against prioritizing alcohol over health, adding:
“Refill your medications before you leave, pack your medications and clinic card, set reminders and keep insulin cool. If you drink, don’t skip ARVs or TB pills, make time for them, and don’t prioritize alcohol and fun over your health.
“If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, but do not double the dose. Stay safe and enjoy the holidays.”
Maintain the treatment routine
Maintaining your treatment routine is crucial, especially during the holidays:
- Heart health: Missing blood pressure tablets or statins increases your risk of chest pain, stroke or heart attack.
- Diabetes: Skipping insulin or tablets can cause dangerous blood sugar spikes, especially with festive food and alcohol.
- Asthma/COPD: Stopping preventative inhalers can cause flare-ups due to dust, pollen, or cold air.
- HIV: Even short breaks in antiretroviral treatment can allow the virus to rebound and make future treatment more difficult.
- TB: Missing doses can prolong the disease and increase drug resistance.
- Epilepsy: Missing anti-seizure medications increases the risk of seizures, especially if you are tired or stressed.
Alcohol and medication risks
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that alcohol should never interfere with treatment:
- Do not skip treatment with ARVs or tuberculosis because you drink alcohol; continue taking them daily.
- Practice safe sex: remember, be faithful and offer condolences. Alcohol can lead to risky choices, but your life is more important.
- Alcohol can interact with some medications, including medications for pain, anxiety, sleep, and diabetes. If in doubt, consult a pharmacist or doctor.
- Stay hydrated by alternating alcohol with water. If your medication requires food, do not drink on an empty stomach.
Plan while traveling
If you’re traveling this holiday season, plan ahead:
- Refill early: Visit your clinic or pharmacy before traveling. Ask about multi-month scripts and CCMDD pickups to avoid running out.
- Pack it tight: Even as the Free State rolls out electronic health records, you’ll need to bring your clinic card, ID, prescription and a written list of your medications and doses. Keep medications in the original packaging in your hand luggage.
- Set reminders: use phone alarms, pill boxes, or a trusted “medication buddy.”
- Temperature is important: keep insulin and other temperature-sensitive medications cool with a cool bag with cooling elements. Avoid direct sunlight and never place insulin in checked baggage.
- Don’t share medications: what helps one person may harm another.
When you miss a dose
If you miss a dose:
- Take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. Then skip the missed dose and continue as normal.
- Do not double the doses.
- If you are unsure of what to do, especially if it involves ART, tuberculosis treatment, insulin or antiepileptic drugs, contact your clinic or pharmacist for advice.
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