December in the Free State, South Africa, and across the world is a season of joy. Families reunite, people travel, attend church services, enjoy sports and celebrate the end of the year. 

But while the festive season brings excitement, it can also pose serious health risks, especially for people living with chronic conditions or those who rely on daily medication.

Free State Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi. Photo: Facebook

Late nights, long-distance travel, disrupted routines and rich festive meals often cause people to forget or delay taking 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 stay disciplined with their treatment plans during the holidays.

“Please keep taking your chronic medication throughout the festive season. Don’t let temporary festive pleasures undo the progress you’ve worked so hard for,” he said.

‘Don’t prioritise alcohol and fun over your health’

Mahlatsi warned that travel and late nights frequently interrupt medication schedules, increasing the risk of serious health consequences such as heart attacks, blood sugar spikes, and HIV or TB treatment rebound. He further cautioned against prioritising alcohol over health, adding:

“Refill your medication before you go, pack your medicines 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 prioritise alcohol and fun over your health. 

“If you missed a dose, take it when you remember, but please don’t double up. Stay safe and enjoy the holidays.”

Maintain treatment routine

Maintaining your treatment routine is critical, especially during the festive season:

• Heart health: Missing blood pressure tablets or statins increases the risk of chest pain, stroke or heart attack.
• Diabetes: Skipping insulin or tablets can cause dangerous blood sugar spikes, particularly with festive food and alcohol.
• Asthma/COPD: Stopping preventer inhalers can trigger flare-ups due to dust, pollen or cold air.
• HIV: Even brief interruptions to antiretroviral treatment can allow the virus to rebound and make future treatment more difficult.
• TB: Missing doses can prolong illness and increase drug resistance.
• Epilepsy: Missing anti-seizure medication raises the risk of seizures, especially when tired or stressed.

Alcohol and medication risks

The Department of Health stresses that alcohol should never interfere with treatment:

• Do not skip ARVs or TB treatment because you are drinking alcohol; continue taking them daily.
• Practice safe sex: Abstain, Be Faithful, and Condomise. Alcohol can lead to risky choices, but your life is more important.
• Alcohol can interact with some medicines, including those for pain, anxiety, sleep and diabetes. If unsure, consult a pharmacist or clinician.
• Stay hydrated by alternating alcohol with water. If your medication requires food, do not drink on an empty stomach.

Plan when travelling

If you are travelling this festive season, plan ahead:

• Refill early: Visit your clinic or pharmacy before you travel. Ask about multi-month scripts and CCMDD pick-up points to avoid running out.
• Pack properly: Even as the Free State rolls out electronic medical records, carry your clinic card, ID, prescription and a written list of your medicines and doses. Keep medication in the original packaging in your hand luggage.
• Set reminders: Use phone alarms, pill boxes, or a trusted “medication buddy.”
• Temperature matters: Keep insulin and other temperature-sensitive medicines cool using a cooler bag with ice packs. Avoid direct sunlight and never place insulin in checked luggage.
• Don’t share medication: What helps one person may harm another.

When missing 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 up doses.
• If unsure what to do, especially for ART, TB treatment, insulin or anti-seizure medication, contact your clinic or pharmacist for advice.

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or WhatsApp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh