When out drinking, things may happen that are beyond your control. These are some of the things that are important to mention to your doctor early. Don’t ignore it.

  • You got into a fight/fell

    When out drinking, you may get into fights and disagreements or even fall over.

    Injuries to your head may make it easy to bleed in the brain and this could be a life and death situation.

    Don’t ignore it.

    Just mention it.

    Something can be done to fix it

  • You slept outside

    You may have been too drunk to make it home and slept in a ditch or in open air severally.

    This puts you at risk of mosquito bites and malaria.

    Malaria kills.

    If you are unwell this information may help you get treatment quickly.

    Mention it.

  • You have stomach pain

    You may have severe stomach pain for many reasons.

    Alcohol affects many organs in the body and can cause serious, life threatening damage.

    Mention it and get treated early.

  • You were in a road accident

    You may feel fine but may have sustained many internal injuries that are life threatening.

    Don’t ignore it.

    Get checked.

    Most injuries can be fully treated EARLY, no matter how serious.

  • Your not sure you used protection

    Report EARLY to get help.

    There are very many infections you can acquire in a one night stand.

    Being honest can save your life.

    There are medicines to PREVENT you from getting HIV and to treat any other STDs and they may even be free. (See the section on preventing HIV)

    There are contraceptives available to prevent pregnancy too.

    DON’T sleep on it. Protect yourself.

  • You may have been assaulted

    It is a very traumatic experience.

    The first instinct is to go home and take a shower.

    DON’T do this.

    Go to the nearest hospital and get examined.

    There they will do several tests and prescribe medications to prevent HIV and STIs.

    They can also prescribe contraception and offer counselling support.

    Get checked.