Good IV drip after care is simple, but a beach holiday adds a few questions. Can you jump in the sea? Is a cocktail at sunset OK? What about tomorrow’s island-hopping trip? This guide answers the Krabi-specific ones.
This is general advice for healthy adults. Your nurse will advise you on anything specific before they leave, so follow their advice if it differs.
IV drip after care: the first few hours
Once the cannula is out, you’ll have a small puncture covered by a plaster. An NHS hospital leaflet on cannulas advises watching the site for the next 24 hours for redness, pain or leakage, and keeping the dressing clean and dry.
For the first few hours:
- Keep the plaster on and leave the spot alone
- Avoid heavy lifting or hard gripping with that arm
- Keep the site clean and dry
- Drink water regularly, especially in the heat
How do you feel after an IV drip? Most people feel fine or better; some feel a bit sleepy. For what’s normal during and straight after a session, see what to expect from an IV drip.
Can you swim after an IV drip?
Even a tiny puncture is a small open wound until it seals. Sea water, pools and hot tubs all carry germs, so we suggest keeping the site out of the water for at least the rest of the day. Your nurse will advise you, and may suggest waiting longer if the site bled or bruised.
A quick shower is fine, ideally keeping the plaster dry. If you do swim later, rinse and dry the area afterwards.
Alcohol after a drip, and a drip after drinking
A drip doesn’t protect you from the next night out. Alcohol makes you lose fluid again, so drinking soon afterwards can undo some of the benefit. If you do drink later, pace yourself, alternate with water and eat something.
If the nurse gave you anti-nausea medicine or pain relief, ask whether alcohol is OK with it that day. Some medicines don’t mix well with alcohol.
Having an IV drip after drinking is common, and it’s what our Hangover Rescue drip is for. Just be honest at your screening about how much you drank and when.
Sun, boat trips and climbing
Sun. Keep the plaster covered or in the shade if you can, wear sunscreen elsewhere, and keep drinking water. A drip won’t stop you burning or getting dehydrated again.
Boat trips. Most people are fine to head out once they feel steady. Keep the plaster dry from spray, bring water, and skip the boat if you still feel dizzy or sick. Tell the nurse if you’re diving the same day, and follow your dive centre’s advice.
Climbing. If you’re heading to Railay to climb, gripping holds and pulling on ropes puts strain on the arm and can make a bruise worse. We’d suggest resting that arm for the rest of the day where you can. See our guide to IV drips in Railay for timing a drip around climbing days.
Looking after a bruise
A small bruise at the needle site is common, especially on the inside of the elbow. To help it settle:
- Press gently on the site for a minute or two if it starts to swell
- Hold something cold, wrapped in a cloth, on it for 10 to 15 minutes
- Avoid heavy lifting with that arm for the day
Bruises usually fade within a week or two. See a doctor if one keeps growing.
When to contact us
Message us, or see a doctor, if the site:
- Becomes red, hot, swollen or increasingly painful
- Develops a hard, tender line along the vein, or a red streak up your arm
- Bleeds again and doesn’t stop with firm pressure
- Leaks fluid or pus
Contact us too if you feel hot, cold or shivery, or develop a fever. The Cleveland Clinic notes that an IV line can cause inflammation of the vein (superficial thrombophlebitis), with pain, redness, swelling and warmth.
When to go to hospital instead
Go straight to hospital, or call 1669 for an ambulance, if after your drip you have:
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or a racing heart
- Fainting, confusion or a seizure
- A high fever with shivering, or a spreading red, hot area on your arm
The nearest hospitals are Wattanapat Hospital Ao Nang, Bangkok Hospital Krabi and Krabi Hospital.
Frequently asked questions
Can I swim the same day as my drip?
We suggest keeping the needle site out of the sea, pools and hot tubs for at least the rest of the day. Your nurse will advise you based on how the site looks.
Can I drink alcohol after an IV drip?
You can, but it will dehydrate you again. If you had anti-nausea medicine or pain relief, ask the nurse first.
Can I go on a boat trip the next morning?
Usually, yes, if you feel well. Keep the plaster dry, bring water and tell the nurse about any diving plans.
When can I take the plaster off?
Usually after a few hours, once the site has stopped bleeding. Your nurse will advise you.
How do I contact you after my drip?
Message us on WhatsApp with a photo of the site and a short description. To book another drip, use our booking form.
Ready to feel better?
A registered nurse can come to your hotel or villa in Ao Nang and nearby beaches, or visit our clinic.