No matter where your travel plans take you and how well you are
prepared, unexpected health problems can arise. Any time you travel
to places you have never been to before, you are at risk of certain
health issues such as intestinal problems, jetlag, blisters, allergies,
and some even serious injuries such as broken bones and diseases.
Depending on where you travel, health issues always need to be a
consideration. We recommend including a travel health kit in your
luggage containing items that will cover a majority of minor injuries
and any preexisting medical conditions that you are aware of. Having
a travel health kit is not only a great thing to have for health
issues that you are aware of but also for the emergencies that you
are not aware of.
There are pre-packed health travel kits that you can get at many
travel and outdoor stores or even on the Internet. Pre-packed health
travel kits can come in a variety of sizes and for a variety of
purposes and needs. For a simple weekend getaway to a bed and breakfast
, all you may need is a small basic kit to take care of little things
that may arise. If major problems come up, most likely there will
be a first aid kit on premise or a hospital nearby. For serious
backpackers on a week long trek into the backcountry will more than
likely need a travel health kit that is more robust. Getting first
aid is more of a challenge so bringing a good size travel health
kit could mean the difference between life and death.
An alternative to purchasing a pre-packed kit is to create your
own travel health kit. This allows you the flexibility to fill it
with only the things you need and customize it for each trip that
you take. Whether it is a store bought or a home made, every traveler
should carry some sort of basic health travel kit.
Below is a list of items that should be in most travel health
kits:
Personal prescription medications (allergy medications,
Antimalarial medications, if applicable
Decongestant, alone or in combination with antihistamine
Antidiarrheal medication (e.g., bismuth subsalicylate,
loperamide)
Antibiotic for self-treatment of moderate to severe
diarrhea
Antihistamine
Antimotion sickness medication
Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medication
for pain or fever
Antacid
1% hydrocortisone cream
Antifungal and antibacterial ointments or creams
Aloe gel for sunburns
Digital thermometer
Oral rehydration solution packets
Basic first-aid items (adhesive bandages, gauze,
ace wrap, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors,
cotton-tipped applicators)
Antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Moleskin for blisters
Lubricating eye drops (e.g., Natural Tears)
First Aid Quick Reference card
Other items that should be considered based on travel and personal
needs:
Insect repellent containing DEET (up to 50%)
Sunscreen (preferably SPF 15 or greater)
Mild sedative (e.g., zolpidem) or other sleep aid
Anti-anxiety medication
High-altitude preventive medication
Water purification tablets
Commercial suture/syringe kits (to be used by local
health-care provider. These items will also require a letter from
the prescribing physician on letterhead stationary)
Latex condoms
Address and phone numbers of area hospitals or clinics
Please note that the above mentioned lists are comprised of basic
items that should be included in your travel health kit. Individual
travel health kits will depend largely on travel destination, duration
of trip, and personal health issues, and other relevant conditions.
Whatever health travel kit you decide to go with, make sure that
it is readily available when traveling. Keep it in carryon luggage
when flying and in a purse or backpack when on your own. Remember,
the kit is only useful when it is readily available. When traveling
by plane, special considerations are needed due to heightened security
at airports. Make sure to keep containers in their original containers
and to keep sharp objects in checked luggage until you reach your
destination.
Back to Top
|
