Travel Medical Kit

HEALTH

By Dr. Sajjad S Fazel

Packing a medical kit is an essential part of
preparing for travel. Apart from packing
clothes, shoes and accessories, it is imperative
to make time to pack your health kit. The kit
should be light and portable enough to be
carried around but at the same time contain the
necessary for any accidents or emergencies.
There are a number of factors to be taken into
consideration before packing a travel health kit.

Duration of Trip
The duration of the trip will dictate the quantity
of medications to take. For example, taking
two tablets of pain killers will not be sufficient
for a trip of 4 weeks. Similarly, prescription
medications and first aid items like band aid
should be packed accordingly.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

Travellers suffering from chronic conditions
such as diabetes, hypertension and thyroid
disorders should carry enough medications
from home to last the trip and a little more in
case they plan to extend their stay. Prescriptions
for these medications should also be taken
incase a refill is needed.

packing the health kit. If visiting tropical areas

then Mosquito repellent would be necessary
whereby carrying high altitude medicine to
the beach would be useless. It is important
to know the common local illness of the
destination. Check with your family doctor
regards for example whether oral malarial
prophylaxis is advisable.

Destination
The destination of travel is important in

Activities
The activities planned on the trip are also an
important factor to consider while packing

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JUNE 2015

your health kit. A trip which includes hiking in

the mountains will require band aids and oral
rehydration salts then a trip to the beach.
Basic Items to carry in your Travel Health
Kit:
i Adhesive Dressings, Bandages & Gauze
pads: Band aids for blisters and cuts, Bandages
for supporting limbs and reducing swelling
should be packed in different sizes.
i Antihistamines:Used to control allergic
reactions, reduce inflammation, itching and
motion sickness to a certain extent.
i Antiseptic:Useful for cleaning wounds and
any items contaminated with bacteria.
i Cold Pack: To reducing swelling
i Eye Wash: Sodium Chloride 0.9% is used to
irrigate the eye from foreign objects.
i Oral Rehydration Salts: This will help if you
are dehydrated from a long walk or trekking in
hot areas.
i Scissors & Tweezers: Can be used to cut
bandages and other items as well as remove
small splinters and thorns.
i Thermometer: A digital thermometer is
easier to use.
i Antifungal & Antibacterial Ointment:used
in case of any bacterial or fungal skin infections.
Pain Medication: Acetaminophen, Aspirin
or Ibuprofen, taken to reduce pain when
necessary.

Stomach Upset & Diarrhoea: Antacid

and Antidiarrheal medication such as
loperamideshould be packed. Ciprofloxacin
may also be taken after consulting with your
doctor as this is a prescription-only medicine.
i Anti-Motion Sickness Medication: If known
to have motion sickness then these need to
be considered, eg: meclizine, promethazine,
diphenhydramine.
i Aloe Vera gel: This can be used for
sunburns. Sunscreen should be packed too.
i Insect repellent: This should be used
especially when visiting tropical areas. Anti
Malarial medication and insect repellent
creams shall also be taken.
i

It is highly recommended to see your

doctor and inform him before you go on
a trip. This will allow him to advise you on
what medication would be best for you to
take and also he may alter the dose of any
pre-existing medications.

Dr Sajjad Fazel - Health International

Health Correspondent
Dr. Sajjad Sherally Fazel is a researcher,
health writer and an intern pursuing his
Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Manipal
University, India. He has worked in reputed
hospitals and conducted numerous health
camps in Tanzania and India. Sajjads
interests include swimming,snorkelingand
writing. sajjadfazel@hotmail.com

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JUNE 2015

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