This will keep us from hunting for a doctor with every single cut on the finger rather than enjoying our vacation. It is also just as important that we keep in mind medications and pack the necessary amount, and possibly a little more, just in case. It might be best to split your supply so you don’t store everything in the same place, if one piece of luggage gets lost or delayed.

The following is a simple list of medical supplies which are recommended for foreign travel.

Travel KitSuggested items:

Hand sanitizer
Remedies to treat superficial skin damages, disinfectants (Betadine)
Gauze, roll and triangular bandages
Band aids
Scissors and tweezers (tick tweezers if traveling in a tick zone)
Thermometer
Analgesics, antipyretics (Nurofen, Panadol)
Anti-nausea pills (Daedalonetta suppository)
Salt mixture against desiccation (in case of diarrhea) (Sodioral)
Antidiarrheal agents (Probioticum, Smecta)
Anti-allergy medicine, ointment (Fenistyl gel, Fenistyl or Zyrtec drops)
Sunscreen (Derrmazin)
Rubber gloves
Sterilized safety pins

General health advice:

Where tap water is not potable make sure you only consume bottled and /or boiled water. Contaminated water is the source of most illnesses, like Hepatitis A, camp fever, cholera, or salmonella. It is also advisable to take water treatment agents to places where even bottled water is difficult to obtain. Don’t have drinks with ice cubes as that water could harbor contamination!
Do not buy food or drinks from street vendors, and make sure that what you consume is well done (roasted, fried, cooked)
Drink only pasteurized milk.
Protect yourself from insect bites (use insect repellents, put up nets on your windows, wear long sleeved clothing, hat, closed shoes. Wear something on your feet even on the beach.)
Wash your hands frequently with soap and use disinfectant.
Do not touch animals, especially dogs, monkeys, or cats (this advice is given to avoid being bitten by a rabid animal).
Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays by wearing a hat and applying sunscreen. Don’t forget your sunglasses either :)
Sunscreen is useful in the mountains, too, as the danger of getting a sunburn is even higher there than closer to the ground.
Finally, do not leave your travel health kit at home!

Don’t have time to put together your complete pre-packed travel kits? FirstMed has already done the work and put them together for you. For more information about our travel, or first aid, kits please ask at reception or speak with Tina Palfalvi.

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