The Essential Medical Kit
The biggest advise that can be given about falling ill on your holiday is : DON’T. When we go on a holiday, it would be such a shame to fall ill and not be treated correctly, and have all your plans ruined. Travelling will no longer be fun if you aren’t in a state of good health. A small effort on our part will save us a lot of trouble later. Everyday illnesses are found wherever you go. Be prepared. When you travel, you are unlikely to get medication without a prescription, specially if you are a foreigner in the country. Keep the list of must haves handy with you. Have a look at what we must carry with us on our holiday. The requirement of course differs if you are travelling to a remote village or to a big city.
Your First Aid Kit must include medications for these basics illnesses.
Allergies
Vacation in an area where there are fewer allergens or at least they aren’t at their peak, if you are highly allergic. Take antihistamines to protect against allergic outbreaks. You can ask you doctor to even give ones which are non sedating since you are travelling. Avoid exposure to chemicals, fumes, air pollution etc. as much as possible.
Common Cold, Cough and Sore Throat
Colds can make you miserable. There is nothing worse than waiting for a cold to run its course. To prevent an infection, wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth frequently. Always carry your antihistamines, nasal decongestants, cough suppressants. Medications can treat the cold. Nothing will prevent it. Medications have to be symptom specific. So, carry the ones you generally take.
Constipation
Unfamiliar food and travel can cause constipation. A laxative can be used short term. They come in 3 forms. Suppositories, tablets and syrups. This is best prevented with a high fibre diet. Have lots of water too and get plenty of exercise.
Diarrhoea
If you get diarrhoea while travelling, it is important to keep yourself hydrated. Drink lots of rehydration solutions. Small doses of liquids which contain salt and sugar. Sometimes in severe cases taking a tablet for immediate control is recommended. Discuss these with your doctor, and take both kinds, for a mild problem, as well as for immediate control.
Heart Burn
Heart Burn is related to acidity. It may cause cough, dizziness, heaviness in breathing and causes a great deal of discomfort in the chest. Try not to get stressed on your holiday. That is one of the causes. you have to take prescription drugs for this. Consult your doctor before you leave. You can carry antacids in your kit for mild heart burns.
Infection and Inflammations
You need antibiotics for infections and inflammations. Discuss this with your doctor before leaving for your trip. Carry what you think you may need or carry a prescription. Antibiotics will be available across the counter in some parts of the world, but always consult your doctor and complete its course.
Pain
Painkillers are indispensible. Headache, stomach ache, toothache, menstrual pain are the common ones. Keep aspirins, paracetamols, and ibuprofen tablets as per your doctor’s recommendation.
Sores and Blisters
Carry a skin disinfectant ointment with you. Always use antiseptic wipes before applying them anywhere. Band aids, bandages and plasters are extremely useful to keep the area protected too, and for small injuries.
Sunburn
Pack in your sun protectors. Use a cream with high SPF. This is important whether its a beach or the snow. If you are prone to burns, carry a hat. Skin infections and inflammations are possible due to excessive exposure to heat. Aloe vera creams and gels are extremely soothing and helpful too. Enjoy the sun and snow, but don’t go overboard and keep yourself, eyes and skin, fully protected.
Travel/ Motion Sickness
This needs immediate attention. It can be prevented by antihistamines. The discomfort is caused by cars, trains and ships. This can be taken just before you commence the journey.
Vomiting
As with diarrhoea, its most important to replace the lost fluids. Keep consuming small frequent drinks with salt and sugar.
Water Purification Tablets
If you are travelling to remote areas, for longer periods and bottled water may not be available, carry water purification tablets. Do not consume water in questionable areas.
Other Essentials
Carry a small scissor, thermometer, dettol, hand sanitizer, tissues, cotton and band aids.
Below is a small table to give you a general idea.
| Illness | Remedy |
| Fever | Crocin |
| Colds | Cetrizine |
| Burns | Aloe Vera Gel |
| Spasm and muscle pain | Relispray / Myospaz |
| Body aches | Iodex / Moov |
| Cuts and bruises | Soframycin |
Disclaimer
These are just examples for your benefit, to give you an idea, of how you can prepare your own handy list. We are not medical professionals. You need to take drugs only as per your doctors advise and prescription.
Special Attention must be paid by people who suffer chronic diseases like heart problems, blood pressure and diabetes. They must carry the adequate medicines and consult the doctor before travelling. A complete health check up is recommended.
The Action Plan
1. Carry your medication in clear plastic bags so that they are easily identifiable. Try carrying plastic bottles instead of glass ones.
2. The medication you keep in your First Aid kit has an expiry date. Make sure to keep small portions and replace them when depleted.
3. Always make sure you have sufficient medication for your entire trip. Keep your prescription and insurance handy too. Make sure to keep the photocopies in separate bags.
4. Divide your medication. Keep the bulk of it in , not one, but two suitcases. Remember to keep an entire set. In case one suitcase is lost, you will still have some with you in the other. Keep a portion in your carry on bag. And a small portion in your purse or hip pouch.
5. If you have any special condition, and have a health care card for the same, keep it on you, in case of emergency, the health care person will know how to handle the situation and administer drugs accordingly.
6. Lastly, and most importantly, when you carry prescription drugs, make sure that they are allowed in the country you are visiting. Drugs like Nimesulide, an analgesic, approved to treat acute pain, has been withdrawn from the market in most countries, like USA, Canada, Europe, UK, whereas it is available in India.
Other than these precautions you can also make sure that you consume bottled water as far as possible, wear lose comfortable clothing, stay out of the sun, avoid fatty food, have lots of fruits, use hand sanitizers and carry tissues and take your vitamins. Be wary of germs, which are ever present, wash your hands often. Extra care should be taken for children and people with a weak immune system. Falling ill on a holiday is a horrible thing. Do all that you can to make sure you are well protected and have all the essentials with you. Falling ill on your travels is a scenario every traveller wants to avoid. Cross your fingers, and have fun. Stay healthy.
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