Travel Health - Medical Supplies

First Aid Kit

cold/flu pills (with decongestant)

You want to feel well so you can enjoy the new and exciting places you are visiting.

antiseptic cream

kills bacteria

plasters (band aids)

after you have disinfected the area with the antiseptic cream, cover it up so no dirt and bacteria can get in it.

laxative, diarrhea blocker

if you are not getting enough fibre.

Panadol

for headaches and other pain relief. Often a headache is caused by dehydration, so make sure you have plenty to drink.

Gastrolyte tablets

for rehydrating, particularly if you are suffering from severe diarrhea.

Hydrocortisone cream (2%)

or something similar - to treat insect bites.

syringes and needles

you may want to carry these in case you are taken to a doctor or hospital and you do not trust that they have clean unused syringes. If you do take these, it may be wise to also take a letter from your doctor to indicate why you are carrying these so they don't think you are a 'user'.

a needle

for blisters

tweezers

splinters and for the girls to pluck their eyebrows.

Mosquito repellent

If you are going to a region where malaria, or other mosquito borne deiseases, is a risk you should take tropical strength repellent.

Multivitamin tablets

If you are sick, or don't like the local food, you may not be getting a good variety of foods in your diet.

Water purifier tablets

You may need them if you plan to go off the beaten track for long periods. We have never used these, as there is usually ample bottled water in the places we have visited. Make sure that the bottles are fully sealed when you buy them, as some people have been known to refill the water bottles with tap water.

Yellow Health Cards

To show what injections you have had. The only compulsory one is for Yellow fever in particular areas.

sunscreen

On of the most common medical concerns for travellers is sunburn. It can make your travels very uncomfortable.

Lip balm

If you suffer from dry lips.