Travellers' Health Kit

The purpose of a Travel Kit is twofold: to allow the traveller to take care of minor health problems as they occur and to treat exacerbations of pre-existing medical conditions. A variety of health kits is available commercially and may even be purchased over the internet (see below); however, similar kits can be assembled at home. The specific contents of the health kit are based on destination, duration of travel, type of travel, and the traveller's pre-existing medical conditions. Basic items that should be included are listed below. See also Chapter 8: International Travel with Infants and Young Children and Chapter 9: Advising Travellers with Specific Needs for additional suggestions that may be useful in planning the contents of the kit.

Medications

• Personal prescription medications (copies of all prescriptions, including the generic names for medications, and a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationary for controlled substances and injectable medications should be carried)
• Antimalarial medications, if applicable
• Antidiarrhoeal medication (e.g., bismuth subsalicylate, loperamide)
• Antibiotic for self-treatment of moderate to severe diarrhoea
• Antihistamine
• Decongestant, alone or in combination with antihistamine
• Antimotion sickness medication
• Paracetamol (acetaminophen in USA) (paracetamol), aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medication for pain or fever
• Mild laxative
• Cough suppressant/expectorant
• Throat lozenges
• Antacid
• Antifungal and antibacterial ointments or creams
• 1% hydrocortisone cream
• Epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen), especially if history of severe allergic reaction. Also available in smaller-dose package for children.

Other Important Items

• Insect repellent containing DEET (up to 50%)
• Sunscreen (preferably SPF 15 or greater)
• 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 may be useful in certain circumstances

• 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

Commercial medical kits are available for a wide range of circumstances, from basic first aid to advanced emergency life support. Many outdoor sporting goods stores sell their own basic first aid kits. For more adventurous travellers, a number of companies produce advanced medical kits and will even customise kits based on specific travel needs. In addition, specialty kits are available for managing diabetes, dealing with dental emergencies, and handling aquatic environments. If travellers choose to purchase a health kit rather than assemble their own, they should be certain to review the contents of the kit carefully to ensure that it has everything needed; supplementation with additional items for comfort may be necessary.

There are many suppliers that supply a wide range of medical kits.

A final reminder: a health kit is useful only if it is available. It should be carried with the traveller at all times, e.g., in carry-on baggage and on excursions. All medications, especially prescription medications, should be stored in carry-on baggage, in their original containers with clear labels. With heightened airline security, sharp objects will have to remain in checked luggage.

- Deborah Nicolls, Tamara Fisk, Phyllis Kozarsky