Florence St Family PracticeWhat to take in your holiday medical kit
Don’t let sickness spoil your overseas trip this summer. Remember to pack a medical kit in case of unexpected illness.
Each traveller has different requirements. Choose what you need from the sample travel kit on the right, according to which countries you are visiting, the living conditions, the availability of medical care and the length of your holiday. Discuss your requirements with your doctor before the trip.
Don’t forget to take adequate supplies of your regular medications so you are not left short overseas. Australian prescriptions are not valid in other countries.
Medications should be left in their original labelled containers, rather than transferring them to other bottles. It is also recommended that they are carried in your hand luggage for security reasons, and to allow easier access during travel.
It is wise to check with the consulates of the countries you wish to visit to find out if your medicines are permitted and if a letter from your doctor is required
Medical travel kit
First aid: antiseptic, dressings/bandaids, bandages
Fever / pain: Aspirin or paracetamol, thermometer
Infection: Antibiotic
Diarrhoea: Tablets eg loperamide, diarrhoea antibiotics (norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin), oral rehydration solution, nausea treatments (prochlorperazine, metoclopramide)
Motion sickness: eg hyoscine
Allergy: Antihistamine
Sleep: Sleeping tablet
Malaria: Antimalarial tablets
Other: Condoms, sunscreen, insect repellant (containing DEET), water treatment: Iodine tablets/solution or water purifier
Prescription items shown in italics.
Disclaimer:
Please note this information was correct at time of printing.
For up to date information, speak to your doctor.
Source: Summer 1998 edition of Your Health Newsletter
www.yourhealth.net.au/florence