Things to pack in your first aid kit when you head overseas

Heading overseas? Congratulations! Travel is an experience money buys that can actually make you richer.

Before you go, make sure you get the right travel advice for your health and safety. It’s important to take care of your health when you travel so you can enjoy your time away and return healthy, happy and refreshed (just as you imagined)!

Even if you’re going for a short time, packing a comprehensive first aid kit is a great idea. Sickness doesn’t discriminate – it can strike anytime, anywhere. Having some common and appropriate medications on hand can help you to alleviate common travel illnesses such as gastro (also unaffectionately know as Bali-belly in many of the Asian countries).

The difference in time, temperature, food and water can all contribute to you becoming more  susceptible to falling ill.

If you become bed-ridden in your hotel, hostel or otherwise, you will thank yourself (or us) for packing the following basics:

• Paracetamol (Panadol or equivalent)
• Ibuprofen (Neurofen or equivalent)
• Gastro Stop and/or Immodium (or equivalent) for vomiting and diarrhea
• Hydralyte (or equivalent) to help re-hydrate during or after illness or excessive sweating
• Hayfever medication and/or antihistamines for allergies, skin rashes, insect bites and more
• Paw paw ointment for a wide range of uses including wound healing, chapped or irritated skin, sunburn and other mild burns and much more…
• Sterilising wipes (usually alcohol-based) and Betadine to clean cuts and wounds
• Tweezers – the uses when you’re travelling are endless!
• Lightweight, medical scissors – you’d be surprised how handy these can be for a wide variety of uses.
• Band aids, at least one bandage, a sling and tape – this stuff is self-explanatory. Put yourself back together after a rough day of adventure!
• High protection sunscreen, at least SPF 30+ and water resistant
• Insect repellent, particularly in areas where Malaria is a concern
• Destination-specific medications – i.e. Malaria tablets
• Regular medications you take such as the contraceptive pill

Some medications will require you to carry your prescription and/or a letter from your GP about why you need that medication.

If you need travel health and advice in Geelong, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can advise and deliver vaccinations and medications suitable for whatever destination!