Photo: Roger Brown
Going on holiday without a first aid kit is courting disaster. What could be a minor accident could escalate into something big if not treated properly. Also, make sure you have taken all your jabs.
Imagine being in a jungle environment and getting bitten. Depending on what’s bitten you, this bite could be something really harmless or on the other end of the scale life-threatening.
Therefore, be aware of the climatic conditions you are going to and the potential hazards you may encounter. If you’re going to a remote location, you may need a more comprehensive first aid kit than for a city break. It’s also worth having travel insurance in case you get ill or have an accident. Some countries like the United States can be very expensive if you land yourself in a hospital. A simple tooth ache might cost you an arm and a leg if you need emergency treatment. Shop around and get the best deal.
Pre-Existing Condition? Tailor Your Kit To Your Needs
Hiking and beach trips might require different items than sightseeing or cultural tours. If like me, you have pre-existing conditions, don’t forget to take them. Tailor your kit to the needs of everyone traveling with you, especially children who may have different needs.
Here Are Some General Categories Of First Aid Supplies To Consider:
Wound care: Antiseptic wipes, bandages, sterile dressings, assorted plasters, tweezers, safety pins.
Pain relief: Painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, anti-inflammatory gel.
Sun protection: High-factor sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, after-sun lotion.
Insect bites and stings: Antihistamine tablets and cream, sting relief cream.
Burns: Burn gel, sterile dressings.
Other: Thermometer, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, sterile eyewash, anti-diarrhoea medication, personal medications.
Additional Tips:
- Pack items in a waterproof container.
- Label everything clearly.
- Check expiry dates regularly. No
- Consider travel restrictions on certain medications.
- Research local medical facilities and emergency numbers.
As well as taking your first aid kit, do your research, get medical advice, and make sure you take the appropriate jabs for your holiday. Each country has different diseases that you may need to vaccinate against. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitors respiratory illness around the world. Some countries have reported elevated levels of respiratory illness activity. Each country has its own problems to contend with for tourists.
For example, if you were going to Lesotho, you might need protection from insect and tick bites which help prevent vector-borne diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and Zika.
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Remember that some vaccines are not recommended for certain age groups or people with certain medical conditions. You may already be up-to-date on some vaccinations, so you won’t need them again.
Talk To Your Local Doctor Or Go To A Travel Health Clinic
The best way to find out what jabs you need for your holiday is to talk to your doctor or a travel health clinic. They can give you personalized advice based on your individual circumstances.
You can find a travel health clinic near you by searching online or asking your doctor for a recommendation.
Here are some resources that you may find helpful:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/
- The World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/travel-advice
- The National Health Service (NHS) (UK): https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations/