First aid kit for travelers

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First aid kit for travelers

What you pack in your first aid kit will depend on where and how long you plan to travel and the medical care available there. Here is a general list of items to include.

Insect repellent
Sunscreen (SPF 30 to 50) and lip screen
Thermometer
Oral rehydration solution packets
Basic first aid items (adhesive bandages, gauze, elastic bandage, antiseptic, tweezers)
Antibacterial hand wipes
Moleskin for blisters
Extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts

Talk to your doctor about which of the following medications to include and how to take them:

Antibiotic for self-treatment of moderate to severe diarrhea
Antihistamine, decongestant, and cough suppressant, alone or in combination
Motion sickness medication
Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medication for pain or fever
Antidiarrheal medication, such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
Mild laxative
Antacid
Antifungal ointment
Antibacterial ointment
1% hydrocortisone cream

Other items that may be useful in certain circumstances:

Mild sedative
Antianxiety medication
High-altitude sickness preventive medication
Water purification tablets or water filtering system

Credits

Author	Monica Rhodes
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Denele Ivins
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Wajeeh E. Nasser, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	W. David Colby, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Last Updated	May 2, 2007

Last updated:	May 02, 2007
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Wajeeh E. Nasser, MD - Family Medicine, W. David Colby, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman

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