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First aid kit for travellers

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Revision as of 06:45, 11 March 2006 by (Talk)

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Whilst Wikitravel is not a medical encycopedia, the following topical article offers some suggestions for a First aid kit for travellers. Note that you may not be able to purchase, or even require all the items on this list (depending on where you are and where you are travelling), and in some cases you may need a doctor's prescription to avoid having the items confiscated by border police or customs officers if your bags are inspected. If in doubt, consult a competent medical professional for advice.

Many people have different ideas on what is necessary for them - some people take more stuff, others are better at improvisation.

Basic Items

  • Antidiarrhoea: Loperamide Hydrochloride (Imodium) is the most common form of anti-diarrhoeal medicine for over the counter use. NEVER use it if there is blood in the feces - this could be an indication of something much more serious and requires immediate medical attention
  • Anti-inflammatory: Ibuprofen (Nurofen) is good both as an anti-inflammatory and also as a general analgesic (pain killer). Other people prefer to use Paracetamol, or an Aspirin Paracetmol combination
  • Condoms: HIV and Hepatitis are much more common in some parts of the world than others, and unprotected sex is highly risky. If you're a guy travelling with a female partner who uses some other form of protection, it's still worth taking condoms as a precaution, as even minor stomach upsets can decrease the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill. (Having said that, if she's not feeling well, you probably won't need them!)
  • Sunscreen: Make sure you take an appropriate level of protection for your skin and the area you are visiting. An after-sun lotion might help, too.
  • Feminine protection: worth listing as part of the checklist.
  • Insect repellent: if you are travelling to an area where biting insects are a problem. But buy them in the area where you are travelling as normally the most effective repellant is sold there.
  • Adhesive Plaster: Irritating if you cut yourself and it is not available.

Off the beaten Track


Chinese medicine and homeopathy are a less abrassive way to help your body adjust to travelling , bachs flower remedies are invaluable for anxiety when flying for example.Paying for a short herbal consultation before you leave will leave you prepared without having to carry a boatload of medicine.

Now that you have your kit assembled, why not go here?




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