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    First Aid Kit for Travelers

    First Aid Kit for Travelers



    Topic Overview

    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 medicines 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 medicine
    • Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medicine for pain or fever
    • Antidiarrheal medicine, 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 medicine
    • High-altitude sickness preventive medicine
    • Water purification tablets or water filtering system



    By: Reference Healthwise Staff Last Revised: Reference March 30, 2011
    Medical Review: Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
    Reference W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease


    This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.


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