Why you should travel with health kits
By Regardless of the destination, international travellers should assemble and carry a travel health kit. Travellers should tailor the contents to their specific needs, the type and length of travel, and their destination(s). Kits can be assembled at home or purchased at a travel clinic.
Travelling with travel health kits ensure the traveller has the needed medications to manage pre-existing medical conditions, treat any exacerbations of these conditions, prevent illness and injury related to travelling. It also takes care of minor health problems as they occur. By bringing medications from home, travellers can avoid having to purchase them at their destination.
Traveling with medications: International travellers should carry all medications in their original containers with clear labels that easily identify the contents. Patient name and dosing regimen information should be included. Although travellers may prefer packing their medications into small bags, pillboxes, or daily-dose containers, officials at ports of entry may require a formal and proper identification of all medications.
Travellers should carry copies of all prescriptions, including their generic names, preferably translated into the local language of the destination. For controlled substances and injectable medications, travellers should carry a note on letterhead stationery from the prescribing clinician or travel clinic.
Translating the letter into the local language at the destination and attaching this translation to the original document may prove helpful if the document is needed during the trip. Some countries do not permit certain medications. If there is a question about these restrictions, particularly regarding controlled substances, travellers should contact the embassy or consulate of the destination country.
A travel health kit is useful only when easily accessible. It should always be carried with the traveller (such as in a carry-on bag), although sharp objects (like scissors and fine splinter tweezers) must remain in checked luggage.
Travellers should make sure that any liquid or gel-based items packed in the carry-on bags do not exceed size limits. Exceptions are made for certain medical reasons; check the Transportation Security Administration for outbound and inbound and the embassy or consulate of the destination country for their restrictions.
Supplies for pre-existing medical conditions: Travellers with pre-existing medical conditions should carry enough medication for the duration of their trip and an extra supply in case the trip extends for any reason. If additional supplies or medications are needed to manage exacerbations of existing medical conditions, these should be carried as well.
People with pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or allergies, should consider wearing an alert bracelet, making sure this information (in English and preferably translated into the local language of the destination) is also on a card in their wallet and with their other travel documents.
General travel health kit supplies: The following is a list of items that travellers should consider when assembling a basic travel health kit.
Prescription Medications and Supplies: Medications taken on a regular basis at home, antibiotics for self-treatment of moderate to severe diarrhoea, medication to prevent malaria, if needed, medication to prevent or treat altitude illness, if needed, prescription glasses/contact lenses (consider packing an extra pair of each, in case lenses are damaged), Epinephrine auto-injectors (such as an EpiPen 2-Pak), especially if history of severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis; smaller-dose packages are available for children, Diabetes testing supplies and insulin, needles or syringes, if needed for injectable medication. Needles and syringes can be difficult to purchase in some locations, so take more than what is needed for the length of the trip. These items will require a letter from the prescribing clinician on letterhead stationery, Medical alert bracelet or necklace.
Over-the-Counter Medications: Treatment for pain or fever (one or more of the following, or an alternative): Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Ibuprofen. Treatment for stomach upset or diarrhea such as loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), Packets of oral rehydration salts for dehydration, Mild laxative, Antacid, Treatment for mild upper respiratory tract conditions. Such as Antihistamine, Decongestant, Cough suppressant or expectorant, Cough drops. Anti–motion sickness medication, Mild sedative or sleep aid, Saline eye drops, Saline nose drops or spray.
Basic First Aid Items: Disposable latex-free gloves (≥2 pairs), Adhesive bandages, multiple sizes, Gauze, Adhesive tape, Antiseptic wound cleanser, Cotton swabs, Antifungal and antibacterial spray or creams,1% hydrocortisone cream, Anti-itch gel or cream for insect bites and stings, Moleskin or molefoam for blister prevention and treatment, Digital thermometer, Tweezers, Scissors, Safety pins, Elastic/compression bandage wrap for sprains and strains, Triangular bandage to wrap injuries and to make an arm or shoulder sling. If traveling by air, travellers should pack these sharp items in checked baggage, since airport or airline security may confiscate them if packed in carry-on bags. Small bandage scissors with rounded tips may be available for purchase in certain stores or online. For travel in remote areas, consider a commercial suture kit and first aid quick reference card.
Supplies to Prevent Illness or Injury: Antibacterial hand wipes or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, containing ≥60% alcohol, Insect repellents for skin and clothing, Bed net (if needed, for protection against insect bites while sleeping), Sunscreen (≥15 SPF with UVA and UVB protection), Water purification tablets (if visiting remote areas, camping, or staying in areas where access to clean water is limited), Latex condoms, Ear plugs, Personal safety equipment (such as child safety seats and bicycle helmets).
Documents: Travellers should both carry the following documents and leave copies with a family member or close contact in case of an emergency:
Proof of vaccination on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) card or medical waiver (if vaccinations are required).
Copies of all prescriptions for medications, eyeglasses/contacts, and other medical supplies (including generic names and preferably translated into the local language of the destination).
Documentation of pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or allergies (in English and preferably translated into the local language of the destination).
Health insurance, supplemental travel health insurance, medical evacuation insurance, and travel insurance information (carry contact information for all insurance providers and copies of claim forms).
Contact card to be carried with the traveller at all times, including street addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of the following: Family member or close contact, Health care provider(s) at home, Place(s) of lodging at the destination(s), Hospitals or clinics (including emergency services) in your destination(s), Home country embassy or consulate in the destination country.
Despite packing your travel health kits, book an appointment with your travel physician at least 4 weeks before your travel, ensure your vaccinations are up to date, observe all travel safety precautions and carry a functional fully roaming fully loaded mobile phone. Remember the worldwide emergency number even if your phone has no credit is 112. It is free of charge and it works. Have a pleasant and safe trip when the coast becomes clear for us to travel again.
Adeniyi Bukola, Consultant Family Physician and Travel Medicine Physician
Q –Life Family Clinic