Travel Safety: What to Pack in Your First-Aid Kit

Travel often means a break from work, but that doesn't mean there isn't some hard work involved. Before your trip, make sure you've got your health bases covered with these tips from Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) Family Medicine Physician Dr. Joe Donroe. 

When traveling alone or with family, it is important to be prepared for the possibility of illness or injury along the way. Taking a class in first aid and basic life support (CPR) can be very useful, particularly if traveling to more remote areas. The following is a list of items to consider packing and bringing with you to prevent minor illness and injury from derailing your travel plans. 

Sun safety

Sunburns not only hurt but can lead to long-lasting damage to the skin and increase the risk of skin cancers later in life. The best protection is to avoid sun exposure during peak intensity hours; maximize time in the shade; and wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing. Covering up is particularly important for infants less than 6 months old. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a water-resistant sunscreen that is at least SPF (sun protection factor) 30 and reapply frequently. In the event of a sunburn, cool compresses and aloe-vera-based gels can provide some relief. 

Mosquito safety

Mosquitos can be a real nuisance and they can also carry diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika. Avoid being stung by minimizing time outside during peak mosquito hours, wearing long sleeves and pants, and making sure the window screens are intact in your living quarters. Adults and children over 2 months should apply 20-30% DEET or picaridin-containing mosquito repellent to exposed areas. When applying mosquito repellent to young children, adults should spray it on their own hands and then wipe it on to the child’s exposed skin. Avoid direct application of repellents to the hands of small children (which inevitably will end up in their mouths!). If you are traveling in areas with diseases known to be transmitted by mosquitos, consider bringing mosquito nets.

Fever reduction and pain control

Minor illness and bumps and bruises happen, even on vacation. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol, etc.) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nurofen, etc.) are effective for reducing fever and helping with mild to moderate pain. If traveling with children, be sure to pack child formulations of these medications, which come in liquid or chewable forms, and follow the dosing instructions. 

Diarrhea management

Diarrhea can take the fun out of any trip, especially if long car or bus rides are involved. Talk to your doctor about bringing antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea. While most diarrhea gets better on its own (even the bacterial kind!), antibiotics are indicated for severe cases with blood or mucus, fever, and when the frequency of diarrhea significantly interferes with travel plans. Additionally, an antidiarrheal medication such as loperamide or diphenoxylate can be helpful for mild to moderate diarrhea. They should be avoided in cases of bloody diarrhea or diarrhea associated with a high fever unless the correct antibiotic has already been started. If anti-diarrheal medications are used, they should be stopped in the event of worsening abdominal pain. Staying hydrated with diarrhea is critical and the best way to do that is with an oral rehydration solution.

Cough and cold symptoms

Influenza and other viruses are still circulating at high levels in many parts of the world. Over-the-counter cough and cold remedies can offer some symptom relief. Keep in mind that many of these products contain acetaminophen and thus it becomes important to not take other acetaminophen products at the same time (such as Tylenol or Panadol) to avoid risk to your liver. Cough and cold remedies are generally ineffective for children and are potentially toxic to them. They are not recommended for children, particularly those under 6 years old.

Allergies

Allergies come in the form of itchy skin, rashes, nasal congestions, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Anti-histamine medications such as diphenhydramine, cetirizine, and loratadine come in adult and pediatric formulations. If you have been previously diagnosed with a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction, be sure to bring your epinephrine pen.

Cuts and bruises

Injuries are common and, if not attended to properly, can progress from a mild annoyance to a significant infection. Before heading off, review your vaccine record and get your tetanus shots updated (once every 10 years) if possible. Scrapes and cuts should be cleaned as soon as possible with soap and clean water. Antibacterial ointments such as mupirocin and compound polymyxin B can be applied to open wounds when there is concern for infection. Bring a supply of adhesive bandages of varying sizes, gauze, and medical adhesive tape to keep wounds covered and protected.

Other items for your first-aid kit

Some other items to round out the first-aid kit include ACE bandages, tweezers, scissors, cotton-tipped applicators, and a digital thermometer. 

Special circumstances

Look online (links below) or check with your physician if you may be traveling to areas with endemic diseases that require medications for prevention (such as malaria) or proof of vaccination (such as yellow fever). 

For individuals with chronic medical conditions, be sure to pack a sufficient supply of your prescription medications. Plan for the unexpected and bring at least one week more than you think you need. Avoid transporting loose pills, and be prepared to show your prescription information if asked. Certain medications, such as opioid analgesics, carry stiff penalties if transported across borders without prescriptions in hand.

Finally, sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are prevalent around the world. If you might be exposed, protect yourself by bringing condoms and using safe sex practices.

Websites that can be helpful to review prior to your trip:

UK: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx

USA: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

WHO: www.who.int/ith/en

Dr. Joe Donroe completed his medical and public health degrees in 2007 from Tufts University School of Medicine in the USA. He continued his residency training at the Yale University School of Medicine (USA) and was board-certified in Pediatrics and Internal Medicine in 2011. Dr. Donroe speaks English and Spanish. To make an appointment with him, please call the BJU Service Center at 4008-919191.

• What vaccines do you need when you travel? Learn more with Dr. Fang.

• Great health starts with your teeth. Here’s why.

• Want to make sure you know how to act if your child breaks a bone? Read up on pediatric fractures.