Travel Meds - What to take on a trip

I just read Laurel Miller's article "Top Fifteen Articles to Have in Your Travel First Aid Kit", published by Gadling on December 21, 2010.

In her article, Laurel recommends that we first start with a basic Travel First Aid Kit and then, build it up to our own specifications.

Here is her selection of must haves:

"1. Band-aids/gauze pads/moleskin (for blisters)

2. Surgical tape
Use it to hold dressings in place, or to strap sprains or strains. A roll of this saved my ankle after a bad fall while backpacking.

3. Sewing needle and safety pins
Sterilize and use to drain blisters, remove splinters, or make a makeshift sling.

4. Small mirror
Useful if you get something in your eye or have a facial injury. If you're the outdoorsy type, it's an emergency kit essential for signaling should you get lost.

5. Prescription drugs
All of your regular prescriptions, as well as antibiotics or other meds prescribed by your doctor. Be sure to keep them in their original bottles, and carry copies of your prescriptions with you.

6. OTC drugs
Imodium, Pepto-Bismol tablets, antihistimines, Pepcid, ibuprofen, eye drops. For women: Uristat and an OTC or prescription for yeast infections. Comprehensivey, these meds cover a wide range of ailments, from food-borne illness to allergies, but reserve the Imodium only for emergency situations where you must travel (it's a potent anti-diarrheal).

7. EpiPen
This isn't just for those with known anaphylactic allergies. When you're traveling abroad, you never know what might trigger a reaction; it's also possible to develop a sensitivity to things you haven't previously had a problem with.
travel first aid
8. Alcohol wipes and hand sanitizer
Sterilize your hands, implements like tweezers, even wounds, if necessary. Sanitizer is something you should be in the habit of carrying when you travel, regardless.

9. Tweezers and non-safety nail scissors
Remove splinters and insect stingers, cut surgical tape or bandages; there are endless uses for these two.

10. Thermometer
If you develop a sustained fever of 100.4 or higher, it's time to seek medical attention.

11. Electrolyte powder packets and Emergen-C
If you're suffering severe diarrhea or vomiting, it's absolutely essential you rehydrate and replenish electrolytes. If you have access to Gatorade, you can down that, along with bottled (if necessary) water. I use Airborne and Emergen-C after long flights and at other times I need to keep my resistance up, or if my immune system is taxed.

12. Antibiotic ointment and hydrocortisone cream
Don't underestimate the importance of these two, especially if you're traveling in the tropics, where things tend to fester, or you have a coral cut, serious blister, sting, bite, or rash.
travel first aid
13. Matches
Sterilize needles or safety pins; matches are also an essential for wilderness emergency kits. Store in old film canister or Rx bottle to keep dry. You can additionally waterproof by painting the tips with nail polish.

14. Ziploc bags
You never know when these will come in handy. You can make an impromptu ice pack, store creams and ointment in them to prevent spillage, use them as an extra layer to keep meds dry, etc..

15. Mini first aid or wilderness safety manual

If you're traveling long-term or spending lots of time outdoors, you'll find this useful at some point. Many first aid kits come with one."

If you wish to read Laurel's complete article, please click (or cut and paste) the following link :
http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/21/top-fifteen-items-to-have-in-your-travel-first-aid-kit/ and if you have any other suggestions, please leave us a note.

Thank you Laurel and Gadling!