Some health hazards are common to every destination, such as diarrhoea, travel sickness, constipation and colds. That’s why experts say your first aid kit should always contain medicines for fever and pain.
They also recommend you have some bandages, plasters and disinfectant, as well as some blister patches if you’re planning on doing a bit of walking.
Sun protection will likely also come in handy, but pharmacists also recommend bringing an after-sun cream if you’re at the beach, as the mixture of sun and salt water will cause extra stress for the skin.
But that’s probably not all. Depending on your destination and the activities you are planning to engage in, a few extra items may come in handy. “Scuba divers will need ear drops, for example,” says pharmacist Mathias Arnold, especially in tropical climates.
“In these areas it’s also important to pack a thermometer to measure fever, because most tropical diseases are associated with raised temperatures.”
Some medicine types are not suitable for particular climates — for example effervescent tablets are not recommended for use in a humid environment. You should also bear in mind that suppositories melt in heat, and Aspirin painkillers are not recommended in the tropics, because they have a blood-thinning effect.
“This can be especially dangerous for the treatment of tropical diseases,” Arnold warns. “It’s therefore a good idea to use paracetamol or ibuprofen instead.”
The pharmacist also recommends keeping the medication in its original packaging, and keeping a note of the active ingredient. “The drug product names are sometimes unknown abroad,” he explains. It’s also a good idea to have a note from a doctor recommending the medication. “That will mean there’ll be fewer potential problems at customs.” The foreign ministries of most countries provide information on which medicines holidaymakers are allowed to import into the destination country.
If you have to take long-term medication, you should ensure you have an adequate supply, which means having an extra third in case of delays. If your journey involves travelling to different time zones it may also be advisable to consult your physician about when to take your medicine. – dpa
