Getting sick or hurt while traveling can really destroy the mood. Having diarrhea means you will not be able to enjoy all the delicious local food. Physical injuries such as abrasions and lacerations means you will not be able to enjoy the thrilling physical activities.
Besides making sure that you have taken all the necessary travel vaccinations, have some travel medications and first aid supplies on hand in case of emergencies.
Drawing on my own travel experiences and profession, I have listed 10 medications and first aid supplies that every traveler needs. These are all over-the-counter medicines and supplies that you can buy from drugstores.
1. Panadol
Active ingredient: Paracetamol
Use for: fever, headache, pain
How to take: take 2 tablets orally 3-4 times a day after food, not exceeding 8 tablets a day
2. Danzen
Active ingredient: Serrapeptase
Use for: inflammation
How to take: take 1 tablet orally 3 times a day after food
3. Zyrtec-R
Active ingredient: Cetrizine
Use for: cold, allergies
How to take: 1 tablet daily, no more than 1 tablet a day
4. Ultracarbon
Active ingredient: activated charcoal
Use for: diarrhea, flatulence, food and drug poisoning
How to take: 2-4 tablets 2-3 times a day, 2 hours before other medications
5. Aquatabs
Use for: water purification
How to use: dissolve 1 tablet in water and mix well, wait for 30-40 minutes before drinking
6. Gaviscon Tablets
Active ingredients: sodium alginate, potassium bicarbonate
Use for: indigestion, heartburn, hiatus hernia, reflux esophagitis
How to take: take 1 tablet after meals and at bedtime
7. Lozenges
Active ingredient: benzocaine / eucalyptus oil/ zinc gluconate glycin / pectin / dextromethorphan
Use for: sore throat
How to take: suck 1 tablet as and when necessary
8. Sodium Chloride 0.9% Ampules
Use for: irrigate eyes, cleaning wounds
How to use: twist off top, pour into eyes or over wound
9. Antiseptic Cream
Use for: minor wounds and cuts
How to use: apply a thin layer 3-4 times a day after cleaning wound
10. Waterproof Plasters
Use for: protecting wound
How to use: after washing wound with sodium chloride 0.9% solution and applying a thin layer of antiseptic cream, apply waterproof plaster and make sure dressing does no touch water for the next few days.
I hope you find this list useful. All these travel medications and first aid supplies can be found in drugstores such as Guardian and Watson. ”