Health Hack: Travel First Aid Kit

When I was much younger, I travelled the world without a care.  I took for granted that I would always be healthy.  Then came the time that I got food poisoning (salmonella) on a trip.  I had no first aid kit with me, and I didn’t know how to get medications in another country.

I had a two-day layover in the UK and no way to get even an aspirin – the hotel staff said it was illegal for them to give me any, not that they had any in the hotel.  After a very miserable 48 hours (plus the interminable flight home), I decided to start taking some over-the-counter medications with me when I travel.

The list of remedies I pack has grown with subsequent experiences (an epic hangover in Russia led to the inclusion of an antacid, for example).

My travel first aid supplies currently include:

• A pain reliever/fever reducer (aspirin/Tylenol)
• A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID; such as Ibuprofen/Alleve)
• An antacid (Pepcid/Rolaids/Tums)
• An anti-diarrheal (Imodium)
• upset stomach medicine (Pepto-Bismol)
• sleep aid/jet-lag remedy (Melatonin)
• decongestant/expectorant
• cough/sore throat lozenges (Cepacol)
• a travel thermometer
• tweezers
• alcohol swabs
• band aids

You could also include an anti-histamine (Benadryl).  [Update: having had my first allergic reaction, I am adding Benadryl to my kit.]

If you know you will be walking or hiking a lot, you might also want moleskin and an ace bandage.  Depending on local conditions, you may also want to include some travel toilet paper (think MRE TP, but commercially available).

[NOTE: Brand names are included for familiarity.  I buy bargain-sized generic versions of these drugs whenever possible.]

[NOTE: When possible, I buy these drugs in blister packs.  I can take a few sheets of the blister packs with me, instead of an entire bottle, to save weight in my bags.]

[NOTE: I don’t include polysporin because of TSA liquid/gel restrictions.  Soap and water and alcohol swabs are usually sufficient.  You can include polysporin if you place it with your other liquids for screening, and if the container is 3 ounces or less.]

[CAUTION: Do not mix aspirin and NSAIDs.  It can cause stomach ulcers or other problems.]

[CAUTION: Medications which are over-the-counter (uncontrolled) at home may not be uncontrolled in other countries.  For example, Melatonin is only available by prescription in Australia.]

In addition to my travel first aid kit, I always take a bottle of Afrin nasal decongestant spray with me when I fly.

It is a very bad idea to fly with a head cold, but sometimes you don’t realize you’re coming down with a cold until you have trouble clearing your ears on descent.  Afrin can help relieve congestion, which should make it possible for you to clear your ears (equalize the pressure).  If you cannot equalize the pressure, you could rupture an eardrum.  This is why I always carry a bottle of Afrin in my carry-on luggage, just in case.

Even better than having remedies with you when you travel is to avoid needing them in the first place.

I will talk about ways to maintain your health while traveling in another post.

[DISCLAIMER: All information is provided for educational purposes only.  I am not a trained healthcare provider or medical expert.  Use common sense, know what works for your body, and if you have any questions, consult with your healthcare provider.  Many medications, including over-the-counter medications, are contraindicated for patients with specific health conditions.  Do not take a medication if it is unsafe for you or may aggravate other health conditions you have.]

CALL TO ACTION: If you currently do not travel with a first aid kit or over-the-counter remedies, I encourage you to assemble a kit before your next trip, TDY, or deployment.  You don’t need a fancy container – I keep mine in my toiletries bag.

What do you pack in your travel first aid kit?