Pack a travel first-aid kit for the holidays

Pack a travel first-aid kit for the holidays
Include prescription drugs, as well as OTC remedies for common problems, expert advises.

(HealthDay)—If you're planning on traveling during the holidays, be sure to pack a travel first-aid kit, an expert recommends.

"A good first-aid kit should help you cope with many of the situations that can make your vacation less than perfect—like a or a stomachache," Caroline Sullivan, an assistant professor of Columbia University School of Nursing, said in a university news release.

"Once you set up the kit, just check the contents before every trip to make sure you have enough supplies and nothing has expired," she added.

A basic travel first-aid kit doesn't cost much or take up much space. It should include in the original bottles.

It should also contain a number of over-the-counter (OTC) products to treat minor health problems. That includes items to: relieve diarrhea, upset stomach, heartburn, indigestion and nausea; treat headache or fever; soothe insect bites and stings; relieve allergies; help you sleep.

Other essentials include: antibiotic ointment to prevent infections from minor cuts, scrapes and burns; bandages to cover minor cuts and scrapes, as well as blisters; ; and tissues to cover your sneezes and to dab cuts and clean hands in a pinch.

More information: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about travelers' health.

Copyright © 2014 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Citation: Pack a travel first-aid kit for the holidays (2014, December 27) retrieved 18 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-12-first-aid-kit-holidays.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

First aid tips for treating cuts, scrapes and puncture wounds

 shares

Feedback to editors