A travel health kit for a carefree Summer

One of the most anticipated moments of summer is when we set off to relax for a few days. While we’re excitedly packing our suitcases, most of the time we don’t even think about how easily a minor accident or a sudden illness on vacation can ruin our idyll. Yet if we are properly prepared, simpler diseases can be easily treated without having to turn to an unknown doctor or pharmacist with our complaints.

The Buda Health Center has gathered what cases it is worth preparing for before the trip, and on the basis of which aspects we can easily compile our own travel pharmacy.

“When going on vacation, always take with you the medications you regularly or occasionally take for chronic or periodically appearing illnesses and remember: if your symptoms do not go away in a couple of days while travelling, you should definitely see a doctor!” said Judit Nagy, MD, family practice doctor at the Buda Health Center.

Advice for preventing and treating unexpected illnesses:

• The symptoms of a mild cold are easily alleviated with over-the-counter medications such as powdered preparations soluble in hot water, throat disinfectant tablets, nose drops and sprays, etc.  In addition, a hot steam bath can be also very helpful.

• In case of fever, pain and sunstroke:  Paracetamol is preferred for fever and pain relief and medications containing acetylsalicylic acid and naproxen.  Symptoms of sunstroke – headache, nausea, vomiting and fever – can best be treated with pain medication.  To speed up the process, put cold compresses on your forehead and lie down in a darkened room.  

• In case of an upset stomach or diarrhea: in both cases it is very important to fast and drink a copious amount of liquids, preferably mineral water and tea.  Active carbon (Carbo activatus) is also helpful.  In case of heavy diarrhea, watch your salt and electrolyte replacement.  It is well to have an antispasmodic medication on hand in your travel health kit for cases such as these.

• In cases of sunburn: the best thing to do is to prevent sunburn!   Always apply a high factor sun screen and stay out of the sun during the Midday hours.  If you do get sunburned, then use a spray containing dexpanthenol to alleviate the burning sensation. 
• Mosquito and other insect bites:  the most effective products against these bites are those containing at least 30% of the active ingredient diethyltoluamide (DEET).  If there is a mild allergic reaction – the bite area becomes swollen and the surrounding area red – take a 500 mg effervescent calcium tablet dissolved in a glass of water. 

• Preventing infections and viruses:  be sure to take disinfectant gels along with you.  Drink only bottled water when abroad.  Do not brush your teeth with tap water.  In order to prevent infections, do not eat raw vegetables or fruits.

• Treating smaller wounds and injuries:  in cases of smaller accidents, the wound and its surrounding area should be cleansed with plenty of water, thoroughly disinfected and covered either with a bandage or with an adhesive tape.  If the wound is seriously contaminated (especially with soil) a doctor should be seen since a tetanus injection is mandatory in these cases. 

We wish you a pleasant trip and vacation!