Medicines every traveller should carry: A practical guide to a healthy and safe travel

Luggage that goes missing, delayed flights, unexpected changes in plans – these are things that all travellers expect on their trips. What they often forget about is getting ill while on their vacation, which could ruin all their efforts. For example, you might get a bad headache in the middle of a long journey by train, you may get food poisoning in a place where you have never been before or an allergy while exploring a new place.Important disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is of utmost importance that travellers consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping or carrying any medication, particularly if they are pregnant, breastfeeding, travelling with children, managing chronic illnesses, or taking prescription drugs. And it goes without saying that if the condition worsens, you must visit a healthcare facility nearby.It should be remembered that although a travel medicine kit is not an alternative to professional medical services, it may help in coping with minor issues before visiting a doctor. In addition, one should keep in mind that different travel medicine kits contain various items depending on where you are going, what your medical history is like, and what kind of journey you are making. A pain reliever can be a great help when travelling as there are numerous factors which could cause a headache, body pains, or a fever – flights, disrupted sleep schedule, dehydration, or challenging itinerary. Painkillers based on paracetamol (acetaminophen) are able to give some relief and reduce the temperature. They can also relieve menstrual cramps and muscle pains following sightseeing and other outdoor activities.ORS sachets could be considered among the most underestimated travel medicines. The reason is that travellers do not realize how fast dehydration might appear owing to diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, heat exposure, or even flights.Shifts in diet, exposure to foreign foods, as well as new water sources may cause occasional disturbances in the digestive tract. Traveller's diarrhoea remains one of the most common health complaints among tourists. Taking anti-diarrhoea medications may alleviate the symptoms temporarily, especially while moving. Diarrhoea lasting more than two days, blood in the stool, high temperature and severe stomach pains require immediate medical help.Eating local food is usually among the top experiences one looks forward to while on vacation. Overeating, spicy foods, or even skipping meals can lead to heartburn, indigestion, and bloating. Having a few doses of antacids will enable you to avoid discomfort and enjoy your holiday further.Travellers face new allergens in an unknown environment. They could be dust, pollen, bites of insects, certain types of fish or food, which may cause various allergic symptoms like sneezing, itching, swelling and even rashes. Antihistamines like Cetirizine or Allegra could be helpful in these cases.Motion on mountainous roads, boats, and aeroplanes can trigger nausea and vertigo in some people. Medicines used for motion sickness can reduce the occurrence of these symptoms when taken appropriately as per medical guidance and the instruction on the packaging. This could come in handy for cruises, drives on mountain roads, and ferry transport.Weather fluctuations, crowded airports, and fatigue may at times make it easy for travellers to fall ill with colds or flus. In addition to packing other items, it would be a good idea to take along throat lozenges, cough syrup, saline nasal spray, and cold medicine as you go about your activities.Travellers who are suffering from chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, or thyroid diseases need to have access to prescription drugs. The medications should cover the duration of the entire trip, together with extra ones that will be sufficient in case there is any delay. It is advisable to keep medicines in their original packaging and carry copies of prescriptions, especially during international travel.