The travel accessories/supplies you need to take with you on
your trip depend on a number of factors including:
- Where are you going
- How long are you travelling for
- What you'll be doing whilst you are there
- The type of accomodation you are going to stay in
Long-term travellers, and those visiting areas of poor
sanitation, may be more at risk of infectious and tropical diseases
and need to take more precautions than those going on shorter
holidays in high quality accommodation.
The guidance given here, will give you some ideas for the travel
supplies you need to take when travelling to particular areas of
the world.
General for all areas:
Bite Avoidance:
Central America - Insects transmit a number of different
infections, including malaria, leishmaniasis, yellow fever and
dengue and there is a risk of these in some countries in Central
America, therefore insect bite avoidance is essential. All
travellers, but particularly "back-packers" and those visiting
friends and family should consider purchasing:
North America - Midges and mosquitoes are a nuisance even if
they don't transmit malaria, and there are also insects that can
transmit infectious diseases such as Western Nile Virus, so it is
advisable to consider purchasing repellents if you are travelling
in North America.
Further information on bite avoidance - "Malaria, mosquitoes and
other insect bites" (pdf)
Food and Water Precautions
Travellers' diarrhoea is a common problem and may affect up to
60% of travellers. Having sickness and diarrhoea can really ruin a
holiday, so all travellers are advised to take precautions with
food and water whilst abroad.
Ensure you wash your hands before eating or handling foods.
Alcohol disinfectant gel is handy whilst travelling, so that you
can quickly cleanse your hands when there is no soap and water
available. To ensure that you have clean water to drink wherever
you are, you should also consider taking water purification
products with you:
Further information about food and water precautions - download
patient information leaflet: "Travellers' Diarrhoea" (pdf)
Diarrhoea Kits:
Travellers going off the beaten track or those with inflammatory
bowel disease may also want to consider purchasing a diarrhoea kit,
which we sell at our clinics. Diarrhoea kits include sachets of
oral rehydration solution (ORS), a scoop to make your own ORS,
Loperamide capsules and an information leaflet. We stock a
diarrhoea kit with or without the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin. Drop in
to see one of our nurses to get a diarrhoea kit for your trip.
Backpackers:
Backpackers and those travelling off the beaten track often have
additional needs to those staying in high quality accommodation.
Additional vaccines are often recommended .e.g. rabies vaccine and
hepatitis B. You may also need to take additional kit with you to
enable you to travel light and stay healthy.
You should consider taking:
- A sterile kit
- A first aid kit
- Diarrhoea kit (with antibiotics)
- Biosoap-useful all in one
product, saves on space
Mountains and lakes:
If you are travelling at high altitude during your trip you may
wish to understand more about altitude related problems. Further
information on Acute Mountain Sickness - insert link to patient
Information leaflet: "Acute Mountain Sickness" (pdf)
For those travellers, rapidly ascending to areas at altitude
Acetazolomide (Diamox) is sometimes suggested. This drug aids
acclimatisation. It cannot be bought over the counter at a chemist.
We stock Acetazolomide in our clinics, so drop in and see one of
our nurses to discuss whether it is suitable for you and your
planned trip.
If you are staying near a lake or river make sure you've got
plenty of insect repellent with you as being covered in nasty midge
and mosquito bites can ruin a holiday. We advise 50% DEET repellent,
which is very effective against most biting insects.
