 | This is not a travel guide but a travel-related article. More articles that deal with other aspects of travel can be found under travel-related topics. |
First aid for travelers gives advice on what can be good to pack in medication when traveling abroad. It is not certain that you can get medicine and medical equipment at the destination and in some countries you can have your medicine confiscated by customs. Therefore, always contact Apoteket before departure to find out what applies.
Depending on who is traveling, you have different perceptions of what is necessary to bring - some pack more, others are better at improvising.
Suggestions
Medicine
If you use some form of medicine regularly, it is good to make sure you have enough. Also bring a copy of the prescription, as well as (if it is drug-classified medicine) the correct certificate and permit. More information can be obtained from Apoteket.
Diarrhea medicine
Loperamide hydrochloride (Imodium) is probably the most common form of medicine for diarrhea. However, do not use such medicine if there is blood in the stool - this may indicate a much more serious problem and this requires medical expertise.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory agent that also acts as a general painkiller. Others may prefer to use paracetamol or similar agents.
Sunscreen
Be sure to use the correct level of sunscreen. Emollient / cooling skin cream can also be good to bring. Remember that strict rules apply to how much you can take with you in your hand luggage when you fly - check with customs before check-in.
Quick bandages
Quick bandages of the self-adhesive type are good if you cut yourself and have nothing else to do. It is also good for taking care of blisters on the feet. When hiking, it is worth the extra weight to bring additional foot care products.
Insect repellent
If you travel in / to an area where mainly blood-sucking insects are a problem, the right form of insecticide is important. It can be difficult to know what is best, so consult with the pharmacy before departure. Please note that locally purchased insecticides may contain substances banned in Sweden.
Condoms
HIV and hepatitis are very common in some parts of the world and unprotected sex with an unknown person, regardless of destination, is always risky. If you travel as a heterosexual couple where the woman uses birth control pills, it can be good to bring condoms, as stomach problems that cause vomiting reduce the pill's effectiveness.
Next to the highway
When leaving areas where medical expertise is not readily available, it may be a good idea to bring a more complete first aid kit, but you must also know how to use it. Good things to bring can be water purification techniques, sterile compresses, etc. It can be good to take a course in first aid ABC before departure.
Avoid taking unknown medications, especially if it is a home-cooked family prescription or alternative preparations. These have not been tested and can cause significantly worse damage than the condition they are supposed to cure.