Before you set one foot on that beach, be sure to take care of Travel Health Essentials first

Every year, millions of British citizens go on holiday abroad. In some cases, minor accidents or injuries while they are on holiday result in a visit to a medical center. If you are heading on a weekend trip or taking a longer vacation, you will need to be prepared in advance. Here are some travel health essentials that you must pack before flying abroad.

Saline Nasal Spray

Travelling on a plane can mess with your immune system. The dry air onboard a plane is a recipe for breathing problems. Having a saline nasal spray on hand will keep your nasal passages moist and prevent bacteria from entering the mucous membranes.

Over-The-Counter Pain-Relief Medication

Medications such as ibuprofen and codeine are a great choice for relieving inflammation, arthritis, and muscle soreness. These are especially handy for the adventurous traveler who will be physically active on their holidays.

Anti-Diarrhoeal Medicine

If you experience diarrhea on your holiday, it can dampen your mood and stop you from enjoying the activities you want to do. Anti-diarrhoeal medications slow down the gut’s muscle movements, and as a result, more water gets absorbed from your stools.

Malaria Medication

If you happen to travel to an affected area, you will be at a higher risk of getting malaria. It is essential that you take precautions to prevent this disease. Although it’s not possible to completely avoid mosquito bites, the less you are bitten, the less you are likely to get malaria. While there are no vaccines available at the moment, it is important to take anti-malarial medicine to minimise your chances of getting this disease.

Sunscreen

Travelling to hot destinations without sunblock lotions or sprays can leave devastating consequences for your skin. By wearing sunscreen, you will guard your skin against the harmful UV rays of the sun so make sure you buy a sun protection spray or cream of at least 20 SPF before setting off on your trip.

Hydration Sachets

Hydration sachets are recommended for people traveling to hot countries. Dehydration can cause the loss of salts and fluids through vomiting or diarrhea as a result of too much sun exposure. Make sure you mix the sachets in clean and safe drinking water.

Jet Lag Treatment

While medications won’t be necessary for jet lag, it may help to take a sleeping pill or melatonin gummy tablets. Melatonin is a circadian rhythm regulating hormone that is naturally produced by the pineal gland in the brain. By supplementing on this hormone pill, it has been shown to be effective in inducing sleep and preventing jet lag symptoms.

Other essential travel health items that can be useful include:

  • A first aid kit
  • Antibacterial hand wipes
  • Eye drops
  • Insect repellent containing DEET

Remember that any medications you take with you on your journey must be taken in hand luggage. If you are taking liquids over 100 ml, these should be checked-in at the airport. You will also need a letter from your doctor in advance if you are taking prescription drugs abroad, in which case, they will need to be carried in your hand luggage. By packing all the essentials before your flight, you will help reduce your chances of facing an illness or catching a disease.