Seniors on the Move: Creating a Travel Health Kit

When you travel, you need to be prepared for anything - from simple cuts to chronic symptoms. If you're savvy, you'll pack a travel health kit for problems that may arise on the road.

You can buy a standard travel kit at stores or online. Medical kits designed for specific types of travel and medical conditions are also available. With a little effort, though, you can create your own senior travel health kit tailored to your specific needs. It may cost less and you'll have just what you need.

Start with the basics
Check with your doctor about which prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplies you should take. The list below can help. Make sure that none will interact with your regular medicines.

Also check with the Transportation Security Administration about what you can take on board a plane. The items marked with an asterisk may not be permitted.

• Antidiarrheal medicine
• Antihistamine
• Decongestant
• Motion sickness medicine
• Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen or other pain reliever/fever reducer
• Mild laxative
• Cough suppressant/expectorant
• Throat lozenges
• Antacid
• Antifungal and antibacterial ointments or creams
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Insect repellent with DEET (up to 50 percent)
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
• Lip balm
• Aloe gel for sunburns
• Digital thermometer*
• Basic first-aid items:
  • Adhesive bandages
  • Gauze
  • Ace bandages
  • Antiseptic
  • Tweezers*
  • Scissors*
  • Nail clippers*
  • Cotton swabs
• Pocket knife*
• Mirror*
• Antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol
• Moleskin for blisters
• Lubricating eye drops
• First aid quick reference card
• Oral rehydration solution packets
• Water purification tablets
• Address and phone numbers of area hospitals or clinics
• Extra pair of glasses and a copy of the prescription

Prescriptions you may need
You may wish to add items to your travel kit for specific concerns. Your doctor may need to prescribe these items, such as:

• Antibiotics, to treat moderate-to-severe diarrhea
• EpiPens, if you have had severe allergic reactions
• Mild sedative or sleep aid
• Anti-anxiety medication
• Medicine to help prevent high-altitude sickness

Carry your prescription medications in their original containers when flying. Make sure the names on the labels match the names on your boarding passes. Keep your prescriptions in carry-on luggage. If you don't, have them hand-checked so they don't end up in a cold cargo bay if a climate-controlled environment is required.

Buying over-the-counter or prescription medicines abroad may not be smart. These drugs are not subject to the same controls as in the United States. Some parts of the world also have problems with counterfeit medications.

If you have a medical condition
If you have medical conditions, carry a file with documents that describe your problems. This file should include:

• A letter from your doctor, on letterhead, that describes your condition and prescription medications, including generic names of prescribed drugs
• Copies of relevant medical records, like a recent EKG
• Your doctor's contact information
• A list of medications specific to the trip

Preparing your own senior health travel kit may take time and effort. But the peace of mind you'll carry on your trip will be well worth it.

Related Articles Two to Four Weeks Ahead Vacation Safety

External Sources Reed CM. Travel recommendations for older adults. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine. 2007;23(3):687-713. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveler's health: yellow book. Pre- and post-travel general health recommendations: travelers' health kit. Accessed February 15, 2008. American Academy of Family Physicians. International travel: tips for staying healthy. Accessed February 15, 2008. Transportation Security Administration. What to know before you go: permitted and prohibited items. Accessed February 21, 2008.

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