travel medical kit Archives | HealthSmartVaccines

Planning an international trip can be a thrilling endeavor. But before you embark on your next journey, take a moment to think about your overall health and wellness so you stay protected. That’s where HealthSmartVaccines in Chantilly, Virginia comes in. As the area’s leading source for travel vaccines, travel insurance, and immunizations, they have helped hundreds of travelers prepare for their adventures. If you’re planning your next trip, here are three travel health tips from the travel prep pros at HealthSmartVaccines:

Do Your Research: Once your trip is booked, it’s important to dive in and do your research. Will you be experiencing unsanitary conditions? Are you traveling to a country or area with a high risk of yellow fever, malaria, or other contagious diseases? Check for advisories and updates on government websites and schedule your travel vaccines and immunizations as needed to properly protect yourself. Always schedule your travel vaccines at least one month before your travel date.
Stock a First Aid Kit: If your adventure involves camping, outdoor activities, or the exploration of undeveloped areas, don’t forget to pack a proper first aid kit. Having important items in case of emergency like bandages, bug spray, pain medication, motion sickness pills, and anti-bacterial ointment is essential. If you have allergies to bees or certain foods, don’t forget to pack an Epipen.
Consume Water Carefully: If your adventure is taking you to a third-world country, be cautious when consuming water. Try to stick to bottled water for safety. Avoid ordering ice cubes in your drinks and if you’re enjoying a beverage like tea, order it hot instead of iced. If you’re not in a position to consume bottled water, be sure to bring along water purification tablets.

If you live in the Chantilly, Virginia area and you’re looking for a top-notch clinic that offers travel vaccines and travel insurance, call HealthSmartVaccines today at (703) 961-0733 to schedule your next appointment.

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Take enough of your everyday prescription medications plus a weeks worth in case of unexpected delays or diversions. Bottles must be properly and professionally labeled with the name of pharmacy, the med, your name and your doctor’s name. Hand carry the doctor’s written prescription which can be beneficial in the case of certain medications which could be confiscated in any country without identification. Especially true with controlled substances. If you require insulin, protect the vaccine potency by properly storing it. Take enough syringes for your journey, never assume you will be able to buy sterile or even legitimate diabetic supplies overseas. If you have questions about taking injectable medications on a plane, the size containers and contents allowed, contact TSA via their web page www.tsa.gov Don’t put all of your medication in one place. Split them up so you’ll have some in case a bag is temporarily lost. Pack an extra Epi-pen. Carry other prescription medications from your doctor such as anti-malaria tablets, travelers’ diarrhea antibiotics or altitude meds. Be extremely careful of purchasing medicine overseas. Standard prescription medication in the US may be over the counter in other countries but its difficult to know counterfeit from legitimate. Contents and strength may not be appropriate so its best to carry you own.

Depending on your destination and planned itinerary, you may need to pack a basic medical kit in your checked baggage. This may include a variety of band-aids, gauze rolls, tape, pair of scissors, tweezers for removing splinters, a few disposable gloves, antiseptic for wound cleaning, “ace”wraps for sprains, saline eye drops, and a thermometer (especially if you travel with children). Over the counter medicines may include those for reducing a fever, pain relief, antacids, anti-diarrheals, stool softeners, motion-sickness medicine, sleep aids, oral re-hydration packets, hand sanitizer, decongestants/antihistamines, foot powder or anti-fungal cream, topical anti-itch preparation with 1% hydrocortisone for bites and stings, swimmers” ear drops, sunburn relief lotion just to name a few. Travel health supplies can be purchases in pharmacies, on-line or customized based on your destination, length of stay, access to medical assistance and plans for adventure! Travel healthy, travel smart!