DAN Medical Frequently Asked Questions
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Assembling a Travel Medical Kit
>Medications, protective items, first-aid supplies, documents and other items needed in a travel medical kit.Regular prescription medications
>Special prescriptions for traveling
>* Prescription medication to prevent malaria, if necessary
>* Antibiotic prescribed by your doctor for self-treatment of moderate to severe diarrhea
>* EpiPen, assuming you receive training in its use
>Over-the-counter medications for traveling
>* Antidiarrheal, such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) or loperamide (Imodium)
>* Antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin)
>* Decongestant, alone or in combination with an antihistamine
>* Motion sickness medication
>* Saline eye drops
>Over-the-counter medications used regularly at home
>* Medication for pain and/or fever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil) or aspirin
>* Mild laxative
>* Cough suppressant, alone or in combination with an expectorant
>* Cough drops
>* Antacid, such as calcium carbonate (Tums)
>* Antifungal ointment or cream
>* Antibacterial ointment or cream
>* 1% hydrocortisone cream
>*Water purification tablets** Insect repellent containing DEET (30- to 50-percent solution) or picaridin (up to 15-percent solution)
>* Sunscreen (preferably SPF 15 or greater) with both UVA and UVB protection
>* Antibacterial hand wipes or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol
>* Lubricating eye drops
>* Ear plugs
> Personal safety equipment appropriate for your plans, such as helmets, car safety seats, protective glasses, work gloves, etc. First-aid quick-reference card
>* Basic first-aid items, such as various-sized bandages, gauze, an Ace bandage, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors, cotton-tipped swabs, etc.
>* Moleskin for blisters
>* Butterfly bandages (Steri-Strips) for loose wound closures
>* Aloe gel for sunburns
>* Digital thermometer
> Oral rehydration solution packets Mild sedative or other sleep aid, such as melatonin
>* Gloves, preferably sterile
>* Medication to prevent altitude sickness
>* Splinting material for extremity injuries
>* Commercial suture and/or syringe kits (for use by a local health-care provider; these items will require a letter on your prescribing physician's letterhead)
>* Latex condomsTravelers should carry the following documents with them at all times, and also leave copies of them with a family member or close contact at home, in case of an emergency:
>* Proof of vaccination on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) card — or a medical waiver — if specific vaccinations are required at your destination(s)
>* Copies of the prescriptions for all your medications, eyeglasses and/or contact lenses, and any other prescription medical supplies; include the generic names of medications, in English and, if possible, translated into the language of your destination(s)
>* Documentation of any pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or allergies, in English and, if possible, translated into the language of your destination(s)
>* Proof of your health insurance coverage, supplemental travel health insurance, medical evacuation insurance, and travel insurance; it is a good idea to carry contact information for all insurance providers, as well as copies of claim forms
>* A contact card, which you carry on your person at all times, that includes street addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses for the following:
>** A family member or close contact who will remain at home
>** Health care provider(s) at home
>** Where you will be staying at your destination(s)
>** Hospitals or clinics and emergency medical services at your destination(s)
>** U.S. embassy or consulate at your destination(s)One or two first-aid and/or emergency medical guides; further resources for a list of suggested titles.