First Aid, Kid

Falling ill in a foreign land without our mommy to take care of us is the most awful feeling. A basic first aid kit is a must-have whenever you travel. Pack 'em all!

The essentials:

1. Plaster

It goes without saying. Other than cuts, use plasters on any blisters / abrasions you might have that could arise from walking too much in uncomfortable shoes or slippers.

2. Panadol

If you're running a fever or having a headache, this is the cure for you. If you are prone to having severe menstrual cramps, remember to bring some Panadol menstrual.

3. Chlorpheniramine Tablet 4mg

My life savior! I depended quite heavily on this medicine because of the cold weather. Chlorpheniramine is a tiny yellow pill for flu/ cold/ runny nose, and you can get them at pharmacies. It helps to relieve skin itchiness to some extent and cause drowsiness.

4. Strepsils / Woods

Basically some lozenges for sore throat or cough. I feel Woods peppermint lozenges soothes the throat better than Strepsils, but wow, the former is extremely strong and minty.

Pi-pa-gao is also a good alternative. You can bring those pi-pa-gao in its satchets, which are more portable and convenient than the large glass bottle. However, because it is a liquid, you might have to remove them during the security checks at the airport if you are not checking your baggage in. When I take short trips without checking in my bags, I'd prefer having lozenges in my first aid kit.

5. Vitamin C tablets

It's not exactly a thing that is usually found in first aid kits, but it's always either in my OWN first aid kit or in my bag. I have the effervescence tablets (drop the tablet into a cup of water and drink it) with me and I have it whenever I feel I am about to catch a cold.

6. Po chai pills / Charcoal

These are really effective for curing diarrhea.

7. Tiger Balm

Tiger balm is my best friend for stuffy nose, headaches, tummy pains, and mosquito bites.

8. Other medication

I am not a doctor, but here's some other medication that you should consider bringing, based on your needs.

- For motion sickness

- For gastric or wind

- Painkillers

- Antibotics

- For your allergies

- Sinus

Other tips:

Before your trip:

- Find out if you need any vaccination.

- Label the expiration dates (with a permanent marker) of your medication on somewhere visible

- Keep all your medication in a clear bag or ziplock bag.

- If you are unsure of how to take the medication you are going to bring, always read up first or consult a doctor. Write the descriptions down on a piece of paper and bring it along in your first aid kit to remind yourself. Better be safe than sorry!

During your trip:

- Have enough rest, drinks lots of water and include fruits and vegetables in your diet. Jees, I sound so naggy.

About Drinking Water:

- Find out whether the tap water in the country is safe for drinking. You can always Google or ask the locals. It is safe to drink the tap water in many parts of Europe. However, in Spain and Portugal, we were told not to drink from the tap, so we have to buy mineral water from the supermarket. If the tap water is not safe for drinking, it is also not advised to wash your fruits or vegetable. Use bottled water!

- In some places like in the UK, you can only drink the cold tap water. The hot water that comes straight from the tap is usually cloudy. Here's what you should do: switch on the water tap to the cold side, let all the hot water run off until the water is cold.

- Always boil the water if unsure. But check if the kettle is clean!

Be there for one another:

And finally, trips are always enjoyable when you and your friends are healthy and well. Look out for your friends, and if you are unwell, you should voice out too.

#firstaidkit #medicine