The indispensable
- There is no standard kit: it must be adapted to the type of trip, its duration and the people at risk.
- Bring basic medications (paracetamol, ORS, antidiarrheal, antihistamine) and the necessary equipment for the prevention of vector-borne diseases (repellents, antimalarials).
- Keep the treatments in their original packaging, with prescriptions in INN, ideally in English, and placed in the cabin.
- In case of chronic illness, bring a sufficient quantity of treatment and associated equipment, with certificates if necessary.
- Do not take antibiotics without medical advice.
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The majority of medications are available in pharmacies in the destination countries.
There is no standard first-aid kit. Its contents should be tailored to the trip, its duration, its specific requirements, and whether any vulnerable individuals are present. Medications should be carried in their original packaging, not loose (this saves space in luggage but can lead to errors).
The first aid kit could include, among other things:
- analgesic and antipyretic (paracetamol is recommended);
- oral rehydration salts (ORS) especially in infants;
- antidiarrheal antisecretory, possibly (see corresponding disease sheet);
- latest generation antihistamines (anti-H1).
- A history of severe allergy (anaphylaxis) should be addressed by a prescription for an adrenaline auto-injector pen (bring the name and a photo of the allergen(s) involved).
– mosquito repellent;
– product for impregnating mosquito nets;
– antimalarial for preventive use;
– antiseptic eye drops (single-dose packaging);
– topical for superficial burns;
– sterile dressings and adhesive sutures;
– cutaneous antiseptic (single-dose packaging);
– single-dose vials of physiological saline solution;
– sunscreen cream (maximum protection factor SPF 50+);
– compression stockings or tights;
– hydroalcoholic gel or solution for hand hygiene;
– unbreakable thermometer;
– tweezers;
– condoms;
– product for disinfecting drinking water.
Liquid or suppository forms are not recommended. The formulation and dosage of the products must be adapted to the age of the patient.
For travelers suffering from one or more chronic illnesses:
Information is available on the relevant page (see link). The first-aid kit should include, in addition to travel-related medications:
– the treatment of chronic diseases in sufficient quantity;
– injection equipment if necessary (diabetics) with a medical certificate.
It is advisable that the traveller have all of their medication for the stay, or even more in the event of a delay or loss of their medication.
For long-term stays (3-6 months):
Authorization to dispense treatment for several months in a French pharmacy can be requested from your health insurance fund in the case of chronic illness (diabetes, thyroid insufficiency, HIV, etc.).
The prescriber specifies on the prescription that it is for a period of x months due to international travel. Generally, it is preferable for medications to travel in carry-on baggage due to the risk of loss or delay of checked baggage. Prescriptions (written with the international nonproprietary name and, if possible, in English) must be available for security checks and any potential purchase at the destination.
Treatments requiring syringes, needles, or injection pens may be accepted in the cabin with a certificate written in English stating the necessity of the injections. Some medications must be kept at a low temperature and travel in insulated packaging (check with the airline).
The frequency of counterfeit products in many developing countries should encourage the greatest caution regarding the use of locally purchased medicines (less or no effectiveness, or even toxicity).
Antibiotic prescribing in advance
Antibiotics should only be used after consulting a doctor. It is generally not recommended to prescribe antibiotics proactively due to the risk of misuse.
However, in preparation for travel to an area with limited access to healthcare, certain antibiotics can be prescribed in advance. The prescription must then be accompanied by instructions on their use (indication, dosage, duration of treatment). Examples include:
- azithromycin to treat severe diarrhea;
- fosfomycin-trometamol for the one-minute treatment of acute cystitis in women, common during travel;
- ofloxacin ear drops in case of risky behavior and/or history of otitis externa (repeated swimming, scuba diving, etc.);
- an oral beta-lactam (amoxicillin or cephalosporin), to treat an ENT or pulmonary infection of bacterial appearance, particularly in cases of chronic respiratory disease or in young children (take care to store this family of antibiotics: temperature below 30°C, protected from light). The use of antibiotics in the event of an ENT or pulmonary infection should, whenever possible, be validated by a medical opinion..
Source: Guide to Health Recommendations for Travellers from the High Council of Public Health
