Travel Health
Key organisations
- Travellers can register with the International Association for Medical Advice to Travellers (IMAT). The IMAT website can help travellers to find a doctor with recognised training.
- The World Health Organisation publishes the book "International Travel and Health". The gratis book is revised annually and can be downloaded.
- A website of general interest is MD Travel Health which provides comprehensive and up to date travel health recommendations for every country, and is also gratis.
- The website for the Centres for Disease Control & Prevention is a useful source of travellers' health information.
Medical kit
- Antibiotics
- Anti-diarrhoeal drugs (e.g., Loper-amide)
- Acetaminophen/paracetamol or aspirin
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., Ibuprofen)
- Antihistamines (for hay fever and allergic reactions)
- Antibacterial ointment for cuts and bruises (e.g., Bactroban)
- First aid triple antibiotic ointment (e.g., Equate or Neosporin)
- Steroid cream or cortisone (allergic rashes)
- Bandages, gauze, gauze rolls
- Adhesive or paper tape
- Scissors, safety pins, tweezers
- Thermometer
- Pocket knife
- DEET-containing repellent to the skin may be the most effective way to prevent insect bites
- Permethrin-containing insect spray for clothing, tents and bed nets
- Sun screen
- Oral re-hydration salts
- Iodine tablets (for water purification)
- Syringes and sterile needles
Sun protection
- Slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
- Slop on SPF30+ sunscreen – make sure it is broad spectrum and water resistant. Apply 20 minutes before you go outdoors and reapply every two hours.
- Slap on a hat that protects your face, head, neck and ears.
- Slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards.