Where are you going on vacation? The question of the century. Surely by this time of year you have everything decided. Are you one of those who put everything in a suitcase? Do you go away for a weekend with enough things to last you for a month? Are you sure you did not leave anything at home? Most importantly, make sure you bring your toiletry kit, with your makeup and creams, and do not forget your first-aid kit.
According to Sonia Cibrian, our doctor of General and Family medicine, it is not unusual to get sick on vacation, so it is very important to prepare a first-aid kit and be prepared for any situation, especially if you will not be near a medical center.
We must bear in mind that emergency kits will not be the same depending on who accompanies us on our trip. In fact, the doctor emphasizes that it is not the same to make a trip to the mountains or to the beach, than if we go on a safari or explore a city center. It is also very important to keep in mind how long we will be on vacation for.
What you can never forget in your first-aid kit:
- Antipyretic/Analgesic: The most used on the day to day, for fever, some kind of pain (malaise, headache or any specific area). You can even take a soothing cream for muscle aches.
- Sunscreen: Sunglasses and hat also count, but the most important is that you protect the visible skin. Apply it 30 minutes before sun exposure and repeat every 2 hours and after going in the water.
- Corticosteroids: It is normal to get a little bug bite during the summer; our blood is very sweet and they like it. Creams or roll-on type are the most used for these cases since they will reduce inflammation and itching. Antihistamines are not recommended for these cases.
- Mosquito repellent: If they’re still biting us, imagine if we did not put anything on… In summer we are more exposed to the bites of these annoying and noisy bugs. Use topical repellents to create a film on the skin, making it an unpleasant place for insects such as flies, mosquitoes, fleas and ticks. Of course, no matter how much repellent we use, we cannot avoid insects with stingers, bees and wasps. Be careful!
- And last but not least, all of the curing materials: thermometer, saline, hydrogen peroxide, tape, sterile gauze. All of this will come in handy in case we have to take care of some minor wound.
It is clear that, wherever you go, you must take your first-aid kit with you. You have everything?
*Content validated by the mediQuo medical team.
