travel pharmacy
Whether it's an active holiday, a city trip or a beach holiday, whether it's a stay in your own country or a long-distance journey: a well-stocked first-aid kit is essential in all cases.
Austria's pharmacists give important recommendations for the necessary medicines and advise on the topics of travel prevention and vaccinations , individually tailored to the type and destination of the vacation.
“All medicines that you always need belong on your journey, because this is the only way to have the tried and tested, familiar medicine at hand immediately. Speaking of which to hand: These medications belong in hand luggage ! I advise against buying medicines abroad, as medicines have different names and dosages in different countries. As a result, they are often difficult or impossible to compare. In addition, there may be language hurdles, because package inserts are always written in the respective national language, ”explains Mag. Pharm. Raimund Podroschko, Vice President of the Austrian Chamber of Pharmacists.
It is urgently necessary to have your vaccination status checked in good time before the start of your holiday trip.
“The current developments around measles diseases show how important it is to know one's vaccination status. Those who travel often need additional protection in addition to the standard vaccinations recommended in Austria.
Pharmacists know what is useful and necessary for which country.
You should inform yourself in good time and get vaccinated so that there is sufficient vaccination protection when you start your trip, ”adds Podroschko.
Contents of a first-aid kit
The standard equipment of a first-aid kit includes medicines for travel sickness and digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea and vomiting, for pain and fever, as well as for allergies and itching. Bandages such as plasters, an elastic bandage and cooling compresses as well as scissors, tweezers , wound disinfectants, a wound and healing ointment and, last but not least, insect repellent should not be missing in a first-aid kit. It is also advisable to pack medication for coughs, hoarseness, sore throat and runny nose as well as eye and nose drops, an electrolyte preparation, a probiotic, an ointment for bruises and sprains and a clinical thermometer. The right sun protection , tailored to the respective skin type, also belongs in your luggage. It is also advisable to carry medical documents with you, such as a vaccination certificate, diabetic passport or allergy passport. Don't forget your e-card either!
First aid kit for children
If you travel with children, you should adapt the first-aid kit to the needs of the little ones and take preparations specially designed for children against fever, pain and colds . Since some children react with diarrhea or vomiting when they eat when they are on holiday, the pharmacists recommend that you take special electrolyte and diarrhea preparations with you. A good sun cream with a high protection factor must always be in your luggage.
Transport and storage of the first-aid kit
The first-aid kit should be transported as cool , dry and protected from light as possible. When you arrive at your holiday destination, it is best to store the medicines in a dark, dry wardrobe.
Never expose to direct sun!
Source: Austria. Chamber of Pharmacists, Mag.pharm. Raimund Podroschko