Preparing the Travel Kit against Influenza vaccination
May 14th, 2009 by ALVIN SOONG
As the coming June school holidays are round the corner, here’s some tips about travel (from the Reffles Medical Group), in preparation for your overseas holiday:
“Travel Destinations
It is still advisable to avoid travelling to affected areas, namely:
Mexico
United States i.e. California, Texas and New York
Canada i.e. Province of Nova Scotia
Care should be taken when travelling to countries in the Southern Hemisphere such as Australia and New Zealand, who are having their winter season, as there may be a surge of influenza activity. Families travelling to countries in the Southern Hemisphere should consider receiving influenza vaccination at least 1 week prior to their travelling.
Travel Vaccinations
Influenza vaccination is advisable for all except for babies under 6 months, women in their 1st trimester pregnancy and those with history of egg allergy or allergy to previous influenza vaccination. If you are travelling to some exotic destination, other vaccinations may be required e.g. Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B etc. You can consult our doctors at Raffles Medical Clinics to plan your vaccination before your trip.
Other than the above, you and your family should also ensure adequate rest while having fun. You should encourage a healthy intake of more fruits (preferably fruits that need to be peeled) and vegetables. You should also encourage all to take adequate fluids daily (about 1.5 to 2 litres). Excessive alcohol and smoking should be avoided as they may reduce your body’s immunity.
Travel Kit
It is advisable that you bring along a travel medical kit for
personal use and protection. Items that should be included are:
Bandages
Water-resistant plasters
Cotton Buds for application of cream
Gloves
Alcohol swabs
Sterile gauze
Safety pins
Small forceps for picking out foreign bodies from wounds
Scissors
Antiseptic wash e.g. Unisept
Antiseptic cream
In view of the recent flu epidemic, you should also consider bringing along:
Surgical masks or N95 masks in case of an outbreak while travelling.
Hand sanitizers to allow frequent cleaning of hands.
Thermometer for measuring of temperature.
