Good travel health for your family (P3)

Medical kid   
A small, straightforward medical kit put together with special thought for children's ailments is a wise thing to carry.

1.     Make sure that you know the appropriate children's dose of any medicines you are carrying, and that they are in fact suitable for children.
2.     Ideally, antibiotics should be administered only under medical supervision and should never be taken indiscriminately. Take only the recommended dose at the prescribed intervals and continue using the antibiotic for the prescribed period, even if the illness seems to be cured earlier.
3.     Antibiotics are quite specific to the infections they can treat. Stop immediately if there are any serious reactions and don't use the antibiotic at all if you are unsure that you have the correct one for the infection.
4.     In Indochina, if a medicine is available at all it will generally be available over the counter and the price will be much cheaper than in the West. However, be careful when buying drugs in developing countries, particularly where the expiration date may have passed or correct storage conditions may not have been followed.
5.     Bogus drugs are common and it's possible that drugs which are no longer recommended, or have even been banned in the West are still being dispensed here.
6.     What you should bring along

•         Infant analgesic - with measuring cup or dropper
•         Antihistamine (such as Benadryl) - useful as a decongestant for colds, allergies, to ease the itch from insect bites or stings or to help prevent motion sickness. Antihistamines may have a sedative effect and interact with alcohol so care should be taken when using them.
•         Antibiotics - useful if you're traveling well off the beaten track, but it must be prescribed and you should carry the prescription with you. Some people are allergic to commonly prescribed antibiotics such as penicillin or sulfa drugs.
•         Kaolin preparation (Pepto-Bismol, Imodium) - for stomach upsets.
•         Rehydration mixture - for treatment of severe diarrhea. This is particularly important if traveling with children who dehydrate easily. An electrolyte mixture is available in sachets.
•         Antiseptic (like Dettol or Betadine), mercurochrome and antibiotic powder or similar "dry" spray - for cuts and grazes.
•         Calamine lotion - to ease irritation from sunburn, bites or stings.
•         Bandages, band-aids, gauze and cotton wool - for minor injuries.
•         Scissors, tweezers and a thermometer/fever strips - mercury thermometers are prohibited by airlines.
•         Insect repellent, sun block, suntan lotion, chap stick - check that it is suitable for children's skin.
•         Water purification tablets.
•         Diaper rash cream, teething gel - for predictable ailments.
•         Worm treatment, lice shampoo, anti-fungal powder - for treatment of minor but irritating health problems.
•         A couple of syringes - in case you need injections in a country with medical hygiene problems. Ask your doctor for a note explaining why you are carrying them.