The only thing that you would not want while travelling is falling sick. Be it because of weather, flight sickness or unhealthy habits, if you think you travel often and cannot afford to be bedridden even for a day during the time you are travelling, try 10 over-the-counter meds you need to carry every time you fly.
This is not just helpful for your long international travel but also short trips for things like altitude sickness, malaria, tiredness, or could be anything. The moment you realise that you are in a flight or a hotel that doesn’t come with a fully stocked medicine cabinet, you will remember this. The idea is to toss these 10 over-the-counter meds you need to carry every time you fly. New York-based travel medicine expert, Ronald A. Primas explains that “When you travel, your immune system is weakened thanks to less sleep, more stress, and a disrupted circadian rhythm,”
The best thing you could do is to be a little prepared so that you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest. So, we have made a list of over-counter meds that are most effective and multi-purpose so that you can be well prepared.
1. Electrolyte Mixes
The basic step to avoiding any kind of discomfort while travelling is to stay hydrated. Studies say that those who travel by plane tend to get dehydrated soon because of re-circulated air and altitude. So, make sure you keep electrolyte mixed and keep yourself hydrated.
2. Immodium or Pepto Bismol
Doesn’t matter if you are going to India or Europe, contaminated food and water can get you. It is always advisable to carry anti-diarrheal medication all the time.
3. Antacid
We are sure that in your list of 10 over-the-counter meds, you already have an antacid. Keep a Pepcid so that you are not left with a stomach ache or heartburn. Spices vary in different parts of the country.
4. Pollution Mask
Might sound a little dorky but we are sure that you don’t want to be catching an infection from sneezing, coughing, or sniffling—all signs of a very contagious upper respiratory infection.
5. Motion Sickness
Pack yourself some Dramamine if you’re spending any length of time in a car, on a bus, or on a boat. Motion sickness is very common for all forms of transportation and easily treatable if you have some pills at bay.
6. Antihistamine
Allergies can get you anywhere but you can easily defeat any kind of symptoms such as the stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing, by packing this travel medication.
7. Anti-bacterial Wipes
There is no denying to the fact that germs can be easily spread from surfaces like railings and handles. So, make sure you have anti-bacterial wipes that you can use to clean seatbelts, armrests and tray on a plane.
8. Over-the-counter Pain or Fever medicine
It’s okay to catch normal fever during your travel because the body does get tired especially after a long flight. For achy feet or jet-lagged induced headaches, you don’t have to cancel plans but just pop Advil or as advised by your doctor.
9. Sleep Aids – Tylenol PM
These will help you sound sleep even if you are in a noisy place or you’re so jet-lagged that you can’t sleep.
10.
(Please talk to your doctor if you have an existing illness or history of a medical condition.)
