What are the necessary supplies of our holiday first aid kit?
The holiday first aid kit must be tailored to the needs of the traveler. It should include the necessary supplies in order to deal with pre-existing medical conditions and possible exacerbations for the prevention of travel-related illnesses, but also for the care of simple health problems that may arise.
The basic contents of a first aid kit of a traveler are:
- Analgesics and / or antipyretics – Paracetamol (Depon, Panadol), aspirin, ibuprofen (Nurofen, Brufen)
- Medicines for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders: antacids (eg Simeco, Maalox) and / or gastric antisecretories (eg Zantac, Losec etc), antidiarrheals (eg Imodium), antiemetics (eg Primperan), electrolyte sachets to prevent dehydration, mild laxatives (change in diet during travel often causes constipation)
- Medicines to relieve respiratory symptoms: antihistamines (eg Xozal, Aerius, Zirtek etc), nasal decongestants etc
- Injection of self-administered adrenaline (Anapen), especially if there is a history of severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis
- Medicines for the traveler’s nausea (eg dramamine, etc.)
- Disposable latex gloves (at least 2 pairs)
- Self-adhesive bandages
- Sterile gauzes
- Elastic bandages for sprains
- Antiseptic fluids (Betadine, alcohol, etc.)
- Pair of scissors
- Adhesive Tape
- Antibacterials (eg Fucidin) and antifungal creams
- Suppositories for fungal vaginitis (staying with wet swimsuit contributes to their development)
- Cortisone cream to treat allergic reactions to insect bites (itching, etc.)
- Aloe gel for sunburn
- Physical serum for eyes or nose
- Thermometer
- Insect repellent with DEET 30-50% or alternatively with picaridine for the prophylaxis of diseases transmitted by insect bites (eg yellow fever)
- Sunscreen (with at least 15 SPF)
- Latex condoms
Evangelos Fragkoulis, MD, MSc
General / Family Doctor
Vice President of the Greek Union of General Practicioners
Deputy Chief Doctor of the Journalists Health Care Fund (EDOEAP)
Scientific Associate of Bioclinic Athens
CrossBorderMedCare is a medical care provider with facilities in Sweden and Greece. CrossBorderMedCare offers a wide spectrum of health care services that meet all the needs of an international patient ranging from urgent to planned medical and dental care. 
Athens BioClinic Hospital is a member of Bioiatriki Healthcare Group which is the largest private medical care provider in Greece. Bioiatriki Healthcare Group owns 26 fully automated primary care Diagnostic Centers and 2 hospitals in Athens and Thessaloniki serving more than 2 million people every year. 
