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Travel medication available at your local pharmacy

Whilst they offer a great chance to relax and let your hair down, holidays are a time when people often get stomach bugs and diarrhoea from foreign food and the kids get cuts and grazes from running around the swimming pool. When you’ve been planning your holiday for months the last thing you want is to be hunting for a pharmacy halfway through, so it’s sensible to plan what medications to take with you well in advance.

Along with a first aid kit, insect repellent and sun block, here are some other medications to include when packing your suitcase:

Vaccinations - If you’re going to an exotic location you should check whether you need to get any vaccinations or anti-malarial medication in advance. It’s wise to check this at least 10 weeks before your holiday so there’s plenty of time to get them done.

Diarrhoea remedies - When you’re abroad eating unfamiliar food it’s not unusual to get a stomach upset or food poisoning. If you’re suffering from acute constipation you’ll be glad you’ve packed some laxatives as well as rehydration sachets in your suitcase.

Allergy treatments - Antihistamines are another type of medication people often neglect to pack but can be invaluable when on holiday. As well as treating hay fever, antihistamines are effective for rashes, itchy insect bites and relieving congestion from the flight.

Condoms – Along with your normal contraception, it’s sensible to pack additional condoms to protect yourself from the risk of STIs.

Analgesic painkillers - If you’d like help on choosing what types of painkillers to pack, ask your pharmacist and they’ll be happy to advise you on a suitable selection to pack for your holidays.

Useful links

http://www.allabouthealth.org.uk/health-advice/summer-holiday-checklist
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/travel/index.shtml
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/travel/diseases/before_you_leave.htm
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/travel/diseases/first_aid_kit_for_travelling_...