10 things that nomads should carry to stay safe

Pathogens and disease are around us at all times. They can attack us and hinder our everyday life. This underlying concern for safety from disease and germs is doubled when travelling. We come in contact with more germs and are at a higher risk of contracting an infection while travelling. The transfer of bacteria from the hands of strangers, railings in the airports and bus terminals, and the public washrooms etc. makes it imperative for those who regularly travel to take extra steps to keep themselves safe.

Here are 10 things nomads should carry with them to stay safe while travelling:

1. Prescription medications that are taken daily or regularly (in the original containers)

This is something that experts at Click Pharmacy stress upon the most. You should always carry medication that has been prescribed along with the original prescription. Keep an extra dosage of these medicines in case you lose a few. The prescription is also significant in case the medicine bag is lost. These prescriptions can help you acquire these medicines in any other city or country, which will help in making sure that you do not have to skip your medication in case of an emergency.

2. Medicines needed for common problems like headaches and allergies

The experts at Click Pharmacy suggest that you keep some essential medication like painkillers and fever medicines. You should also take, or if you are going to be out in nature a lot, you might consider taking an allergy treatment. EpiPen is an allergy relief treatment and is recommended. A simple medicine bag that has all of the necessary medications should be kept with you at all times. A lot of medicines have been more expensive in other areas, which is why it is always recommended that you keep your own collection.

3. Stomach medicines

Other essential medicines that you should take are for stomach aches and food poisoning. These stomach problems are relatively common given that the different food while travelling might not suit every person. You should also take rehydrating sachets to rebuild the level of salts and glucose in the body in case of diarrhoea or stomach infection.

4. Antibiotics for preventing infection

These, according to the experts at Click Pharmacy, are really important for any trip. Someone who travels a lot comes in contact with a lot of germs and is likely to sick more often. This might build a resistance to the bacteria and cause sickness to become harder to combat. An adequately advised dosage of antibiotics should be kept to prevent that bacteria from taking over and weakening the immune system further. Antibiotics can also be used to avoid infections or to curb them in an initial stage.

5. Cleaning tools

In the case of a cut, scratch, or fall, cleaning supplies are the first thing needed. Keep antiseptic wipes, moleskins, bandages, triple antibacterial creams, and topical antifungal creams to clean out the wound or scratch. This will prevent further complication. Keep cotton, tissue, and scissors in a small packet to make sure these products readily available in the required amount.

6. Digital thermometer

Carry a digital thermometer with you at all times. Digital thermometers are more comfortable to carry since there is a lesser chance of them breaking. These thermometers come in handy to determine a fever and should be used especially when travelling because you should not rely on a trial diagnosis by touch.

7. Insect repellent (with 30-50% DEET)

Remember to carry an insect repellent while travelling because you do not know when and where you might have to stay. These insect repellents can be in the form of a cream or oil but are essential for travelling especially in areas known for dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Anti-malarial medications should also be packed to avoid any chances of infection and malaria.

8. Bed net

If you are travelling to an outdoor place, make sure to carry a foldable bed net with you. It will keep the mosquitoes at bay and protect you from unnecessary germs and diseases that the mosquitoes are carrying.

9. Sunscreen and sunburn treatment

According to experts, sun protection is the first and most crucial step in keeping yourself safe when travelling. You need to carry sunblock at all times and that too in an accessible place so that you can re-apply it after every few hours. Keeping yourself protected from sun exposure can make keep many skin and pathological problems at bay. Sunscreen comes in all forms, but lotions with high SPF and stick versions of sunscreen are the best options as they are the most effective. You are also advised to keep a sunburn treatment like a gel with aloe vera in case of any skin trouble. This instant relief will ensure that the problem does not escalate.

10. Disposable syringes and needle kit

These first aid props are necessary for travellers especially those out on trips into nature. If you are out to trek or in a forest, it is a must for you to carry a sewing kit. This, after disinfecting, is necessary for closing the wound and giving it the essential protection. One or two disposable syringes are required as well in case a liquid dosage of medicine is to be taken.
These medicines and basic rules to follow will help you evade or better cope with any sickness that may come your way while travelling. Nomads are at a higher chance of getting sick or contracting a disease or infection because they can often not control their environment. Being in a new place regularly also means that there is a chance that there might be a language barrier or that medical assistance may not be readily available. Keeping these essentials is a great way to ensure that you keep yourself safe and healthy, even in case of something terrible happening. Adding these few items can make a nomads backpack a lot more suited to travel.

Nb. Collaborative post.