The 10 health items you need to carry on vacation

Washington, June 16 : Choosing a destination for your summer vacation takes a lot of planning. However, the only way you will enjoy your break is by keeping in the best of health. Now, the Harvard Medical School has provided a list of important health-related items to take along to make sure you have a great holiday.

1. Your prescription medications - Carry at least a week's supply in your bag.

2. Other prescription medications - Depending on your destination and personal medical history, consider asking your doctor about taking along antimalarial medications and an antibiotic for self-treatment of moderate to severe diarrhea.

3. Gastrointestinal medications, such as antidiarrheal medication (for example, bismuth subsalicylate or loperamide), a mild laxative, and an antacid.

4. Allergy medications, such as antihistamine and 1 percent hydrocortisone cream for mild allergic reactions.

If you or a travelling companion has a history of severe allergic reaction, bring an epinephrine auto-injector (such as EpiPen).

5. Cold-symptom medications, including a decongestant and throat lozenges.

6. Motion sickness medication

7. Pain relievers like acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen

8. Antifungal and antibacterial ointments

9. Lubricating eye drops

10. First-aid items such as adhesive bandages, gauze, an elastic bandage, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors, cotton-tipped applicators, and a first-aid book.

Parents traveling with kids should also carry water and snacks, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, oral rehydration salt packets (for dehydration caused by diarrhea), diaper rash ointment, baby formula, any necessary medications.

ANI