You've trained hard and prepared well for your expedition, so the last thing you want is to have it all derailed whilst on expedition by illness. We're in an unfortunate position whereby the odds may well be stacked against us on this factor thanks to the travel element that preludes the trek, and then the conditions and fatigue you'll experience on the trek.
On most expeditions it's unlikely you'll have access to a pharmacy, so you'll need to pack your own to help battle possible. It's well worth putting some effort into your personal medical kit so you have something to turn to should illness strike, and this short blog is designed to give you some prompts as to what you should pack.
Please note the below is just general advice to force thought and not a mandatory list. You need to know that you're OK to take any medication you pack, and also be well versed in the quantities you can consume. It is also worth ensuring the medication you buy can be taken into your destination country.
Painkillers
Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Aspirin
Cold & Flu
Powdered, drinkable sachets - Such as Lemsip
Cold & Flu Tablets
Vapo-rub, Nasal Inhaler
Throat Lozenges
Eyes & Nose
Eye drops
Nasal Saline (to prevent dryness due to cold air)
Digestive
Imodium, Dioralyte Replenishing Salts. Antacids
Cuts & Wounds
Plasters, Bandages, Tape, Blister Plasters, Foot tape
Other
Heartburn tablets, Electrolytes, Nail Clippers, Tweezers, Antihistamine
Any medication you're already taking or may need (Asthma pump)
K-Tape for Strapping Injuries
After Sun lotion
Further Medication requiring prescription you may consider asking your GP about
Diamox - for Altitude Sickness
Azithromycin - Stomach & Diarrhea antibiotic
Co-Amoxiclav - Chest & Wound antibiotic
Ciroflaxin - multi purpose Antibiotic
If you pack most of this you'll probably feel like you're carrying a small pharmacy, but it's better to be prepared for all eventualities. Time and time again we've seen people nip illness in the bud with some medication they've brought with them, meaning they've not had to suffer on throughout the whole trek with a cold or sore throat. If nothing else, you may just be able to help one of your trek mates when they fall sick!
