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What should go into my travel first-aid kit?

A good dose of common sense, really. Understand what your body is susceptible to, and stock up accordingly – what to bring depends on the destination, duration of stay and what activities you’re going to engage in, says Associate Professor Annelies Wilder-Smith, director of the Traveller’s Screening and Vaccination Clinic at the National University Hospital. What’s important, however, is to understand the health risks in the country you’re going to, and to get the appropriate vaccinations, advises Prof Wilder-Smith. Get protected from diseases such as Hepatitis A and B, dengue, rabies and typhoid fever, Japanese encephalitis (for certain parts of Asia) and yellow fever (for Africa or South America). “Such conditions are serious yet often preventable,” she says. “For instance, malaria has claimed the lives of a number of Singaporean travellers simply because they didn’t take the appropriate precautions.” Make it easier for emergency personnel as well by carrying a card with your medical details on it: your blood group, drug allergies, medication you’re taking, vaccinations and contact details of your next-of-kin.