Your lupus travel packing list
Here is a quick reference checklist of lupus travel essentials to use when packing for a trip. Don’t forget to talk with your doctor as you plan your trip to get any pretravel medical advice you might need.
Medications
- A supply of your prescription medications to last the entire trip
- Additional medications to take just in case you have a flare
Sun protection
- Sunscreen with a high SPF
- Sun protective clothing (Coolibar is one popular brand)
- Wide-brimmed hat
Pain treatment
- Any over-the-counter pain medications your doctor recommends
- Microwaveable hot pack or freezable cold packs for muscle pain
Printed medical information
- Details about your medications
- Health insurance info
- Medical history
- Vaccinations list
Antibacterial supplies
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfectant wipes
Other
- Your doctor’s contact information
- List of nearby pharmacies
- Planner for tracking medications
- Card or bracelet for medical emergencies
- Doctor’s note for any accommodations you might need (e.g., aisle seat help from airline or a hotel)
- Medical phrase travel dictionaries (for example, Butterfly Traveler, available in the Lupus Foundation of America online store at www.shoplupus.org)
More about traveling with lupus
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