Health kit can help avoid illness while traveling

BURBANK, Calif. (KABC) -- Planning a trip? Packing a kit with a few basic items can help keep you and your family healthy while traveling.

Three-year-old Kennedy is ringing in 2015 with a nasty cold.

"We're actually here to pick up some kids' cold and flu medicine for her," said her dad, Jim Roach of Burbank.

No matter where you're going, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says flu activity is picking up. Staff members at a local CVS Minute Clinic are gearing up for the New Year rush of folks who can't get in to see their doctor.

"We're able to evaluate and treat and write prescriptions as necessary for a host of chronic and acute illnesses," said Debbie Palaski, a nurse practitioner at CVS.

To avoid a desperate drug store dash, Palaski recommends everyone arm themselves with a few necessities.

When you travel, you should keep a first-aid kit in your car or on your person. The basic things in your kit should include small quantities of bandages, antiseptic, antibiotic cream, a pain reliever and cold medicines.

Keep these items in your carry-on or your purse along with your medications and a list of all your prescription drugs in case you lose them.

"If the unfortunate comes when you don't have it, there's a Minute Clinic nearby, I'm sure we're able to refill those medications while you're out and about," Palaski said.

Many people also take along homeopathic remedies such as vitamin c, Echinacea and zinc lozenges. While Palaski can't recommend one over the other, she says the most important thing people need to pack is a positive attitude.

"Once it starts, we can minimize the symptoms, can't really prevent them from running their course," Palaski said. "Recognize it for what it is and start taking care of yourself."

This is handy advice as we head into the holiday homestretch.

"I think it's just kind of taking it all in stride and you know, it'll all pass soon enough," Roach said.

Palaski also said it's not too late to get a flu shot. While it may not be a perfect fit for the strains circulating, health officials say it still provides protection and can reduce the severity of symptoms.