Healthy travel with children can be very challenging since they are prone to more health risks. More and more children are travelling internationally each year, and the number is increasing. Children face the same health risks as their parents, but the consequences can be more severe. Some conditions can be difficult to recognize in smaller children, especially those who are not fully talking yet.
healthy travel with children
Routine visits and vaccines
Most vaccines help prevent illnesses and disease. Consider getting the flu shot for children over the age of six months before travelling. Children should have regular routine visits with their pediatrician. Try to schedule an appointment before traveling overseas.
Insect and Malaria
Many travel-related diseases are transmitted by infected insects, like mosquitoes, fleas, flies and ticks. Symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, and vomiting, and usually appear between 10 and 15 days after the mosquito bite. If not treated, malaria can quickly become life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs. In many parts of the world, the parasites have developed resistance to a number of malaria medicines.
Travelers’ diarrhea
Diarrhea is among the most common illnesses experienced by children who are traveling. It can be serious in infants and small children because of the risk of dehydration. The best treatment for diarrhea in children is to give plenty of fluids; there is usually no need to give medicine. Oral rehydration salts (available online or in stores in most developing countries) may be used to prevent dehydration. Over-the-counter drugs that contain bismuth (Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate) should not be used in children, and antibiotics are usually reserved for serious cases. A child who appears to be severely dehydrated, or who has a fever or bloody stools, should get medical help immediately.
Food and water-borne diseases
In countries where sanitation is poor it is advisable not to drink tap water or use it to clean teeth unless it has been treated. Travelers visiting developing countries should follow basic food and water precautions: eat only food that is cooked and served hot, peel fresh fruits and vegetables or wash them in clean water, and drink only beverages from sealed containers or water that has been boiled or treated. Children should wash their hands or use alcohol-based hand cleaner frequently, especially after using the bathroom, and always before preparing or eating food.
Rabies
Diseases like rabies can be transmitted from animals to humans. Small children are more likely to be bitten by animals since they are so curious. It is important the children are aware of the dangers of approaching domestic and wild animals. It is important to seek medical care immediately if your child is bitten, scratched or licked on broken skin or mucous membranes.
Healthy travel with children
If you are planning to travel to another country and plan to have a healthy travel with children,be familiar with the risks and be well informed and prepared.
