Healthy international travel with kids

International family travel is increasing substantially each year.

More and more families deciding to take the plunge and travel with their kids and see the world.

Exploring new places and countries is such a great experience but there are various risks to health associated with international travel to be aware of.

It’s important to find out what vaccinations your kids to help prevent the risk of exposure to infections, extremes of altitude and temperature, and other physical and environmental hazards.

In some countries there could also be poor quality or limited access to clean water, shelter, hygiene and sanitation facilities, and health and medical care.

Before heading overseas start organizing well in advance. It is important to plan, prepare and take measures to protect you and your child’s health when travelling.

It is important to pack for the eventuality and take precautions just in case something does happen.

Just being away from your normal family routine and eating can compromise a child’s health and make them more susceptible to becoming ill.

Kids can be especially vulnerable to travel-related problems such as motion sickness, diarrhea, and infections.

The last thing you want on your holiday is someone to fall ill, especially if you are in a foreign country.

There are also some steps you can take to help keep yourself healthy in the lead up to and whilst on holiday.

• It is recommended to ideally wait until the baby is at least 8 weeks old before taking them on a plane. Plane air conditioning can expose babies to a variety of infections unnecessarily and easily as their immune system isn’t strong enough yet.
• Take a medical kit containing items such as baby paracetamol, thermometer, anti-itching lotion, oral re-hydration preparation and band aids.
• Depending on the country you are travelling to you may need a vaccination before you travel.  Check with your Dr well in advance about any required vaccines for travel. Some vaccines require multiple doses in a series over a period of days or sometimes weeks.
• Ensure that your child has had a recent check up and all vaccinations are up to date.
• Prescribed medication requires an accompanying letter from your Dr. This is particularly important especially if the medication is prohibited or not readily available in your destination country.
• Take Panadol or Ibuprofen for emergencies so you don’t have to search for the equivalent.
• Take water precautions. Always make baby bottles with sterilized water. Sterilize everything – toys, dummies, bottles, etc even if you have stopped doing this in Australia.
• Check to make sure there are no security or travel warnings to the country you are travelling to. It is a good idea to be aware of the health precautions for the country you are travelling to.
• Purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance is important. It provides piece of mind especially if you have to seek medical attention, loss of personal items, flight delays, etc. It is best to have it and not need it than the be stuck in a foreign country and require assistance.
• Register your travel with www.smarttraveller.gov.au