An estimated 1.9 million American children travel
internationally each year, and the number is increasing. In
general, children face most of the same health risks as their
parents, but the consequences can be more serious. Some conditions
can be difficult to recognize in children, especially in those who
aren't talking yet. If you are planning to travel to another
country with your kids, be familiar with the risks of travel to
help them stay safe and healthy.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is among the most common illnesses
experienced by children who are traveling. For infants, the best
way to prevent diarrhea is breastfeeding. Older children 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.
Diarrhea 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 immediate medical attention.
Malaria and Other Diseases Spread by Bugs
Children who travel to areas where malaria is a risk should take
drugs to prevent malaria, just like their parents. A doctor can
tell you which malaria medicine is best for your child. Many of
these drugs have a bitter taste, but a pharmacist can pulverize the
capsules and put the powder in a flavorless gelatin capsule.
Because of the risk of overdose, malaria drugs should be stored in
childproof containers and kept out of the reach of children.
Malaria drugs are not 100% effective, and other diseases (such
as dengue, leishmaniasis, and trypanosomiasis) also are spread by
insects, so children (and their parents!) need to avoid bug bites.
Children should wear bug spray and long pants and sleeves.
Permethrin can be applied to clothes for extra protection. At
night, children should sleep in screened, air-conditioned rooms or
under a bed net.
Rabies
Rabies is more common in children than in adults because
children are more likely to try to pet strange animals. Children
need to be told to stay away from all animals; however, they also
need to be assured that if they do get bitten, they won't get in
trouble and should tell an adult immediately. Any animal bite
should be washed thoroughly with soap and water and must receive
medical attention as soon as possible.
Accidents
Car crashes are the leading cause of death in
children who travel, and drowning is the second-leading cause of
death. Children should always ride in age-appropriate car seats
when traveling. Parents should plan to bring car seats with them
because they may not be available in many countries. Children
should be supervised closely and should always wear a life
preserver around water.
Routine and Travel Vaccines
If possible, children should complete their routine childhood
vaccines on the normal schedule before traveling overseas. However,
if they must travel earlier, accelerated schedules are available
for many vaccines. Some travel vaccines cannot be given to very
young children, so it's important to check with a travel medicine
doctor, who should consult the child's pediatrician, as early as
possible before travel.
More Information
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