Travelling with Kids & How to Keep Them Safe

It’s amazing to be able to travel with your children and show them the world, however, health risks can be higher if a child gets sick with the same disease than they would be if an adult got sick. It can be difficult to understand and diagnose their symptoms if they haven’t started talking yet, and their immune systems are typically not as develops as those of adults. There are some things you can do to protect your child from contracting diseases while abroad.

See a Healthcare Provider or Travel Clinic

Speak to your doctor, and visit a travel clinic Vancouver to find out more about which vaccines are recommended and which ones are required for the place you are travelling to. Some vaccines require not one, but multiple shots over the course of a couple of days. Some need days or weeks in between the next shot. It’s ideal to visit your travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your travel date.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the most common in children while travelling.
•Eat cooked food, served hot.
•Peel and wash all vegetables yourself using bottled water or water that has been boiled through.
•Only consume bottled water while abroad.
•Wash your own and your child’s hands with soap and water, for at least 30 seconds.
•Always bring sanitizer with you when outside and before you eat in restaurants.
•Avoid street food vendors as hygiene is usually at a minimum.

Malaria & Bug Bites

When travelling to developing countries, both children and adults are at risk of contracting malaria.
•Long sleeves and long pants covering exposed skin are a must for children.
•Children should wear insect repellent (kids under 2 months old should not be wearing insect repellent).
•Sleeping conditions should include a net to protect the child when sleeping at night.

Speak to your local travel clinic Vancouver to get more information about the vaccines your child should get prior to travel abroad, and how you can best keep them safe from common illnesses in developing countries.