Children are likely to face most of the same health issues during international travel as adults. Caregivers should be acutely aware of signs of distress or illness of infants and children in their care. If the little travelers have chronic conditions or are immunocompromised, special consideration must be given to their needs. Children can quickly become dehydrated, fussy and febrile. A few important tips come to mind, for example, only serve pasteurized dairy products and thoroughly cooked foods. Infant formula must be mixed with bottled water. Bring: your own car seat for safe travel, quick snacks to satisfy a hunger emergency, oral rehydration solution packets(check out www.ceraproductsinc.com), childrens’ medicines appropriate to treat a fever or pain. Antimalaria medication prescribed by the child’s doctor will be based on weight and destination. www.cdc.gov/travel has detailed information on malaria including avoidance measures for mosquitoes and other pesky vectors. Repellants containing at least 25% DEET is appropriate and safe for exposed skin on children over 2 months of age according to the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics. Sunblock with SPF >15 is a must along with appropriate clothing to prevent sunburn. Keeping little hands clean is a near insurmountable task, yet exposure to disease from sand, soil and solid surfaces is common. Teach children to keep away from animals that can potentially carry rabies. www.arlingtonpediatrics.com has some wonderful tips for a variety of common concerns. My hands-down favorite guide for parents traveling with children is found at www.kidsTravelDoc.com
Inter-continental migration
In a matter of a few hours, a traveller can encounter a whole new culture, climate, language and even disease exposure! Leisure travel to previously inaccessible locations is becoming the norm. (I never heard of Machu Picchu in my 5th grade geography!) Larger ships, comfortable trains, big planes, and upscale hotels, provide us with all the comforts of home while enticing us to experience new foods, activities, behaviors, business or educational opportunities, mass gatherings and now, extreme everything! In 2009 there were approximately 940 million tourist arrivals across the globe according to www.world-tourism.org.
All this puts more people than ever before at risk for illness acquired during travel. Most travellers will tell you their number one travel related health issue was diarrhea. Known by many terms such as Montezuma’s revenge for one, it can be a real trip-wrecker for several days. It’s not just the adventurous eaters who get it, and, it can happen in those 5-star hotels as well. There are things you can do to minimize chances of travellers’ diarrhea, such as only drinking and brushing your teeth with bottled water. Only eat well cooked foods. If you don’t pick it, can’t peel it, don’t eat it. Germs are invisible!
Your travel health professional at HealthSmartVaccines in Chantilly, VA. 703-961-0733 ,will be able to discuss with you, the risks you’ll face along your chosen journey and how you can return healthy! Other risks include vaccine preventable diseases which can have much more serious consequences than a case of diarrhea. Travel fun, travel healthy and travel smart!
Vaccines REQUIRED or RECOMMENDED?
Disease patterns around the globe determine the recommendation of vaccination prior to international travel. For more than 60 years the World Health Organization has made its health information available to all countries with the goal of identifying, preventing and/or containing vaccine preventable diseases. Many diseases that have been eliminated in the United States and Canada are still prevalent in many countries putting travellers at risk of acquiring one of these diseases again and infecting those around them upon their return! Public health emergencies of international concern(PHEIC) like Polio in the 1950′s and more recent, the 2009 pandemic H1N1, prompted immediate global response. It was recommended that all U.S. citizens receive the H1N1 vaccine. Travellers are especially at high risk for the seasonal flu and many other preventable diseases. Our CDC makes the recommendations of travel vaccines and health information based on WHO surveillance and reporting of disease as well as risk to our citizens.
Travel to parts of South America or Africa, and you will encounter a requirement of Yellow Fever vaccine prior to entering certain countries. All countries have a responsibility to protect their citizens against a disease like Yellow Fever which could endanger entire populations at any time. The traveller must present an International Certificate of Immunization (ICVP) or face possible quarantine in some countries. You may be at low risk based on your itinerary, accommodations, or season of travel BUT low risk is not NO risk! A CDC authorized Yellow Fever center such as HealthSmartVaccines, can provide more in-depth travel health information, recommended or required vaccines and certificate of proof for all vaccines. Call 703-961-0733 for more information.
Travel Tips
TIPS FOR HEALTHY TRAVEL
- Get vaccinated at least ONE month prior to travel. Depending on the vaccine, it may take your immune system 2 or 3 weeks to achieve maximum immunity.
- Carry first aid supplies and all medications in your carry on luggage, not your checked baggage.
- Contact your health insurance plan and determine health coverage outside the United States. Most policies do not cover international travel.
- Purchase travel and evacuation insurance. Medical evacuation may cost in excess of $5,000 and difficult to arrange. Evacuation insurers have the resourses to manage the process for you.
- Be prepared to self manage travelers diarrhea by packing the medications to relieve this distressing event. Consult with your travel health professional or family physician for a recommended list of medications.
- If traveling to a malaria zone, carry insect repellent, protective clothing and sleep under mosquitoe netting. Consultant with your travel health professional or physician about use of an antimalarial. At this time malaria is NOT a vaccine preventable infection.
- Avoid contact with animals, especially in rural areas.
