Traveling with kids

Here are some tips for keeping the whole family safe and healthy while traveling this season.

How can I be prepared for international travel?
First, do research before you travel. The CDC has a travel health website where you can search by country of destination and it includes vaccine recommendations, potential disease outbreaks, travel tips, etc. The US Department of State also has a website that alerts travelers to other potential dangers such as civil wars, famines, natural disasters, etc. Once you decide on a location, make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician and call ahead so that they have time to research the latest information prior to your visit.

If your travel destination is extremely remote, you may want to take a basic first aid/CPR class to be prepared in case of emergency.

What vaccines does my child need? 
Most importantly, make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations appropriate for their age, according to the CDC immunization schedule. Check with your child’s pediatrician to see if there is anything missing and make sure they have had the hepatitis A vaccine as it is a common illness in underdeveloped countries. For most travel, the standard immunizations should be sufficient. There are instances, however, where an additional vaccine may be warranted. Some countries require the yellow fever vaccine or the meningococcal vaccine. Some countries require a copy of a child’s immunization record upon entering and it is wise to bring it along just in case. Even for domestic travel, it is a good idea to make sure your child is up to date. Air travel has made the world a very small place and you never know what diseases your family could be exposed to on a plane.

What types of diseases is my child likely to get internationally?
The most common illness your child could contract is travelers’ diarrhea. In order to avoid this illness, only drink bottled or treated water in countries where clean water is not ensured. Stay away from street vendors and food prepared in unclean places. Avoid undercooked meat and raw fruits and vegetables. For young infants, breastfeeding is the best way to reduce the risk of food and waterborne illnesses. Formula should only be mixed with treated or bottled water. Talk to your pediatrician before you leave about other ways to prevent diarrhea and how to treat your child if they get sick.

What about malaria?
Malaria is definitely one of the most serious diseases that can affect international travelers. Children are at an increased risk because they are more susceptible to serious complications. The CDC’s website has up to date information about which countries have problems with malaria and which travelers need to take chemoprohylaxis. They also have tips on the prevention of malaria and other mosquito borne illnesses such as yellow fever, dengue, and Japanese encephalitis.

What should we bring on our trip? 
It is always a good idea to be prepared when traveling. Even when traveling domestically, you never know how difficult it will be to get to a store or a pharmacy. I always pack a small travel medical kit and advise parents to do likewise. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated but should include some basic essential such as bandaids, antibiotic ointment, wound dressings, Tylenol or Ibuprofen (adult and kids), Benadryl for potential allergic reactions, a dosing syringe, a thermometer, hydrocortisone cream, sunscreen, diaper rash cream, insect repellent, oral rehydration solution, any prescription medications, and hand sanitizer. If your child has special health care needs or medical problems, the kit needs to include their medications, including the dosing. It is also a good idea to bring a written description of their medical needs, current weight, and any allergies in case the child were to need treatment while traveling.

Parents of kids with potentially life threatening medical problems need to be even more prepared. You certainly don’t want to be in the middle of Bolivia and have forgotten an Epi Pen for a peanut allergy or an albuterol inhaler for asthma. Ask your pediatrician if you need refills to make sure you have back up supply.

What about car travel?
With increasing difficulties with airport security, many families are choosing to vacation by car instead of plane. Domestic travel carries its own risks as motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of pediatric travel related deaths. Set a good example by always wearing your seat belt. All kids are safer in the back seat and it is a requirement up to age 13. Infants should be in a rear facing carseat at least until age one and 20 pounds but new studies show that it is safest for infants to be rear facing until age two. Toddlers should be placed in a forward facing convertible carseat until at least 40 pounds and age four. Booster seats are required until a child is 4’9” and at least eight years old. Remember to give your children a break from the car at least once every two hours and to bring plenty of water and snacks.

Other tips?
For plane travel, in order to minimize ear pain during take off and decent, offer your infant a bottle or nurse them. Older kids can use a pacifier, chew gum, or sip on a straw.

Drowning is the second leading cause of death among pediatric travelers and parents should use caution around any bodies of water. If you are going to be around a lot of water and unsure if life vests are available, bring them from home.

After all of your research and preparation, be sure to have fun! Traveling with kids definitely presents its challenges but it can be a rewarding and enriching experience for the whole family and is usually well worth the effort. Safe travels this season!

JB Warton, DO is a pediatrician practicing at our BMC Westside location. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Warton, please call 541-550-4444.

by JB Warton, DO
BMC Pediatrics

As summer approaches, I am starting to get questions from parents regarding travel health for children. Here are some tips for keeping the whole family safe and healthy while traveling this season.

How can I be prepared for international travel?
First, do research before you travel. The CDC has a travel health website where you can search by country of destination and it includes vaccine recommendations, potential disease outbreaks, travel tips, etc. The US Department of State also has a website that alerts travelers to other potential dangers such as civil wars, famines, natural disasters, etc. Once you decide on a location, make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician and call ahead so that they have time to research the latest information prior to your visit.

If your travel destination is extremely remote, you may want to take a basic first aid/CPR class to be prepared in case of emergency.

What vaccines does my child need? 
Most importantly, make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations appropriate for their age, according to the CDC immunization schedule. Check with your child’s pediatrician to see if there is anything missing and make sure they have had the hepatitis A vaccine as it is a common illness in underdeveloped countries. For most travel, the standard immunizations should be sufficient. There are instances, however, where an additional vaccine may be warranted. Some countries require the yellow fever vaccine or the meningococcal vaccine. Some countries require a copy of a child’s immunization record upon entering and it is wise to bring it along just in case. Even for domestic travel, it is a good idea to make sure your child is up to date. Air travel has made the world a very small place and you never know what diseases your family could be exposed to on a plane.

What types of diseases is my child likely to get internationally?
The most common illness your child could contract is travelers’ diarrhea. In order to avoid this illness, only drink bottled or treated water in countries where clean water is not ensured. Stay away from street vendors and food prepared in unclean places. Avoid undercooked meat and raw fruits and vegetables. For young infants, breastfeeding is the best way to reduce the risk of food and waterborne illnesses. Formula should only be mixed with treated or bottled water. Talk to your pediatrician before you leave about other ways to prevent diarrhea and how to treat your child if they get sick.

What about malaria?
Malaria is definitely one of the most serious diseases that can affect international travelers. Children are at an increased risk because they are more susceptible to serious complications. The CDC’s website has up to date information about which countries have problems with malaria and which travelers need to take chemoprohylaxis. They also have tips on the prevention of malaria and other mosquito borne illnesses such as yellow fever, dengue, and Japanese encephalitis.

What should we bring on our trip? 
It is always a good idea to be prepared when traveling. Even when traveling domestically, you never know how difficult it will be to get to a store or a pharmacy. I always pack a small travel medical kit and advise parents to do likewise. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated but should include some basic essential such as bandaids, antibiotic ointment, wound dressings, Tylenol or Ibuprofen (adult and kids), Benadryl for potential allergic reactions, a dosing syringe, a thermometer, hydrocortisone cream, sunscreen, diaper rash cream, insect repellent, oral rehydration solution, any prescription medications, and hand sanitizer. If your child has special health care needs or medical problems, the kit needs to include their medications, including the dosing. It is also a good idea to bring a written description of their medical needs, current weight, and any allergies in case the child were to need treatment while traveling.

Parents of kids with potentially life threatening medical problems need to be even more prepared. You certainly don’t want to be in the middle of Bolivia and have forgotten an Epi Pen for a peanut allergy or an albuterol inhaler for asthma. Ask your pediatrician if you need refills to make sure you have back up supply.

What about car travel?
With increasing difficulties with airport security, many families are choosing to vacation by car instead of plane. Domestic travel carries its own risks as motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of pediatric travel related deaths. Set a good example by always wearing your seat belt. All kids are safer in the back seat and it is a requirement up to age 13. Infants should be in a rear facing carseat at least until age one and 20 pounds but new studies show that it is safest for infants to be rear facing until age two. Toddlers should be placed in a forward facing convertible carseat until at least 40 pounds and age four. Booster seats are required until a child is 4’9” and at least eight years old. Remember to give your children a break from the car at least once every two hours and to bring plenty of water and snacks.

Other tips?
For plane travel, in order to minimize ear pain during take off and decent, offer your infant a bottle or nurse them. Older kids can use a pacifier, chew gum, or sip on a straw.

Drowning is the second leading cause of death among pediatric travelers and parents should use caution around any bodies of water. If you are going to be around a lot of water and unsure if life vests are available, bring them from home.

After all of your research and preparation, be sure to have fun! Traveling with kids definitely presents its challenges but it can be a rewarding and enriching experience for the whole family and is usually well worth the effort. Safe travels this season!

JB Warton, DO is a pediatrician practicing at our BMC Westside location. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Warton, please call 541-550-4444.