Top 10 travel safety tips for kids

It’s a sign of the times that children from this generation are travelling overseas more than ever before – with parents, schools or sporting clubs. Dr Deborah Mills, travel medicine specialist and author of The Travel Doctor, sees one in twenty patients under 14 and has devised a list of the 10 most important travel health care tips for children.

1. Undertake a paediatric first aid course so you know how to deal with emergencies through either St John ambulance or Red Cross.
2. Make sure your travel insurance includes an emergency hotline.
3. Plan the trip so you are not too rushed and there is time for rest and play (and even getting sick!).
4. If possible, avoid areas with malaria if travelling with children under five.
5. See a travel medicine clinic to ensure you and the children have all the necessary vaccines (particularly Hepatitis A as this is not part of the childhood vaccine schedule) and other health precautions – do this at least 6-8 weeks before departure.
6. Parents should consider getting a flu vaccine as one percent of all travelers get influenza – while children will still need care.
7. Take appropriate child car restraints if travelling by car.
8. Practice safe travel techniques before departure:

• use hand sanitisers
• do not drink or put bathwater in the mouth
• avoid patting dogs
• don’t lean on balconies
• take extra care when crossing roads if visiting countries where the cars are on the ‘other side’ of the road.

9. Avoid mosquitoes – to do this use insect repellent with 30% DEET during the day and wash it off at night before bed. For additional protection, soak clothes with permethrin insecticide before departure.
10. Take a well stocked medical kit – include such things as paracetamol, rehydration solution, special antibiotics for diarrhea, sting and sunburn salve, antiseptic wash and cream, sore throat lozenges.

NB - don’t give kids imodium unless advised by a doctor and never give them stemetil.

For more great travel information and resources - The Travel Doctor  

To find an independent travel medicine clinic near you - Australian Travel Medicine Alliance

The information provided in this article is intended as a guide only. Always consult your doctor if you or your child is suffering any medical complaint. Any websites referred to by Australian Family contain information moderated by government and medical institutions or organisations.

This article was first published in Australian Family Magazine, October 2008. Updated July 2009.