Children are generally more vulnerable to diseases and problems while travelling
than adults. They easily contract an infectious disease, from which they are often sicker
than adults. This is particularly true for malaria and dehydration in diarrhoea.
This leaflet provides additional information for people travelling with children
go.
It is wise, preferably before you book your trip, to make an appointment with a
traveller's advice and vaccination agency, especially if you are travelling with children under five.
The adviser will tell you about the risks of your trip and what you can do to avoid illnesses
prevent. With this information, you can weigh up for yourself whether the importance of your trip outweighs
against the risks.
Three key tips:
- In case of fever, see a doctor.
- Avoid mosquito bites.
- Choose a destination with good healthcare.
Diarrhoea
Children can dehydrate quickly with diarrhoea. The leaflet 'Traveller's diarrhoea' contains tips lom
prevent dehydration. Have your child drink extra and use ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution)
according to the leaflet.
Stoppers (diarrhoea inhibitors such as loperamide) should not be given to children under 2 years of age
be given. They should also not be used in cases of fever or blood or mucus in diarrhoea.
Children under 6 years old can quickly become constipated by cessation aids, so be careful.
In the following cases, a visit to a doctor is recommended:
➢ diarrhoea in children under 1 year of age;
➢ diarrhoea with blood and/or mucus;
➢ diarrhoea with fever above 39°C;
➢ much water-thin diarrhoea for more than three days;
➢ Poor drinking and persistent vomiting;
➢ at signs of dehydration, such as drowsiness, irritability or reduced urination.
Sun and insect bites
Children themselves are unable to protect themselves from the sun and insect bites. Moreover
the mosquito-borne diseases malaria and dengue are particularly dangerous for them.
Protect your child through clothing (long sleeves and trousers), cap or hat and closed
shoes. Keep your child out of the sun as much as possible, especially between 11am and 3pm. Use
A sunscreen with protection factor (at least) 30. Apply or spray a
mosquito repellent containing DEET (diethyltoluamide). Do not lubricate hands, to
avoid rubbing the drug on the mouth and in the eyes. Leave your child under a
mosquito net sleep, including during the day.
For more information, see the leaflet 'Mosquito repellent when travelling'.
Malaria
Malaria is an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Children under 5 years of age
can become seriously ill with malaria in a short period of time. A trip to areas where malaria is common
is therefore not recommended for children under 5 years of age. For example, countries
as Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar,Ghana and Gambia. Consult your travel advisor!
If you do decide to travel to a malaria area with a young child, it is important to make your child as
best possible protection against malaria. Malaria pills are often advised. Keep the
stock out of your child's reach. Make sure your child takes the tablets in the prescribed manner
take. If your child has difficulty swallowing tablets, you may also grind the tablet and
offer with sweet food or drink. Malaria pills never fully protect against malaria,
which is why it is important to prevent mosquito bites. The mosquito that transmits malaria stings in the middle of the night.
evening and at night. Therefore, let your child sleep under an impregnated mosquito net and use
a mosquito repellent with DEET on uncovered skin. For more information, see the leaflet
'Mosquito repellent when travelling'.
Also, always take a fever thermometer with you when travelling. If during or after a stay in
malaria area develops a fever or becomes flu-like, consult a doctor immediately to get your child to the hospital as soon as possible.
possible to get tested for malaria. Malaria can quickly become life-threatening, especially in children.
Flying, travelling, altitude, playing, swimming and animals
The biggest danger for children when travelling is transport and traffic. Traffic accidents
are common, so keep a close eye on your child(ren)
On the plane, your child may experience earache during take-off and descent due to changed air pressure
get, swallowing remedies this; give your child something to eat or drink.
Children are also more likely to suffer from motion sickness, do not give your child too much during a trip
sweet or fatty foods. If you know your child is prone to motion sickness, you can take medication against
give motion sickness (see leaflet for dosage).
Your child may get altitude sickness just like you. This is difficult to recognise in children.
Animals are very tempting to children. It can be dangerous to touch an unfamiliar animal
fetch. Avoid this because of the risk of bites and rabies (rabies).
Finally, it is advisable not to let your child walk barefoot outside. There may
easily cause injuries that quickly inflame. Especially in the sea, wounds to
the feet arise.
See also www.lcr.nl
Download the leaflet below!
