Wellabroad.com Blog

The number of children who travel or live outside their home countries has increased dramatically. An estimated 1.9 million children travel overseas each year. Health issues related to pediatric international travel are complex, reflecting varied activities, exposures, and age-specific health risks. While some travel health concerns are similar for children and adults, international pediatric travelers have unique problems because of variable immunity and different age-based behavior. Also, any travel-related vaccinations and preventive medications used for adults are not licensed or recommended for pediatric use. Although data about the incidence of pediatric illnesses associated with international travel are limited, studies of pediatric travelers have reported serious morbidity and mortality. The most common reported health problems are diarrhea illnesses, malaria, and motor vehicle- and water-related accidents.

Adults traveling with young children should be counseled to monitor the children carefully for signs of illness. Irritability may be a response to changes in time zone and environment but may also indicate illness in young children. Excessive or persistent irritability, fevers, or signs of dehydration should be evaluated promptly.

Conditions at hotels and other lodging may not be as safe as those in the United States and accommodations should be carefully inspected for exposed wiring, pest poisons, paint chips, or inadequate stairway or balcony railings.

Adults and older children should consider taking a course in basic first aid prior to travel.