Health: Children's health
Children need protection from disease, dehydration and bites and stings when they're on holiday. Motion sickness, diarrhoea and dehydration are common ills on flights, so try to pack child remedies for these in your hand luggage.
BEFORE YOU GO
Jabs
Children need jabs and anti-malarial tablets for some destinations. A travel health clinic or your GP should be able to advise on which vaccines and treatments are safe for children.
Anti-malarials
As a rule, children of all ages can take chloroquine, quinine and proguanil. Mefloquine shouldn't be given to babies less than three months old, and doxycycline shouldn't be given to children under 12 years of age.
Form E111
Remember to get a Form E111 from a post office. It covers children up to age 16 for free or reduced-cost medical care in the European Union's 15 member states, as well as in Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
First-aid kits
Holiday first-aid kits should include items for children too. Take a thermometer that doesn't contain mercury, as these aren't allowed in the cabins of planes. The following are handy for children:
- Junior painkillers/painkilling syrup
- Spares of any medication a child takes
- Rehydration treatments, as babies in particular can become dehydrated on flights
- Plastic syringe/spoons for liquid medication
- Sterile antiseptic wipes
- High SPF suncream
- Junior decongestant nasal spray
- Calamine lotion
ON HOLIDAY
Try to monitor what your child eats and drinks. It's good to be adventurous with food, but if you're unsure about anything wash, peel or boil it first. In hot countries, coat your child in waterproof, high SPF suncream and insect repellent, and make them drink lots of water.
GENERAL REMINDERS
- Ensure children are up to date with jabs, such as MMR, before going abroad
- Children should cover up when it's very hot, especially between 11am and 3pm
- Calamine lotion is great for soothing insect bites, stings and prickly heat rash
- In a malarial area fever could signal trouble. Seek medical help immediately
- Make children take anti-malarial tablets on holiday and, if necessary, at home
- Make a note of your child's blood group before going on holiday
Futher Information
For a free Health Advice for Travellers booklet from the Department of Health call 0800 555 777 (8am-6pm, Monday to Friday).
The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) will send you information about which jabs your child will need for a holiday. Its 24-hour automated helpline number is 09068 224 100 (60p/min)
The Department of Health: http://www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice
Medic Direct online medical information service: http://www.medicdirect.co.uk
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