If you have children and intend to fly by plane, you should make the necessary arrangements for your journey. You should first consider the age of your child, since most airlines do not host kids who are less than a week old. Children might develop health complications while traveling, especially during landing. They might develop ear pains that can easily be countered by letting them drink a beverage or chew some gum before landing.
Immunization and Vaccines
You should also make sure that your children are immunized or vaccinated, and this will depend on applicable rules at your destination country. Proper adherence to the required procedures and prescriptions in respect to vaccines, like yellow fever, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and meningococcal disease, should be followed. Some vaccinations are not suitable for children of certain age groups, and it is advisable to seek medical information.
Avoiding Hygienic Diseases
Another major problem for children is diarrhea and gastrointestinal diseases. They are a result of touching or interacting with dirty objects. This condition makes children become dehydrated faster than normal healthy kids. It is, therefore, recommended that one should control the type of food that the children eat. Fruits should be thoroughly washed and peeled before eating.
It is also good to carry your food, so as to avoid the temptation of having to buy foods from outside vendors which might be infected. Foods such as fish and meat should be immediately eaten after preparation and one should also use purified water to cook or make ice. Make sure that your children’s teeth are thoroughly brushed, including disinfecting their toys and hands too. Oral rehydration is required in case of dehydration.
Other Health Hazards
Children are also vulnerable to parasites, because they are often in contact with the ground. Always make sure that they wear shoes to protect them against the parasites. They can also easily contract rabies, because of their exposure to animals like dogs.
In case they have been bitten, promptly treat the wound with clean water and soap and assess if the wound needs further medical attention. Sunburn is also common among children. Apply high protection sunscreen and avoid direct sun exposure. It is also good to use hats and sunglasses to reduce exposing your children direct to the sun.
Preventive Measures
When visiting a malaria prone area, take preventive measures by giving your children prescriptions that are most appropriate for them. Try as much as possible to avoid mosquito-infested areas.
You can also use sprays after noting all the safety requirements. It is also a good idea to have a first aid kit with you that consists of things like band-aids and disinfectant solutions, protective ointments, fever medication, high protection sunscreen and other necessary equipment.