The summer is not over yet, although the children will return to school shortly. It is still time for family trips, and even more so considering that in practice we have the whole year to make the desired getaways with our children.
From Family they tell us that 'The number of children who travel internationally during the holidays has increased in recent years'.
Destinations in tropical areas are a health risk, especially for pregnant women and young children. That is why we are advised to request a medical consultation in advance in order to avoid certain diseases (some of which are very dangerous). Let's talk about the aspects to consider before, during and after the trip. But first it is worth clarifying that 'tropical zone' means the space located between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, including most countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, Central America and South America.
What to do before the trip?
It is recommended to schedule the trip with (at least) four / six weeks in advance, among other things because Some vaccines need several doses or the time needed for proper immunization.
It is important to have a professional advice going to an international vaccination center and advice to the traveler, in these sites you can inform us about the measures to be taken to avoid diseases. They will also provide us with the necessary vaccinations and medications. You have more information at the Ministry of Health and Carlos III Hospital.
As for vaccines and especially in children, it is important be up to date according to the children's vaccination calendar. And give us all the non-systematic vaccines, depending on where we will travel, the type of trip and the age, in this article of En Familia you have expanded information on the latter.
Among the information that must be taken before the trip are those referring to the malaria prevention. This serious disease is sometimes fatal, it is spread by the bite of the 'Anopheles' mosquito, and to avoid contracting it, medications must be taken (before, during and after the trip) that will be prescribed by a doctor specialized in tropical medicine. Therefore it is necessary to find out if there is a risk of malaria in the destination country.
A type of child travelers of special risk are the children of immigrants who temporarily return to visit their families living in tropical areas
Measures to take during our tropical family vacations
- Avoid diarrhea episodes: for this you must consume always bottled water (or boiled for three minutes from the boiling point), checking that the container is sealed. Do not consume ice or juices from street stalls.
The consumption of fruits with skin should be avoided, it is better to peel them ourselves, and we will not abuse salads. Do not eat meat, raw fish or unpasteurized dairy products.
To treat diarrhea that has already started, many fluids should be consumed as oral rehydration solutions, if there are no improvements or the disease is associated with fever or vomiting, you should see a doctor.
- For protect ours from sunburn we will apply sunscreen cream (total screen in babies / protection of factor 20 at least in temperate zones). Must be used light and light clothing, sunglasses and head cover preferably with brimmed hats. It is important to keep in mind that the risk of burns increases with altitude.
It is very convenient to prepare a small medicine cabinet with anti-thermal and analgesic, material for the treatment of small wounds such as gauze, strips and local antiseptics, gastric protectors, antihistamines, etc. Previously you have to inform yourself about the limit of medications that can be transported
- For the purpose of preventing accidents and infections will prevent children from touching any type of animal (they can transmit rabies), and that they get close enough to risk being bitten (for example by feeding the monkeys).
We should not bathe in lakes or rivers (yes in chlorinated pools or beaches), nor walk barefoot in the surroundings or on beaches where dogs walk
To avoid the risk of getting infections from soil parasites, it is recommended that the children go in shoes and sit on a towel. Washing clothes cannot be allowed to dry on the floor, and it is better to iron after picking them up from the clothesline (to eliminate possible fly larvae).
- What about mosquito bites?, these insects are responsible for the transmission of malaria (or malaria), dengue or yellow fever. The Physical measures to avoid bites are to use light colored and long-woven clothes (long sleeves and pants); wear socks and closed shoes, and use mosquito nets to sleep, also for baby carriages.
The most commonly used mosquito repellent is N- diethylmethyl-toludamine (DEET) at 30-40%, and should be put on after sunscreen (because the latter can attract insects). It is applied in uncovered areas and on clothing, avoiding eyes / mouth and being careful around the ears, with very young children care should be taken when putting it on the hands. After using it repeatedly you should wash your skin with soap and water
When our trip ends and we return home
We must remember that if we have taken malaria treatment it is necessary to complete it.
If we had persistent fever or diarrhea on the way back, we will make an appointment at a center specialized in tropical medicine. And do not forget to inform the pediatrician about your trip if the children have health problems in the following weeks or months.
You know, if you want to plan a trip to a tropical country as a family, remember to take the necessary precautions ... only then can you fully enjoy.
Images | Paul from www.Castaways.com.au, cstrom on Flickr Source | In Family On Peques and More | Families on the road: The interview, Traveler diseases in children, Special holiday with children in Traveler's Diary
