Travelling With Children: The Ultimate Guide

Travelling With Children: The Ultimate Guide

Planning a family holiday is exciting, but when it involves travelling with children, there are additional considerations to ensure everyone stays healthy and happy. At Grahame Pharmacy, we understand the unique challenges that parents face when travelling with little ones, and we are here to support you every step of the way. In this blog, we’ll cover essential health considerations and provide information on children’s travel vaccines to help you prepare for a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Health Considerations When Travelling with Children

Pre-Travel Health Checks

Before jetting off, it’s crucial to schedule a pre-travel health check for your children. This visit allows us to assess their health, review any existing medical conditions, and ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date. During this consultation, we can also provide personalised advice tailored to your travel destination and itinerary.

Packing a First Aid Kit

When travelling with children, a well-stocked first aid kit is indispensable. Here are some essentials to include:

– Prescription Medications: Ensure you have enough of any regular medications your child takes, along with a copy of the prescription just in case you need it.
– Pain and Fever Relief: Speak to our pharmacists about getting suitable pain and fever relief medication for your child’s age.
– Antihistamines: For possible allergies or insect bites.
– Antiseptic Creams and Plasters: For minor cuts and scrapes.
– Oral Rehydration Salts: In case of diarrhoea or dehydration.
– Motion Sickness Medication: If your child is prone to travel sickness.

Hydration and Nutrition

Keeping your child well-hydrated is crucial, especially in hot climates. Encourage regular sips of water throughout the day. Additionally, try to maintain a balanced diet with familiar foods to avoid stomach upsets. Packing some favourite snacks can be a lifesaver during long journeys.

Sun Protection

Children’s skin is particularly sensitive to the sun, making sun protection a priority. Use a high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen, and reapply it regularly. Hats, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing with long sleeves can provide additional protection.

Children’s Travel Vaccines

One of the most important aspects of preparing for a trip abroad is ensuring your children receive the necessary travel vaccines. Vaccinations protect against diseases that may not be common in the UK but can pose serious health risks in other countries. At Grahame Pharmacy, we offer comprehensive travel vaccination services tailored to your destination and travel plans.

Hepatitis A and B

– Hepatitis A: This virus is transmitted through contaminated food and water. The vaccine is recommended for travel to areas with poor sanitation.
– Hepatitis B: Spread through blood and bodily fluids, this vaccine is advised if there is a risk of exposure, such as during medical procedures.

Typhoid

Typhoid fever is another disease spread through contaminated food and water. The typhoid vaccine is essential for travel to regions where typhoid is prevalent, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne disease found in parts of Africa and South America. Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. The vaccine is recommended for children over nine months old if travelling to affected areas.

Meningococcal Disease

Certain countries, particularly in Africa’s “meningitis belt” and parts of Saudi Arabia during the Hajj, have a higher risk of meningococcal disease. The vaccine is crucial for protecting your child against this potentially severe illness.

Japanese Encephalitis

This mosquito-borne disease is prevalent in rural parts of Asia. The vaccine is recommended for children spending a significant amount of time in these areas, particularly during the transmission season.

Rabies

Rabies is a fatal disease transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. The pre-exposure rabies vaccine is recommended for children who may come into contact with animals in high-risk areas.

Timing and Scheduling

It’s important to plan ahead, as some vaccines require multiple doses over a period of weeks or months. Ideally, schedule your child’s travel health consultation 6-8 weeks before departure. This timeframe ensures that vaccinations are administered correctly and allows time for any necessary boosters.

Additional Preventative Measures

In addition to vaccinations, there are other preventative measures to consider when travelling with children:

– Malaria Prevention: Depending on your destination, malaria prophylaxis may be necessary. We can advise on the best antimalarial medication for your child and provide guidance on mosquito bite prevention.
– Insect Bite Avoidance: Use insect repellent containing DEET, dress your child in protective clothing, and consider mosquito nets for sleeping areas.
– Food and Water Safety: Teach your child about the importance of drinking bottled or boiled water, avoiding ice in drinks, and eating only well-cooked foods.

Why Choose Grahame Pharmacy?

At Grahame Pharmacy in Lisburn, we pride ourselves on our expertise and commitment to patient care. When you choose us for your travel health needs, you can expect:

– Personalised Service: We provide tailored advice and vaccination plans based on your family’s specific travel itinerary and health needs.
– Experienced Pharmacists: Our team of knowledgeable pharmacists is well-versed in travel health and can answer any questions you may have.
– Convenient Appointments: We offer flexible appointment times to accommodate your busy schedule.
– Comprehensive Care: Beyond travel vaccines, we provide a full range of travel health services, including malaria prophylaxis, first aid kit supplies, and general travel health advice.

Book a Consultation

By taking the necessary health precautions and ensuring your children are properly vaccinated, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind. At Grahame Pharmacy in Lisburn, we are dedicated to helping you prepare for a safe and healthy journey. Contact us today to schedule your pre-travel consultation and let us take care of your family’s travel health needs.

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This blog was written on behalf of Grahame Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.