Traveling with kids can be overwhelming at times, and the last thing you need is for your kids to get sick while on vacation. Following these simple steps can help you and your kids avoid getting sick this summer.
Immunize – Make sure if you are traveling out of the country this summer, that you and your kids get to the doctor and get all of the immunizations you may need.
Avoiding Jet Lag – A great way to avoid jet lag when traveling long distance is to change your family’s sleeping patterns two to three days prior to departure.
Pack the Meds – If your child has a medical condition, make sure that before leaving on vacation that you are stocked up on their medications. It’s better to have more than you need rather than your child having an asthma attack and you can’t find an inhaler.
Stay Hydrated – One of the most important parts of traveling during the summer is to make sure that your family is staying hydrated. I know it can be hard to get kids to drink a lot of water, but you don’t want to take a trip to the hospital due to dehydration. Avoid juices and carbonated drinks and stock up on the bottled waters.
Sunscreen – Usually, vacation spots have very harsh sun, so it’s imperative that you pack very strong sunscreen for your children. You don’t want them getting a really bad sunburn and then not being able to enjoy themselves for the rest of the trip
Bug Repellent – Try to avoid repellents that contain high levels of DEET, either get products without it or with very low levels. But make sure you have bug repellent because bites and stings are bound to happen during summer trips.
Water Safety – Make sure to always keep an eye on your children when they’re playing near or in the water. Life jackets are a must in the ocean, rivers, and lakes and make sure that the kids aren’t running around pools.
Poison Ivy or Oak – If you’re planning any camping trips this summer, make sure to keep kids covered up when playing in the woods. The only way to really avoid these plants is to cover up so they don’t touch the skin.
Careful What You Eat – We all like to let loose and chow down on vacation, but be careful what you’re feeding the kids so as to avoid any food related illnesses. Any food with dairy in it or meats must be eaten within two hours of being at room temperature.
Heatstroke – Traveling during the summer can mean spending a lot of time in very hot weather. This puts kids at risk for heatstroke, so keep an eye out for dizziness, trouble breathing, headaches, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, and confusion.
Sources:
Kidshealth.org