Infectious diseases and travel: The impact on children and their families

An increasing number of children travel internationally each year. Minimising the risk of acquiring infectious diseases during travel by appropriate anticipatory guidance is a key role of the travel physician. A child's routine, required and recommended travel vaccines must be brought up to date prior to travel. Malaria prevention depends on the use of personal protective measures and chemoprophylaxis as determined by the child's age and travel itinerary. The impact of travellers' diarrhoea can be decreased by following food and water precautions, paying attention to hydration status, and antibiotic therapy if diarrhoea develops. Any child who develops symptoms after travel should seek prompt medical evaluation.