Spring is right around the corner! This is a popular time for many of us to shake off the winter blues, pack up our bags, and head off to warmer places. We want to help these opportunities for new family memories to be as healthy as possible for your children. Depending on travel location, you and your children may be at risk for certain infections including traveler’s diarrhea, typhoid fever, hepatitis A or B, and mosquito-borne infections such as malaria or dengue, to name a few! Did you know that you can carry reliable travel safety information, right on your mobile device? Check out this blog for information on 6 apps that can help keep your travels safer
As a reminder, your children should at minimum be up-to-date on all vaccines before travel, including the seasonal influenza vaccine during influenza season – especially important as you are going through those busy airports and popular tourist spots! In most countries in the world (including many countries in Europe) measles has not been as well-controlled as it has been in the United States. Because measles infection can be more serious in young children, it’s recommended that healthy infants 6-11 months of age receive an early MMR vaccine at least 2-3 weeks before international travel.
Last, if you are heading to an area where certain mosquito-borne infections are a risk (e.g. malaria, dengue, Zika, or chikungunya), proper use of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellents can provide protection. EPA-registered insect repellents are products that have been shown to be effective and safe for human use, and should not negatively impact the environment. DEET (up to 30%), Picaridin, and IR3535-containing insect repellents are safe and effective when used appropriately, down to 2 months of age. Oil of lemon eucalyptus preparations are also effective, but should not be used in children under 3 years of age due to possible neurologic side effects. The duration of protection may vary depending on the concentration of the product. For specific tips on how to prevent mosquito bites in your family when traveling to areas where insect-borne infections are active, visit http://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/index.html. To research EPA-registered insect repellents that may be right for you, including duration of protection. Learn More
Travel-related questions? Please contact us for more guidance – we are happy to help!
From the Center City Pediatrics Team
Prepared by Grace Lee, MD, MSCE, FAAP
Preparation date: 3/5/16
