What to Do If You Get Sick While Travelling With Children

It's every traveller's worst nightmare: you're on vacation, far from home, and you get sick. Whether it's a case of travellers diarrhoea or something more serious, getting sick while travelling can put a real damper on your trip. But don't worry, we're here to help.

Today, we will provide some tips on how to avoid getting sick while travelling with children and what to do if you or others in the family do end up catching a bug.

Get Ready

There are a few things you can do before you even leave on your trip to help avoid getting sick while travelling. First and foremost, make sure you are up-to-date on all of your vaccinations. Depending on where you are travelling, there may be certain vaccinations that are required or recommended. For example, if you are travelling to Africa or Southeast Asia, you may need to get the yellow fever vaccine. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic to find out what vaccinations are recommended or required for your destination.

Boost Your Health

Before embarking on a trip, it's important to boost your health holistically to ensure you're at your best. One effective way to do this is by reducing stress, which can significantly impact your physical and mental well-being. Techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in a hobby can be highly effective in managing stress levels. Additionally, incorporating vitamin supplements into your daily routine can help fill any nutritional gaps in your diet, ensuring your body has all it needs to function optimally.

Finally, regular walking is not only great for physical fitness but also for clearing your mind and improving your mood. Utilizing a walk score map can be extremely beneficial in this regard, as it helps you find the most pedestrian-friendly areas nearby. This ensures your walks are not only beneficial for your health but also enjoyable, as you explore safe and welcoming environments around you.

Pack Some Essentials

Health professionals advise packing some healthy essentials in your carry-on bag, such as hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes. These items can come in handy if you find yourself in a less-than-sanitary situation (think dirty aeroplanes or public transportation). And speaking of aeroplane travel, be sure to drink plenty of water during your flight to avoid dehydration, which is one of the leading causes of sickness while flying!

Tips to Stay Healthy

One of the best ways to stay healthy while travelling is by practising good hygiene. Remember to wash your hands regularly with soap and water (or, as Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit notes, use hand sanitiser), avoid touching your face, and cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. And don’t forget to remind the kids to do the same! Make up some natural DIY cleaner to use as an impromptu sanitiser if you are concerned about the harmful chemicals that can be found in manufactured sanitisers.

Eat Healthy Foods

Also, be sure to eat healthy foods and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. It's easy to let healthy eating habits fall by the wayside when you're on vacation; after all, who doesn't want to indulge in delicious local cuisine? But try to balance junk food with some fruits and vegetables too.

Choose Your Food Carefully

Avoid unwashed raw fruits and vegetables (or stick with cooked options), unpasteurized dairy products (again... cooked is better), meat that has not been properly cooked (no rare steak for you!), and anything else that might not be up to standards of cleanliness. Following these tips can help you avoid getting sick while on your journey.

So You Got Sick

If, despite all of your best efforts, you find yourself or your children getting sick while travelling, don't get upset. The first thing you should do is focus on getting plenty of rest and fluids. If you start to feel worse, you may need to seek medical attention, which can mean going to a local clinic or hospital or even calling for an ambulance if it is a true emergency.

Call ahead before going so that they can be prepared for your arrival and treat you as quickly as possible. Once you receive treatment – whether it's medication for an upset stomach or something more serious – be sure to follow the doctor's orders and rest up as much as possible so that you can recover quickly and continue enjoying your vacation!

Getting sick while travelling with kids is no fun, but it doesn't have to ruin your trip! By following our tips on how to prepare before your trip and how to stay healthy while travelling, you can minimize your risk of getting sick while away from home. And if, despite all of your precautions, you still find yourself unwell, don't hesitate to seek out medical attention immediately so that treatment can be administered as soon as possible!