June 23, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
Traveling abroad this summer? Jamie Kondis, MD, offers some simple tips to avoid becoming ill on your international vacation.
- Talk to your pediatrician in advance and make sure all your child’s vaccinations are up to date. You can also ask your pediatrician to write a letter listing your child’s medical conditions. This can be useful in case of an emergency.
- Depending on where you’re traveling, keep in mind that illnesses such as malaria, Zika virus, and dengue are transmitted by mosquito bites.
- Before leaving, make sure to stock up on your child’s prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. They may not be available abroad.
- Another common complaint among globetrotters is suffering from traveler’s diarrhea. Avoid eating food that is prepared by street vendors. Additionally, only drink bottled water or water that has been treated.
- Be sure to pack traveling essentials such as sunscreen and insect repellant. Lastly, don’t forget to include clothing that’s appropriate for a variety of climates.
