Infectious diseases and travel

 
Travelling abroad isn’t free of risk for you and your family, and unfortunately, young children are often at an increased risk. 

Being aware of serious travel-associated health risks, such as infectious diseases, will help you plan and prevent children from becoming infected. 

Infectious diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi and can cause illness or death. Infectious diseases can be spread through contaminated food and drink, animals (particularly mosquitos) and from other people.  

 Travellers visiting friends and relatives

Did you know?

People who are travelling overseas to visit friends and relatives are at a greater risk of getting severe infectious diseases compared to other travellers.  

Travellers visiting friends and relatives (VFR) often underestimate the health risks for themselves and their children when travelling to their country of origin, as the country is familiar to them. 

As a result, travellers VFR are less likely to seek pre-travel advice to identify appropriate precautions, vaccinations and medications that could prevent many infectious diseases.  

This group also tend to:

  • stay for longer periods of time
  • consume local food and water
  • have closer contact with the local population.

This makes travellers’ VFR more vulnerable to being exposed to and contracting infectious diseases.

Young children are at an increased risk

Unfortunately, young children are often at an increased risk as their immune systems are still developing. If children are exposed to infectious diseases whilst on holiday, it can have serious implications on their health, as not all overseas health systems reflect that of Australia. Depending on the infectious disease, it can also have long-term health effects years after you and your child get home from the trip.   

Dr Phil Britton, an Infectious Diseases Physician at Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, identifies that “visiting friends and relatives travellers don’t see the risks. But in fact, when we look at the data, it is that group of children that are more likely to get severe diseases that put them into hospital”. 

For more information, visit the Smart Traveller website before you travel

 Common infectious diseases

If you are planning on travelling overseas, discuss with your doctor what extra immune protection you may need. The most common coverage may include:

 Preventing infectious diseases

Children have immature immune systems, which makes them vulnerable to getting sick more often. 

Infectious disease physician Dr Phil Britton says, “Travel is great, but it is a risk for getting sick, and it’s really important to plan to be healthy while you travel.  Whether you are visiting friends or relatives or a tourist, there are some suggested travel tips to keep your family safe”.

Visit your doctor 6-8 weeks before travel

  • Visit your doctor at least 6-8 weeks before you travel to allow enough time to act based on their advice
  • Even if you have lived in or travelled to this country before – you should speak with your doctor each time to discuss any current health risks
  • Discuss with your doctor what extra immune protection you may need
  • Being aware of serious travel-associated health risks helps you plan and prevent them appropriately.

Vaccinations and medications

  • Some infectious diseases are preventable through vaccination before travelling
  • The three main categories of vaccines associated with travel include:  
  • Other infectious diseases are preventable through medication whilst on your trip.

Practice hand hygiene

  • Good hand hygiene and handwashing can prevent many infections and minimise the risk of your child getting sick
  • Use soap and water to remove germs, dirt and bacteria
  • If soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitiser can be used to kill some germs
  • Closely supervise your child when using hand sanitiser and keep it out of reach from young children to avoid them accidentally swallowing it
  • Try to encourage your child not to bite their nails, especially during overseas travel, as this increases their risk of dirt and germs under the nail being put into their body.

Prevent mosquito bites

  • Apply insect repellent to your child’s exposed skin and clothing - be careful not to spray near the eyes, nose, mouth or ears
  • Cover your child’s stroller or pram with a fine mesh, loose netting
  • Wear appropriate clothing for the activities such as long pants and long socks for bush walks
  • Pull your child’s socks up and over their pants is a good way of preventing bites and stings on the lower limbs
  • Select accommodation that has fly screens on doors or windows
  • Consider mosquito nets and sleep on bedding that is raised off the floor in outdoor areas. 

Food and drink

Some countries may have a higher risk of food-borne diseases and illnesses. 

Food

Some foods are more likely to contain germs, which can make your child sick. You should:

  • avoid raw or under-cooked food
  • avoid food that is cooked and then left at room temperature, such as a buffet
  • choose steaming hot food straight off the grill
  • choose vendors that are clean and popular – look out for places where staff are wearing gloves and have good hygiene practices
  • always wash hands with soap and water before eating.

Drinks

Research your destination to find out if tap water is safe to drink. If it isn’t safe, you should:

  • avoid drinking, cleaning teeth or washing your child’s face with tap water - use bottled or boiled water that has been cooled
  • avoid ice cubes, as some places may freeze their tap water
  • avoid fresh fruit, vegetables or salads, as they may be washed with tap water
  • consider avoiding swimming in water that could be contaminated, especially with young children who may accidentally swallow water.

Animals

Some animals carry diseases that can be spread to humans through close contact, scratches or bites. To reduce your risk:

  • get vaccinated against rabies before travel if it is recommended by your doctor
  • avoid contact with sick animals
  • wash hands after touching an animal
  • don’t eat raw or partially cooked meat or animal products – ensure it is steaming hot right off the grill.

 
If you have concerns about your child being ill, seek medical advice or support as soon as possible.

See also

A young girl sitting and getting a vaccination needle from a nurse in a dark blue uniform
Travel immunisations
It is important to seek pre-travel advice and check vaccinations requirements before leaving Australia.
A mother and daughter stretch out their arms as they look out towards a city.
Travel safety
Whether you are heading out on a road trip with your children or have decided to take them on an overseas flight for the first time, there are some suggested travel tips to make life a little easier when you’re on the move.