Infectious diseases and travel

 
Travelling with children is exciting, but it’s important to plan for their health and safety — especially when visiting other countries.

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi. Some infections can be mild, while others can cause serious illness or death. These diseases are often spread through:

  • contaminated food or drink
  • animals, especially mosquitoes
  • close contact with other people.

 Travellers visiting friends and relatives

As Dr Phil Britton, Infectious Diseases Physician at Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, explains:

"Visiting friends and relatives, travellers don’t see the risks. But when we look at the data, it’s that group of children who are more likely to get severe diseases that put them into hospital."

Did you know?

People travelling overseas to visit family and friends are at greater risk of getting serious infectious diseases than other travellers.

 

This is because:

  • they often feel familiar and comfortable in their home country
  • they tend to stay longer
  • they eat local food and drink tap water
  • they have closer contact with the local community
  • they’re less likely to seek pre-travel medical advice, vaccines or medicines.

Without realising it, this increases their risk of catching illnesses not commonly found in Australia.

Young children are more vulnerable

Young children are at higher risk of getting sick overseas because:

  • their immune systems are still developing
  • they’re more likely to put things in their mouth or have close contact with others
  • some infections are more dangerous for small children
  • overseas hospitals may not have the same equipment, medicines or care available as in Australia
  • some diseases can cause health problems months or even years after returning home.

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

How to reduce your child’s risk when travelling

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 give enough time to follow their advice and organise any recommended vaccines or medications
  • 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 while traveling, as it increases the chance of dirt and germs getting into their mouth and making them sick.

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
  • pulling your child’s socks up over their pants is a simple way to help prevent bites and stings on their lower legs
  • select accommodation that has fly screens on doors or windows
  • consider using mosquito nets and sleeping on beds or mattresses raised off the ground when staying 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
  • avoid swimming in water that might be contaminated, especially when young children are with you, as they can easily swallow water by accident.

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.