What To Do When Your Child Gets Sick While You Are Traveling
By Jeanne Coates
Note : I am not a medical professional . I am sharing these tips as a fellow parent and writing only what has worked for my family and me . If you need medical advice , contact your provider .
My first trip as a parent was so planned out . We were taking a train from Virginia to New York to visit family with an eight-week-old . I chose the train so I could get my daughter out of her car seat and walk with her if she got fussy . The trip up was ideal , and the first few days were great , but then our little girl came down with a 103-degree fever and a rash . As a new parent , I panicked , and luckily , my pediatrician had someone on call 24 hours a day . She had a medical school friend practicing in the nearest city , and my daughter was seen at the hospital within two hours . Her ear infection and Fifth ’ s disease were diagnosed , and she was better in a few days . I would like to share some tips I have gleaned from family and friends who have had similar experiences .
Ahead of time : 1 . Know your child ’ s weight in local measurements of where you are traveling . Many medication dosages are based on weight .
2 . Locate a doctor , urgent care and hospital before you go .
3 . Know your insurance requirements prior to traveling . It may influence where you seek treatment if needed .
4 . Pack a bag with children ’ s pain reliever and fever reducer , a thermometer , bandages , first aid ointment , burn ointment , cold medicine and any prescription medication your child may need . Remember to bring Benadryl if your child is prone to dermatitis – hotel sheets can leave your child with a rash and bring any inhalers your child with asthma may have . Parents of diabetic children need to plan if their diet may be altered with meals in new locales .
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