This article was first published in 2013. Travel health advice, vaccine recommendations and entry requirements change over time, so check our latest guides below or speak with a TMA travel doctor before you travel.
Key points
- Diarrhoea, fever, skin problems and respiratory illness are common in travelling children.
- Children visiting friends and relatives in Africa or Asia face higher risk.
- Any fever after travel to a malaria area needs prompt medical review.
- Up-to-date routine vaccines and travel vaccines lower the risk.
Reviewed and updated November 2026.
Travelling Children
| Some recent studies have documented the likelihood of illness in children travellers. They reported roughly one in 3 children who travel abroad, will acquire a travel-related illness. Diarrhoea, feverish illness, skin conditions, and respiratory problems were the most common. Infected insect bites and sunburn also rated a special mention. Risk varied by age groups and destinations (greatest for African destinations). Young children visiting friends and relatives in Africa or Asia were at greatest risk; they visit places less frequently visited by tourists, and so are exposed to more of the local diseases.In the U.K., imported diseases account for 2% of pediatric hospitalizations. In one group of child travellers with fever; 59% had specific diagnoses, mainly malaria, glandular fever (highest in age group 15-19 years), and dengue fever. There were also cases of typhoid and paratyphoid ( from Asia); meningococcal meningitis, tuberculosis, visceral leishmaniasis, and hepatitis A simvastatin 10 mg. |
One study also highlighted high rates of fatigue, itching, nausea, and sunburn while children were abroad; symptoms of which were not common in adults. Interestingly, one study found children received four times more insect bites than their in parents. Adolescents (aged 15-19 years) behaved more independently, undertook more adventure travel and backpacking, and were more likely to acquire glandular fever, sexually transmitted diseases, and suffer trauma.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my child gets a fever after travel?
See a doctor promptly and tell them where you have travelled, particularly after a malaria area.
Sources
Related travel health guides
- Malaria Tablets: A Guide for Australian Travellers
- Dengue Fever and the New Dengue Vaccine
- The Ultimate Guide to Travel Vaccines
Planning a trip? A TMA travel doctor can tailor your vaccines and travel health advice to your itinerary.