A good rule of thumb is to allow at least a month before travel for the necessary vaccinations, so it’s wise to schedule your appointments at least six weeks before you head to the airport. Your destination and length of planned stay will determine what you need, but most countries will require that you present evidence of vaccinations for most early childhood diseases – measles, mumps, etc. – and such exotic diseases as yellow fever, typhoid, meningitis, rabies and Japanese B encephalitis. Talk to your doctor if you’re planning on traveling with a very young baby. Children of any age can contract malaria and some other diseases and may need to be immunized ahead of schedule.

Threats Beyond Disease

There are other travel issues that may cause health problems. One of the most common is extreme fatigue or so-called “jet lag.” This happens when you take a trip across several time zones, and your body needs to adjust to the new schedule.

Dehydration is another issue. While everyone gets thirsty, dehydration can bring about serious issues in small children and the elderly -- some of them potentially life-threatening if severe. Make sure everyone drinks at least one quart of water every couple of hours, and avoid diuretics like coffee, alcohol, tea and caffeinated beverages if possible – they tend to exacerbate dehydration.

Children may experience ear problems when the plane takes off and lands. Swallowing or yawning can help depressurize the ears, or older children can chew gum. Infants can nurse to relieve ear pain.