Why Travel Health Matters for Dubai Families
Dubai is a city of travellers. Most expatriate families fly internationally multiple times per year — school holidays, home visits, business trips, weekend getaways. And with Dubai's position as a global hub, children here are exposed to a wider range of destinations (and health risks) than most.
At Al Das Medical Clinic, we provide pre-travel consultations, travel vaccinations, and advice tailored to your family's specific itinerary. This guide covers the most common travel health concerns we see from Dubai-based families.
Before You Fly: Pre-Travel Preparation
Travel Vaccinations
Standard UAE childhood vaccinations cover many travel risks, but additional vaccines may be needed depending on your destination:
| Destination | Additional Vaccines to Consider | How Far in Advance |
|---|
| Africa (sub-Saharan) | Yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, meningitis, malaria prophylaxis | 6-8 weeks |
| South/Southeast Asia | Typhoid, hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis, rabies (if rural) | 4-6 weeks |
| Indian subcontinent | Typhoid, hepatitis A, cholera (if remote areas), malaria prophylaxis | 4-6 weeks |
| South America | Yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, malaria prophylaxis (Amazon) | 6-8 weeks |
| Europe | Usually no additional vaccines needed | Check tick-borne encephalitis for rural Eastern Europe |
| UK/USA/Australia | Usually no additional vaccines needed | Ensure routine vaccines are up to date |
Important notes:
- Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory for entry to some countries and requires a certificate
- Some vaccines need multiple doses over weeks — don't leave it to the last minute
- Children under certain ages cannot receive some vaccines — check with your paediatrician
- Malaria prophylaxis (tablets) must start before travel and continue after return
Travel Medical Kit for Children
Pack these essentials in your carry-on (not checked luggage):
Basic kit:
- Paracetamol (Calpol/Panadol) and ibuprofen (Nurofen) — appropriate for age
- Oral rehydration sachets (ORS) — essential for diarrhoea
- Antihistamine (cetirizine) — for allergic reactions, insect bites, travel sickness
- Thermometer (digital)
- Plasters, antiseptic wipes, gauze
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reef-safe if beach destination)
- Insect repellent (DEET 20-30% for children over 2 months)
- Prescription medications (in original packaging with doctor's letter)
- Any regular medications (double supply — half in carry-on, half in checked bag)
For children with chronic conditions:
- Asthma: reliever inhaler, spacer, written action plan, preventer supply
- Allergies: antihistamine, adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen), allergy card in local language
- Diabetes: insulin (in insulated case), glucose meter, hypo treatment, doctor's letter for security
- Eczema: emollients, steroid cream, cotton clothing
Flying with Children: Common Problems and Solutions
Ear Pain During Descent
The most common complaint from parents. Ear pain occurs because the air pressure in the middle ear doesn't equalise with cabin pressure during descent.
Why children are more affected:
- Eustachian tubes are shorter, narrower, and more horizontal than adults'
- Children with colds, allergies, or enlarged adenoids are at higher risk
- Babies cannot deliberately "pop" their ears
Prevention and management:
| Age | Technique | When to Use |
|---|
| Babies (0-12 months) | Breastfeed or bottle-feed during descent | Start feeding as descent begins |
| Toddlers (1-3 years) | Sippy cup, dummy/pacifier, snack that requires chewing | During descent |
| Children (4+) | Swallowing, yawning, blowing up a balloon, chewing gum | During descent |
| All ages | Nasal saline spray before and during flight | 30 min before descent |
| If congested | Age-appropriate decongestant (pseudoephedrine) | 30-60 min before descent |
If your child has a cold or ear infection:
- Mild cold: usually safe to fly with decongestant and saline
- Active ear infection with pain/fever: postpone if possible (risk of eardrum perforation)
- Grommets (ear tubes): actually make flying easier — pressure equalises automatically
- Recent ear surgery: check with ENT before flying
Motion Sickness
Common in children aged 2-12 (rare in babies). Dubai families often encounter this on:
- Turbulent flights
- Boat trips (dhow cruises, ferries)
- Winding mountain roads (Oman, Europe)
- Theme park rides
Prevention:
- Sit over the wing on planes (least movement)
- Look at the horizon, not screens or books
- Fresh air (open car windows, sit near aircraft vent)
- Ginger (biscuits, sweets, or supplements)
- Acupressure wristbands (Sea-Bands) — safe for children
- Antihistamine (cyclizine or promethazine) — for severe cases, causes drowsiness
Jet Lag in Children
Dubai's time zone (+4 GMT) means significant jet lag when flying to:
- Americas (8-12 hour difference)
- Australia (4-6 hour difference)
- UK/Europe (3-4 hour difference — manageable)
Managing jet lag in children:
- Shift bedtime by 30-60 minutes per day for 3-4 days before travel
- On arrival: expose to natural daylight during local daytime
- Keep meals at local times from day one
- Allow one "recovery day" per hour of time difference for full adjustment
- Avoid screens before bedtime (disrupts melatonin)
- Short naps (30 min) are OK; avoid long daytime sleep
- Melatonin: can be used in children over 3 with medical guidance (not routinely recommended)
Common Travel Illnesses
Traveller's Diarrhoea
The most common travel illness, affecting up to 40% of children travelling to developing countries.
Prevention:
- "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it" — the golden rule
- Drink only bottled or boiled water (including for brushing teeth)
- Avoid ice in drinks unless from a reliable source
- Avoid salads washed in local water
- Avoid street food for young children
- Frequent hand washing (carry hand sanitiser)
- Avoid buffets where food has been sitting at room temperature
Treatment:
- Oral rehydration solution (ORS) — the most important treatment
- Continue breastfeeding/normal diet (don't starve the child)
- Avoid fruit juices and fizzy drinks (worsen diarrhoea)
- Seek medical help if: blood in stool, high fever, signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes, reduced urination), or symptoms lasting more than 48 hours in a young child
Altitude Sickness
Relevant for Dubai families travelling to:
- Switzerland/Austrian Alps (skiing holidays)
- Colorado/Rocky Mountains
- Cusco/Machu Picchu (Peru)
- Himalayas (Nepal, northern India)
- East African highlands (Kenya, Ethiopia)
Children are more susceptible because they cannot always describe their symptoms.
Symptoms in children:
- Headache (toddlers may just be irritable/crying)
- Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
- Fatigue, wanting to be carried
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness
Prevention:
- Ascend gradually (no more than 300-500m per day above 2,500m)
- "Climb high, sleep low" — don't sleep at the highest point reached
- Stay well hydrated
- Avoid flying directly to high altitude (e.g., Cusco at 3,400m)
- Children under 2: avoid altitudes above 2,500m if possible
- Acetazolamide (Diamox): can be used in older children with medical guidance
Sun and Heat Illness
Dubai families are accustomed to heat, but different climates pose different risks:
Beach/tropical destinations:
- Sunburn risk higher near equator and at altitude
- Apply SPF 50+ every 2 hours (more often after swimming)
- UV-protective swimwear for children
- Seek shade 11am-3pm
- Babies under 6 months should not be in direct sun
Heat exhaustion/heatstroke:
- More likely when children are active in unfamiliar heat
- Signs: excessive sweating, pale skin, nausea, headache, fast pulse
- Treatment: move to shade, cool with wet cloths, give fluids
- If confusion, seizure, or loss of consciousness: call emergency services immediately
Managing Chronic Conditions While Travelling
Asthma
- Carry reliever inhaler in hand luggage (always)
- Take written asthma action plan
- Research local hospital/clinic at destination
- Be aware that different climates may worsen or improve symptoms
- Cold mountain air, high pollen, and air pollution are common triggers abroad
- Ensure travel insurance covers pre-existing conditions
Food Allergies
- Carry allergy translation cards in the local language
- Research local cuisine for common allergens
- Always carry antihistamine and EpiPen in hand luggage
- Inform airlines of allergies when booking
- Self-catering accommodation gives more control
- Identify nearest hospital at destination
Eczema
- Pack extra emollient (climate change can trigger flares)
- Chlorinated pools and sea water may irritate — rinse and moisturise after
- Sun can improve eczema but sunburn worsens it
- Carry steroid cream for flares
- Cotton clothing in hot climates
Travel Insurance: Essential for Families
What to check:
- Pre-existing conditions are covered (asthma, allergies, diabetes)
- Children are included on the policy
- Medical evacuation is covered (essential for remote destinations)
- 24-hour helpline available
- Coverage amount is adequate for the destination (US medical costs are extremely high)
When to See Us Before Travel
Book a pre-travel consultation at Al Das 6-8 weeks before departure if:
- Travelling to Africa, Asia, or South America
- Your child needs travel vaccinations
- Your child has a chronic condition (asthma, diabetes, allergies, eczema)
- Travelling to high altitude
- First international trip with a baby
- Concerned about any aspect of travel health
What we provide:
- Destination-specific risk assessment
- Required and recommended vaccinations
- Malaria prevention advice and prescriptions
- Travel medical kit recommendations
- Management plans for chronic conditions during travel
- Fitness-to-fly certificates if needed
- Post-travel check-ups if your child becomes unwell after return
"Dubai families are some of the most well-travelled in the world, which is wonderful for children's development. But I always remind parents: 30 minutes of preparation can prevent a week of illness. A simple pre-travel consultation covers vaccinations, a medical kit checklist, and a plan for managing any existing conditions. It's the best investment you can make in a stress-free holiday." — Dr. Snezhana Cheshelkoska, General Practitioner
Book a pre-travel health consultation →
