Tropical_Climate_ConcernsFamily health is important no matter what country you are living in. It is important to be informed about what precautions to take and where to get help if you need it.

Children can be more vulnerable to tropical illnesses but it is worth noting that, as at the time of writing, Jakarta is not listed as a malaria zone.

The best advice we can give is to be informed and as a general rule, make sure you, your children and anyone looking after your children or preparing food

  • wash hands thoroughly
  • are aware of the heat and sun exposure
  • drink plenty of water (from water cooler)
  • thoroughly wash any food that will not be cooked
  • thoroughly clean and disinfect any wounds as quickly as possible

For comprehensive and up-to-date medical advice regarding tropical illnesses, please read the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page on Indonesia. You may also want to read the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page on Travelling Safely with Children

The main health issues you need to consider are heat, dehydration, diarrhea, sun exposure,dermatologic conditions and respiratory disorders:

Heat

For children not used to heat and humidity, particularly babies, it may be worth keeping them cool in air conditioned environments when you first arrive and then gradually expose them to the outside world in the early morning or evening (taking care to apply insect repellent for mosquitos).

Make sure you and your family wear clothes suitable for tropical climates. Loose, cotton clothing is best.

See the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page on Keeping Cool in Hot Weather.

Dehydration

This is a serious concern for those not acclimatised to tropical conditions. The average adult should drink eight to ten glasses of water a day; pregnant and nursing mothers should drink more than this. Avoid excessive caffeine intake as it is a diuretic.

Be especially vigilant with children; don’t allow them too many sugary drinks, even milk is not a viable substitute for water.

Signs of dehydration in children include: dry mouth, no tears when crying, no wet diapers for 3 hrs or more, high fever, listlessness, irritability. If you suspect that your child is dehydrated take them to your doctor immediately. Dehydration can usually be treated by drinking lots of tiny sips of fluids.

For children you can buy Pedialyte at most pharmacies.

Diarrhoea

Loose, watery stools occurring more than 3 times a day is a common problem in the tropics that usually lasts a day or two then goes away on its own without any special treatment. Diarrhoea may be accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea. Depending on the cause, a person may have a fever or bloody stools.

Diarrhoea can be dangerous in newborns and infants. In small children, severe diarrhoea lasting just a day or two can lead to dehydration. The main treatment for diarrhoea in children is re hydration. Take your child to the doctor if any of the following symptoms appear; signs of dehydration, stools containing blood or mucus, black stools, temperature above 101.4 degrees F/38.5 degrees C or no improvement in health after 24 hours.

Sun exposure

Exposure to UV light is highest near the equator, at high altitudes, during midday (10 am–4 pm), and where light is reflected off water. Sunscreens are generally recommended for use in children aged >6 months. Sunscreens (or sun blocks), either physical (such as titanium or zinc oxides) or chemical (sun protection factor [SPF] ≥15 and providing protection from both UVA and UVB), should be applied as directed and reapplied, as needed, after sweating and water exposure.

Babies aged <6 months require extra protection from the sun because of their thinner and more sensitive skin; severe sunburn for this age group is considered a medical emergency. Babies should be kept in the shade and wear clothing that covers the entire body. A minimal amount of sunscreen can be applied to small exposed areas, including the infant’s face and hands.Blocking shirts are available that are made for swimming and preclude having to rub sunscreen over the entire trunk. Hats and sunglasses also reduce sun injury to skin and eyes. If both sunscreen and a DEET-containing insect repellent are applied, the SPF of the sunscreen may be diminished by one-third, and covering clothing should be worn or time in the sun decreased accordingly.

Dermatologic conditions

In a tropical climate, it is important to be aware of possible dermatologic conditions, especially if you are travelling in remote parts of Indonesia. Main conditions include insect bites, bacterial infections and rashes. If you have any concerns, visit your doctor.

A common condition, not restricted just to Indonesia, is head lice. This should be treated immediately and effective over-the-counter medication is widely available in pharmacies.

Another condition that can be common among children attending school is conjuntivitis. This can be easily treated by your doctor.

Respiratory disorders

Jakarta is one of the most heavily populated cities in the world with a hot and humid climate. In this environment, bacteria and virus work more effectively than in places which are cooler with cleaner air.

Common problems can be increased symptoms of asthma, bacterial diseases (including mycoplasma, a bacterial illnesses causing coughing, sore throat and bronchitis)..