Traveling to Costa del Sol with Children: When to Call the Doctor
Family holiday in Costa del Sol? Our guide helps you decide when a child's illness needs a doctor's visit. Stay prepared and ensure a safe, happy trip for everyone.
A family holiday on the beautiful Costa del Sol is about making sunny memories. But sometimes, minor illnesses can cloud the fun. Knowing when to handle it yourself and when to call a doctor can give you peace of mind and get your little one back to building sandcastles faster.
Common Holiday Hiccups (And How to Handle Them):
Many minor issues can be managed with a well-stocked travel first-aid kit:
- Sunburn: Cool baths, aloe vera gel, and hydration.
- Minor Cuts & Scrapes: Clean with bottled water, apply antiseptic, and cover with a plaster.
- Travel Sickness: Over-the-counter medication can help for car journeys along the coast.
- Mild Tummy Upset: Keep them hydrated with water or oral rehydration salts. Stick to bland foods like toast or bananas.
Red Flags: When to Call a Doctor Immediately
While most issues are minor, certain symptoms require professional medical advice. Call a doctor or pediatrician if your child exhibits:
- Fever: A high fever (over 39°C/102.2°F) that doesn't respond to children's paracetamol or ibuprofen, or any fever in a baby under 3 months.
- Dehydration: Signs include no wet nappies for 6+ hours, sunken eyes, a dry mouth, or unusual lethargy. This can happen quickly in the Spanish heat.
- Difficulty Breathing: Wheezing, fast breathing, or struggling for breath is always an urgent concern.
- Rash: A widespread rash, especially one that doesn't fade when you press a glass against it (a sign of meningitis), or a rash accompanied by a fever.
- Persistent Vomiting/Diarrhea: If they can't keep fluids down, leading to dehydration risk.
- Severe Pain: Such as an earache, headache, or stomach pain that makes them inconsolable.
- Head Injury: If they vomit, become drowsy, or seem confused after a knock to the head.
Why a Service Like Doctor Costa del Sol is a Lifesaver for Parents:
Navigating a foreign healthcare system with a sick child is stressful. A private, English-speaking doctor service is invaluable because:
- They Come to You: A doctor can often visit your accommodation, saving you a stressful trip to an unfamiliar clinic.
- No Language Barrier: Explain your concerns and understand the diagnosis clearly.
- Local Knowledge: They know the nearest pharmacies open late and can provide a prescription instantly.
- Speed: Get an appointment often on the same day, so your child gets treatment quickly.
Don't let worries about healthcare spoil your family break. Be prepared, know the warning signs, and have the number of a trusted local doctor saved in your phone. This simple step ensures you can focus on what matters most—enjoying your time with your family.
