Travelling to Costa del Sol with children: when to call the doctor

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 plenty of 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 paediatrician if your child has:

1. 1Fever — 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.
2. 2Dehydration — no wet nappies for 6+ hours, sunken eyes, dry mouth or unusual lethargy. This can happen quickly in the Spanish heat.
3. 3Difficulty breathing — wheezing, fast breathing or struggling for breath is always an urgent concern.
4. 4Rash — a widespread rash, especially one that doesn't fade when you press a glass against it (a sign of meningitis), or a rash with a fever.
5. 5Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea — if they can't keep fluids down, leading to dehydration risk.
6. 6Severe pain — earache, headache or stomach pain that makes them inconsolable.
7. 7Head injury — if they vomit, become drowsy or seem confused after a knock to the head.

Why a trusted local doctor matters 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 a stressful trip to an unfamiliar clinic.
• No language barrier — explain your concerns and understand the diagnosis clearly.
• Local knowledge — they know the nearest late-night pharmacies and can issue an electronic prescription instantly.
• Speed — same-day appointments are usually possible, so your child gets treatment quickly.

Don't let worries about healthcare spoil your family break. Be prepared, know the warning signs, and save the number of a trusted local doctor in your phone. That one simple step lets you focus on what matters most — enjoying your time together.