Germs and viruses unfortunately can interrupt the most carefully planned vacation. If you are traveling when your baby gets sick, you have a couple of options.

• You've got your first aid kit with you, and you may be able to treat the symptoms and continue the fun.

• You can call your pediatrician and ask for advice — and even a prescription. For example, if you're fairly certain that it's yet another ear infection, your doctor might be willing to call in a prescription for antibiotics. This is more likely if your child has had multiple ear infections and you are fairly certain that this is just another one.

• You can ask the hotel for a recommendation for a local doctor who would be willing to see your baby.

• You can take your baby to the Emergency Room at a local hospital or to a walk-in clinic.

If you are traveling abroad, plan ahead and find the name and location of a children's hospital or English-speaking hospital. You can also call the U.S. embassy and ask for advice in locating medical help and/or a translator.