UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention is reminding travellers to avail health services and medical consultations before taking a trip abroad.

UAE citizens and residents can avail these services at the Traveler Health Clinics in the preventive medicine departments across the Emirates throughout the year.

Provided free of charge to all Emiratis and at an affordable price for UAE residents, the services are also available at Al Muhaisna Centre and Etihad Centre.

“The Ministry of Health and Prevention believes in the importance of educating travellers about the health risks that they may be exposed to when visiting other countries. It encourages them to visit screening centers before leaving the country so that they may take necessary vaccinations as a precautionary measure,” said Dr. Fatma Al Attar, Family Medicine consultant, head of Travelers Clinic team.

"Many travellers do not realise the importance of the medical aspect of traveling, which is essential and important when choosing their destinations,” added Dr.  Al Attar.

The Ministry has launched the Travelers Health Clinics to offer information and services before travelling abroad.

The Travelers Health Clinics offer a range of quality health and preventive services based on the guidelines of the World Health Organization and relevant scientific studies. The services include raising awareness about the importance of visiting these centers before traveling to assess health risks, determine their health status, and take vaccinations and other preventive medications required by the country of destination.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention also reiterated that travellers must take precautions and take note of travel tips to avoid acquiring any type of diseases and other health-related concerns while out of the country.  

Vaccinations
Make sure to consult a doctor in order to receive necessary vaccinations ahead of time at least a month before traveling overseas in order to prevent certain infectious diseases such as yellow fever, meningitis, typhoid fever, hepatitis, pneumococcal pneumonia, influenza etc. The necessary vaccinations are determined according to World Health Organization (WHO) guideline for the destination of travel and will be advised by your doctor.

Malaria prevention
Medications can be used to prevent malaria when travelling to affected areas. Travellers can protect themselves from the disease by taking the recommended dosages prescribed by the doctor ahead of time prior to travelling.

Time difference and Jet lag
Passengers suffer from a jet lag during long journeys, resulting in alteration in body clock. A passenger may experience disturbance in their sleeping patterns and bowel function, as well as reduced mental performance and general malaise.

The Ministry has advised travellers to take enough sleep and rest during long trips, drink plenty of fluids, avoid drinking coffee and tea, and eat healthy food.

Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is the result of a conflict between human senses and excess movement, causing dizziness, exhaustion, nausea, headache, and vomiting. These symptoms may be relieved by changing one’s seating location, for example transferring to the front or over the wings of an airplane. Also, passengers are advised to avoid eating during the start of the trip and chew gum or mint candy instead. A doctor may prescribe a medication to address motion sickness.

Deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs especially in the lower leg during prolonged immobility. Travellers are thus advised to walk in the plane approximately every three hours or do some foot exercises while sitting every hour. They can ask their doctors about DVT for more information. Wearing loose clothing and drinking adequate amount of fluids can also help lessen its occurrence.

Insect or animal bites
UAE citizens and residents are also warned of touching animals when traveling. They should consult their doctors immediately when exposed to insect and animal bites, and to rinse the affected area with a sterile solution. Travellers are instructed to cover all body parts when going to insect-infested areas and avoid rabid animals and walking barefoot. Preventive measures can also help such as the application of skin protection creams especially during nighttime.

Sunstroke, heat exhaustion or extreme cold
Exposure to extreme weather may cause some travellers to experience serious health problems. Holidaymakers are advised to avoid exposure to direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time, apply skin protection creams, cover their heads, hands, and feet, and consume fluids to avoid dehydration.

Food poisoning and waterborne diseases
During vacation, travellers may also be exposed to contaminated food and water, causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and vomiting. When travelling, they are advised to drink bottled mineral water, refrain from consuming street food, minimise salad intake, and avoid under-cooked food. Vaccinations taken prior to travel could also prevent food poisoning and waterborne diseases. - TradeArabia News Service