Doha, Qatar: As the summer season nears and school holidays draw closer, medical professionals are advising travellers to prioritise their health before embarking on trips abroad.<\/p>\n
Experts highlight that with thoughtful planning and adherence to medical advice, travellers can significantly reduce health risks and enjoy a safe vacation. Being medically prepared, they note, can help prevent emergencies and make a critical difference if one arises.<\/p>\n
Dr. Aisha Al-Sada, a resident physician at the Emergency Department of Hamad General Hospital, part of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), spoke to The Peninsula about key health considerations before travel.<\/p>\n
\u201cTravellers should ensure they are up to date with required vaccinations well ahead of their departure date. It\u2019s also important to be aware of any epidemic outbreaks or infectious diseases in the destination country,\u201d Dr. Al-Sada advised.<\/p>\n
She further emphasised the importance of managing personal medication. \u201cIf individuals are on regular medications, they must carry an adequate supply to last through their entire trip,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Dr. Al-Sada also underlined the increasing necessity of travel insurance, calling it an essential element of responsible travel planning. \u201cAlthough holidays are meant for leisure and relaxation, emergencies can happen at any time. Travel insurance ensures peace of mind and can make a significant difference when accessing healthcare services abroad in case of trauma or medical emergencies,\u201d she noted.<\/p>\n
For families travelling with children, Dr. Mohammed Al Amri, Chairman of Pediatrics and Director of the Pediatric Emergency Centres (PECs) at HMC, advised parents to be especially cautious.<\/p>\n
\u201cParents must prepare thoroughly based on their travel destination, including obtaining the necessary travel vaccinations,\u201d Dr. Al Amri stated.<\/p>\n
He also pointed out that, for some destinations, preventive medication\u2014such as for malaria\u2014may be required. Dr. Al Amri added a specific warning for those heading to hot climates, especially in the Gulf region.<\/p>\n
\u201cChildren should not be exposed to the heat for prolonged periods. It\u2019s essential to keep them hydrated and under constant supervision,\u201d he cautioned.<\/p>\n
To reduce the risk of illness while abroad, Dr. Al Amri also shared simple but effective health practices. He urged families to avoid street food, which can cause food poisoning, and to drink only clean, bottled water.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Doha, Qatar: As the summer season nears and school holidays draw closer, medical professionals are advising travellers to prioritise their health before embarking on trips abroad. Experts highlight that with thoughtful planning and adherence to medical advice, travellers can significantly reduce health risks and enjoy a safe vacation. Being medically prepared, they note, can help […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3171,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3170","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n