The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHP) has reminded travellers that they can avail of health services at the Traveller Health Clinics in the preventive medicine departments of all the emirates throughout the year. These services provided free of charge to all Emiratis and at an affordable price for the UAE residents are also available at Al Muhaisna Centre and Etihad Centre.

"The ministry 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 centres 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 Travellers Clinic team.

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

The ministry has launched the Travellers Health Clinics to offer information and services before travelling abroad.

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

Know the precautions

The ministry 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.

Make sure to consult your doctor in order to receive necessary vaccinations ahead of time, at least a month before travelling 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 Organisation (WHO) guidelines for the destination of travel.

> Malaria prevention: Medications can be used to prevent malaria when travelling to affected areas.

> Time difference and jet lag: Passengers suffer from a jet lag during long journeys, resulting in alteration in body clock. The ministry advised travellers to take enough sleep and rest, 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 every three hours or do some foot exercises while sitting every hour.

> Insect or animal bites: The UAE citizens and residents should consult their doctors immediately when exposed to insect and animal bites. Travellers are instructed to cover all body parts when going to insect-infested areas and avoid rabid animals and walking barefoot. Application of skin protection creams can help.

> Sunstroke, heat exhaustion or extreme cold: Exposure to extreme weather may cause some travellers to experience serious health problems. Travellers are advised to apply skin protection creams, cover their heads, hands and feet, and consume fluids to avoid dehydration.

> Food poisoning and waterborne diseases: Travellers are advised to drink bottled mineral water, refrain from consuming street food. Vaccinations taken before the journey could prevent food poisoning and waterborne diseases.

Source: Khaleej Times