Embarking on a well-planned vacation can be an exciting and enriching experience. However, unforeseen health complications can quickly turn a dream trip into a nightmare, especially when in a foreign land without access to necessary medication or insurance. Recognizing the potential risks associated with travel-related illnesses, healthcare professionals in the UAE emphasize the importance of seeking pre-travel consultations at dedicated travelers’ clinics.
Dr Ahmed Hashim Ahmed Mohamed, a General Practitioner at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi, explains that the Traveler’s Health Clinic at their facility specializes in travel medicine, providing preventive care, vaccinations against tropical diseases, and medications to prevent illnesses like malaria. This clinic caters mainly to international travelers embarking on leisure, business, or visiting trips abroad. Individual clinical risk assessments are conducted based on the patients’ travel plans, taking into account specific health risks in each country of their itinerary, including infectious diseases, parasitic infections, and environmental hazards.
Consulting with healthcare professionals before departure can prove invaluable, ideally done four to eight weeks before the travel date. Providing copies of immunization records, including the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card), expedites the clinic visit and reduces the necessary vaccines. During the pre-travel consultation, doctors conduct a thorough assessment of potential health risks, offer health promotion advice, and provide illness prevention measures tailored to the individual’s needs.
To ensure a safe journey, doctors recommend travelers pack a medical kit containing essential items. This includes a thermometer, insect repellent, ORS or hydration pack, motion sickness medication, anti-allergic medication, antibacterial and antifungal cream, cough syrup, pain and fever medication, diarrhea medicine, and antacid. A dental and vision check-up before travel is also advised, along with carrying spare glasses. Additionally, having plaster/bandages, band-aids, sterile dressings, gauze, and antiseptic cream on hand can be crucial in case of minor injuries.
Dr Maria Clarrisa Sagun Magallanes from Prime Medical Center Al Barsha Heights highlights that more than half of all overseas travelers may experience travel-related illnesses. Therefore, obtaining travel insurance that includes hospital coverage is essential, as some health issues can lead to more severe complications requiring medical attention. Being prepared and aware of potential health issues and protective measures can safeguard travelers from falling ill during their trip.
For travelers with underlying medical conditions, ongoing medications, immunodeficiency, or pregnant women, extra precautions are advised. Consulting with healthcare professionals at least one month before travel allows for thorough evaluation and immunization planning. Patients should also carry a sufficient supply of their current medications, as equivalent drugs may not be readily available in their travel destinations. Medications required for daily use should be kept in hand baggage to avoid the risk of losing them in checked-in luggage.
Dr Jemshid Eranhikkal, an Internal Medicine specialist at Aster Clinic, Tecom Dubai, emphasizes the need for discussion regarding insulin dose adjustments for travelers crossing multiple time zones. Patients with lung or heart diseases may also experience complications due to low oxygen and air pressure during flights and should consult their treating doctors before travel. Vaccinations and medications are essential to prevent endemic infections, while travelers crossing time zones may benefit from melatonin to combat jet lag.
In conclusion, meticulous planning and organization for a vacation should also include prioritizing pre-travel health precautions. Seeking consultations at dedicated travelers’ clinics, carrying a well-stocked medical kit, obtaining travel insurance, and being aware of potential health risks can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable vacation experience. Taking these measures will not only protect travelers’ health but also provide peace of mind to fully savor the wonders of their chosen destination.
