Travel health advice from doctors urges UAE residents to prepare for destination-specific health risks, vaccinations and medical emergencies before travelling abroad this summer.
RAS AL KHAIMAH: Travel health advice from doctors at RAK Hospital is encouraging UAE residents to prepare for more than just flights and accommodation before heading overseas this summer. Medical experts say destination-specific planning, preventive healthcare and emergency preparedness can significantly reduce the risk of illness during holidays.
Doctors recommend travellers schedule a pre-travel medical consultation, particularly those living with diabetes, hypertension, asthma or heart disease. A health assessment can help ensure existing conditions are well managed before departure while identifying any vaccinations or preventive measures required for the destination.
According to specialists at RAK Hospital, travellers should research local health risks, including diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever, as well as the availability of healthcare services at their destination. Families are also advised to carry sufficient prescription medication, a medical summary and a well-stocked travel health kit containing pain relief, oral rehydration salts, first-aid supplies, insect repellent and hand sanitiser.
Food and water safety remains one of the leading causes of travel-related illness. Doctors recommend drinking sealed bottled water, practising regular hand hygiene and eating freshly prepared, thoroughly cooked food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections.
Adventure travellers should also ensure their insurance covers activities such as hiking, scuba diving and water sports, while learning the location of nearby medical facilities before arrival. During long-haul flights, passengers are advised to stay hydrated, move regularly and perform simple leg exercises to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
The travel health advice also highlights the importance of protecting children from dehydration, excessive sun exposure and mosquito bites while ensuring routine vaccinations are up to date before departure.
As international travel reaches its seasonal peak, travel health advice from RAK Hospital reminds holidaymakers that careful planning before departure can help prevent avoidable illnesses and ensure safer, more enjoyable journeys for the whole family.cription
