DOHA: Travellers to any destination face the risk of falling sick and it’s advisable to protect themselves from travel-related illnesses, says an expert.
Pilgrims to Makkah, especially, are advised to take precautions and increase their immune system in view of the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Saudi Arabia.
People travelling abroad may not be aware of diseases prevalent in certain countries and they should take vaccinations to protect themselves from infections caused by viral and bacterial agents, Dr A Baxarawi, Assistant Consultant, Al Ahli Hospital, told a symposium on ‘Travel Medicine’ organised by the hospital.
He explained the importance of finding out health risks prevalent in various countries and planning a medically safe and healthy trip. Although specific statistics are not available about risk faced by travellers to destinations from Qatar or the region, data from Europe and America suggest five to eight percent of travellers seek medical advice ahead of trip.
Half of every 100,000 travellers fall sick, 8,000 visit a doctor, 5,000 are confined to bed, 300 will be hospitalised and one will be reported dead.
A ‘Travel Doctor’ at the hospital’s travel clinic is committed to providing its guests with specialised counselling and immunisations necessary for safe travel outside Qatar.
It provides individualised health consultations, including current recommendations from the centres for disease control, International Society of Travel Medicine and Travax), recommended and required immunisations, international certificates of vaccination, prescriptions and information for prevention of malaria and other illnesses. It also provides latest health and travel advisories and handouts to help increase travellers immunisation status.
Dr Baxarawi said immunisation depends on factors, including destination, age, health issues, allergies and overall risk acceptance.
The ‘Travel Doctor’ can help get accurate health vaccines customised to individuals’ travel plans and health history.
It’s advisable to seek travel medical advice two months ahead of trip. However, for diseases like Hepatitis A, one can get vaccinated just before departure.
The Peninsula
