DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar’s main public healthcare provider, has released a comprehensive set of health guidelines aimed at helping the public protect themselves from illness while travelling abroad.
The guidelines, published on the official HMC website, outline key health risks and essential preventive steps for travellers, particularly those with chronic conditions or specific health concerns.
According to HMC, travellers are strongly encouraged to consult a healthcare provider before departure to assess any health risks associated with their destination and ensure appropriate vaccinations and medications are administered. The recommendations are especially vital for individuals with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart or kidney disease, and for pregnant women.
“Avoid travelling to high-risk health areas or regions with outbreaks of infectious diseases. Make sure you have health insurance that covers emergencies,” it stated.
Travelling to certain countries may expose individuals to communicable diseases and general health risks, making specific vaccinations and preventive medications—such as antimalarial drugs—essential. Common travel-related health issues include traveller’s diarrhoea, motion sickness, and altitude sickness. For those with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease, as well as individuals taking immunosuppressive medications, it is particularly important to seek medical advice before travelling, especially to areas with widespread infectious diseases.
HMC recommends consulting a travel medicine specialist at least four to six weeks prior to departure. Additionally, travellers planning to engage in high-risk activities or visit remote destinations with limited healthcare access should also obtain medical consultations well in advance to ensure they are properly prepared.
To avoid illness while travelling, individuals are advised to refrain from visiting high-risk regions or areas experiencing infectious disease outbreaks and ensure they have emergency health insurance coverage. Using medically approved insect repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothing—especially at night—can protect against mosquito-borne diseases like malaria.
Activities such as swimming in untreated freshwater should be avoided in regions where diseases like schistosomiasis are common. Drinking only bottled, boiled, or properly disinfected water is recommended, or alternatively, using special filters designed to remove germs and microbes.
Travellers should consume well-cooked food and avoid raw seafood, street food, and cold salads, particularly in countries with poor food and water safety. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be eaten if washed with safe water or peeled. Those with chronic illnesses should carry enough prescribed medication to last the entire trip, along with essential medications like antihistamines and remedies for gastrointestinal issues.
HMC recommends that, vaccinations should be up to date, including routine ones such as hepatitis, tetanus, and polio, and travel-specific vaccines like cholera, yellow fever, and typhoid should be taken at least two weeks before departure.
Pregnant women may travel if the pregnancy is stable, but should consult their doctor beforehand and obtain a medical certificate confirming fitness to travel. They are advised to avoid carrying heavy luggage, wear loose, comfortable clothing, and stay hydrated. Travel to regions with widespread malaria, yellow fever, or Zika virus should be avoided during pregnancy. During long flights, travellers are encouraged to walk through the aisle every 30 minutes and perform light exercises while seated to prevent blood clots. Getting adequate sleep and rest throughout the journey is also important.
