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Although that in itself is good news, there can be a downside – health risks being an example. Malaysians are travelling overseas in ever increasing numbers, and this can increase their chances of developing infections, especially if their travels take them to countries which are hotspots for life-threatening infectious diseases.
Who’ s at risk?
While any traveller can be at risk, there are several groups of people who are especially vulnerable.
Children
Children are more susceptible to diseases due to their smaller bodies and immature immune systems.
Pregnant Women
Pregnancy is a time when additional risks arise, often due to changes in the physiology of the woman and her unborn child. Hence, travelling can raise a pregnant woman’ s health risks.
The safest time to travel is between 18 and 24 weeks of the second trimester as obstetric emergencies typically occur during the first and third trimesters. However, travelling while pregnant is generally safe as long as certain precautions are taken.
Elderly People
People aged 60 and above may
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BY DR HAZLEE ABDUL HADI |
have chronic medical conditions which require consideration before and during travelling. But does that mean travelling is off limits for these groups of people?
Of course not. Everyone can travel. As long as people make health and safety a focal part of their travelling, they can keep health risks to a minimum, while making the most of their trip.
Mind your P’ s
It may require extra effort on your part to ensure a safe and healthy trip, but it’ s all worth it. By doing so, you can make the most of your travelling experience.
Here are the three important
P’ s of travelling:
• Be proactive. Anticipate issues which could arise while travelling.
• Be prepared. No one wants to think about getting injured or sick while travelling but planning ahead can help you effectively deal with problems when they arise.
• Be protected. Practice healthy habits during and after your trip to maintain your well-being.
Dr Hazlee Abdul Hadi is Prince Court Medical Centre’ s Occupational Health Physician. He can be contacted at 03- 2160 0000
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Travel health and safety 101 1. Get vaccinated Some tourist destinations are hotspots for life threatening diseases, but the good news is that these diseases are preventable with vaccines. Inform your doctor of travel plans, especially your destination, travel period, medical conditions and planned activities so that the appropriate vaccinations may be recommended.
Schedule your medical appointment, ideally four to six weeks before travelling as most vaccinations require time to take effect. But even if you need to leave in less than four weeks, you should still see your doctor.
2. Practise good hygiene habits Frequent hand-washing is crucial. If soap and water are unavailable, use alcohol based sanitisers instead. Also, avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes unless you have washed your hands.
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3. Wear face masks For volunteers stationed in foreign countries, wear face masks and gloves when in close contact with infected people.
4. Relax Travelling should be about relaxing and enjoying the culture of your holiday destination. Do not include too many activities into your holiday itinerary as this would only stress you out.
5. Get sufficient pre-travel rest Adequate rest before travelling is important. You might just end up exhausted or even worse, ill- during your travel.
6. Pack enough medicine Those who are on regular medication need to coordinate their pre-travel care with their doctors so that they have adequate supply of medication while travelling.
7. Avoid travelling when sick Postponing or cancelling a trip can be inconvenient and incur additional expenses, but these costs are small compared with the consequences of having to seek treatment abroad.
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