Winter Travel Health Risks & Prevention: Expert Doctors Warn Travelers Ahead of the Season
As winter approaches and international travel increases, doctors are warning travelers about a range of hidden health risks that commonly emerge in cold-weather destinations. Medical experts have identified seven major diseases that frequently affect travelers during the winter season, urging the public to take prevention seriously before they travel.
These include:
- Seasonal influenza
- Respiratory infections
- Sinusitis
- Pneumonia
- Winter gastrointestinal viruses
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
- Bacterial throat infections
According to physicians, the high prevalence of these illnesses in popular tourist destinations makes pre-travel prevention and proper preparation essential for a safe, healthy trip.
Top 6 Essential Pre-Travel Health Measures
Doctors stressed six key steps every traveler should take before leaving the UAE:
1. Get the Seasonal Flu Vaccine
Take the flu shot at least two weeks before travel for effective protection.
2. Update Routine Vaccinations
Ensure all vaccines—such as Tdap, meningitis (for Hajj/Umrah), shingles (50+), and pneumococcal (65+)—are up to date.
3. Prepare a Complete First Aid and Travel Medical Kit
Include fever reducers, flu medicines, nasal saline sprays, allergy medication, medical patches, and a child-safe antipyretic.
4. Carry Enough Medication for Chronic Diseases
Pack a sufficient supply for the entire trip plus extra days.
5. Ensure You Have a Valid International Health Insurance Plan
Choose destinations with reliable healthcare systems and know where the closest approved hospitals are.
6. Boost Immunity Through Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Prioritize sleep, hydration, balanced meals, and regular moderate physical activity.
Doctors emphasized that precautions must start before travel—not after symptoms appear.
Dangerous Health Warning Signs While Traveling
Medical experts highlighted urgent symptoms that require immediate medical attention during travel:
- Persistent fever above 39°C for more than two days
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Sudden, severe headache
- Skin rash accompanied by fever
Ignoring these signs, especially in cold climates, can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, severe sinus infections, or respiratory distress.
Common Travel Mistakes That Increase Infection Risk
Doctors noted several common behaviors that significantly raise the risk of winter illnesses:
- Traveling without vaccinations
- Exposure to cold weather without proper clothing
- Sharing personal items
- Eating unsafe or undercooked food
- Neglecting hand hygiene
- Not carrying essential medications
- Poor sleep and diet before the trip
They strongly advised visiting travel clinics across the UAE for accurate medical advice, required vaccinations, and preventive medications like malaria tablets for specific destinations.
Expert Insights From UAE Physicians
Dr. Enas Othman – Consultant, Family Medicine
Dr. Othman explained that sudden shifts from the UAE’s warm weather to freezing temperatures abroad can temporarily weaken immunity. This makes travelers—especially children and the elderly—more vulnerable to:
- Bronchiolitis
- Influenza
- Pneumonia
- Stomach and intestinal infections
She also cited real cases of travelers returning with severe influenza, sinusitis, and exhaustion due to drastic climate changes.
Dr. Ammar Al-Assaf – ENT Specialist
Dr. Al-Assaf highlighted respiratory risks during winter travel, including:
- Dryness of the mucous membranes during flights
- Worsening allergies
- Viral sinus infections
- Ear blockage, hearing changes, and asthma exacerbations
He recommends:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Using saline nasal sprays
- Avoiding caffeine and soft drinks
- Wearing masks on long flights
- Using humidifiers in cold environments
He noted multiple cases of travelers experiencing:
- Severe asthma attacks
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Acute sinus infections
- Otitis media from cold, dry air
Dr. Shafika Lasfar – Consultant, Emergency Medicine
Dr. Lasfar emphasized the importance of recognizing emergency symptoms during travel. She also outlined frequent traveler mistakes such as:
- Skipping the flu vaccine
- Wearing inadequate clothing
- Eating undercooked foods
- Poor hand hygiene
- Not carrying essential medicines
She recommends every traveler prepares a winter travel medical bag with:
Fever reducers • Flu medicines • Saline sprays • Sanitizers • Allergy medication • Patches • Child-safe fever reducer • Chronic disease medications
She has treated travelers returning with:
- Severe influenza progressing into pneumonia
- Winter viral infections
- Acute throat infections
- Dehydration from long flights or fever
Stay Healthy This Winter: Prevent, Prepare, and Protect
Doctors across specialties agree: Preventive healthcare is the key to safe, enjoyable winter travel. With proper vaccinations, preparation, and awareness of warning signs, travelers can significantly reduce their risk of illness and complications abroad.
For expert travel health consultations, vaccinations, and advice, visit your nearest Fakeeh Medicentres or Fakeeh University Hospital before traveling.
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