Doha: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has released a comprehensive set of travel health guidelines to help Qatar residents protect themselves from illness while travelling abroad. The guidelines, available on the official HMC website, focus on preventive measures, vaccinations, and health advice—especially for individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart or kidney disease, and for pregnant women.

HMC strongly advises travellers to consult a healthcare provider at least four to six weeks before departure, particularly when visiting high-risk regions or areas with infectious disease outbreaks. Key precautions include getting appropriate vaccinations, carrying essential medications, avoiding untreated food and water, and using insect repellents to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria. Travellers are also urged to secure emergency health insurance before travelling.

Additional recommendations include avoiding high-risk activities such as swimming in untreated freshwater, eating only well-cooked food, and staying hydrated. Pregnant women should consult their doctor before travelling and avoid destinations affected by malaria, yellow fever, or the Zika virus. HMC also encourages light movement during long flights to reduce the risk of blood clots and advises all travellers to ensure vaccinations are up to date, including those for hepatitis, tetanus, and polio.