Travel Health - Guide for Travellers

Prevention is better than cure; the advice that follows is designed to minimise the chance of contracting a serious disease while travelling overseas.

Food and drink

While visiting countries at risk, drink only boiled water and reputable commercially bottled beverages. Avoid ice, dairy products, salads, uncooked foods, ice cream, raw seafood, shellfish and food from street vendors. You can purify water by boiling it or adding iodine tablets.

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Vaccinations

Important recommended vaccinations are shown in the table. Your doctor will advise you on which vaccinations you will need. Other diseases to consider are rabies and typhus.

A guide to vaccination for travellers for important diseases (in rural areas of high risk countries)

Part of the National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance programme with MOH. If you have a fever of > 38 degrees with a cough, our clinic is able to test for COVID-19. For children below 12 years old with clinical diagnosis of HFMD (eg fever, oral ulcers, rash), our clinic can test for Hand Foot & Mouth Disease (The tests are for surveillance purposes only).

Singapore is free from vaccine-preventable diseases like poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) because of our successful immunisation progamme.

Up to $400 per Medisave Account per year can be used for Vaccinations under the National Adult & Childhood Immunisation Schedule - Influenza, Pneumococcal (PCV13/PPSV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV2/HPV4), Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (Tdap), Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) and Chickenpox (Varicella).

National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) Singapore @ MD International Medical Centre. Make your vaccination appointment at Tel: 6694 1661.

Up to $400 per (Parent's) Medisave Account per year can be used for Vaccinations under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule - Influenza, Pneumococcal (PCV13/PPSV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV2/HPV4), Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (Tdap), Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) and Chickenpox (Varicella).

National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) Singapore @ MD International Medical Centre. Make your child's vaccination appointment at Tel: 6694 1661

Vitamins & Nutrients for a Well-functioning Immune System to Protect against COVID-19 & other Viral Infections

(Ref: Nutrients. 2020 Apr 23;12(4). pii: E1181. doi: 10.3390/nu12041181 Optimal Nutritional Status for a Well-Functioning Immune System Is an Important Factor to Protect against Viral Infections Calder PC¹, Carr AC², Gombart AF³, Eggersdorfer M⁴.

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Malaria

Avoid rural areas after dusk. Use insect repellents that contain diethyltoluamide (such as Rid or Repellem). Wear protective light-coloured clothing with long sleeves and legs, and sleep in screened rooms or use mosquito nets. Avoid using cologne, perfume and aftershave.

Antimalarial drugs should be taken before exposure and up to 4 weeks after exposure to give maximum protection.

Malaria that resists drug treatment with chloroquine occurs in many countries, your doctor will prescribe another drug as well as or instead of the usual choloroquine if you are at risk of exposure to this type of malaria.

Drugs cannot guarantee 100% protection. If you develop an unexplained fever, sore throat or sever rash, seek medical advice.

Your destination

Different countries have different vaccination requirements. For advice about the country you intend to visit, contact your own doctor.

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Diarrhoea

There are several ways to relieve and treat travellers’ diarrhoea:

1.       Avoid solid foods and drink small amounts of fluids often. (Remember: user only boiled water or safe commercial beverages.)

2.       Rest.

3.       Take antidiarrhoeal tablets as directed (for mild cases).

4.       When the diarrhoea has settled, eat light foods such as rice, bread or biscuits.

Some golden rules

·     Never carry a parcel or baggage to oblige a stranger.

·     Avoid casual sex. If not, use a condom.

·    ‘If you can’t peel it, boil it or cook it, don’t eat it.’

·     Never walk around barefoot at night in snake-infested areas (and use a torch).

·     Prevent mosquito bites.

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Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine in Singapore

Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine is now available @ MD International Medical Centre. Make a Vaccination or Booster Appointment at Tel: 6694 1661. Learn more about Sinopharm here.

Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV vaccine has now been approved for use by private clinics in Singapore against the COVID-19 virus under the Special Access Route. It is the first China-made vaccine to be approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

To date, more than a billion doses of the Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV have been administered. The vaccine has also been approved for use in over 50 countries around the world.

Inactivated vaccines are a tried-and-tested form of vaccine technology which is used in other well-established vaccines, such as the Flu and Hepatitis B vaccines.

If you would like to receive the Sinopharm vaccine or booster, please make your appointment at MD Int'l Medical Centre at Tel: 6694 1661.

Effects of COVID-19 on the Brain

Ministry of Health Recommendation :

• For persons who have already completed their Primary series with mRNA vaccines and are recommended to get a booster, but are unable to take another dose of mRNA vaccines for medical reasons, they may boost using one dose of Sinopharm vaccine. The booster should be taken six months after mRNA dose 2 (M-M-S).

• For persons who are unable to take the the 2nd dose of mRNA vaccines for medical reasons, they may complete their vaccination with the Sinopharm vaccine. 2 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine is recommended to complete the Primary series. The 2nd Sinopharm dose  should be taken 28 days after the 1st Sinopharm dose (M-S-S).

For recovered persons who had not completed a primary series before infection:

• For persons who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection but received 1 dose or none of COVID-19 vaccination prior, they may receive 2 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine (28 days interval between doses), 3 months after the date of infection to complete a primary vaccination series (Recovered-S-S or S-Recovered-S-S or M-Recovered-S-S).

• For persons who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection and had received 2 doses of Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccines prior, they may receive 1 dose of Sinopharm after 3 months from the date of infection to complete a primary vaccination series (S-S-Recovered-S).
  

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Symptoms of COVID-19

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle pain (Myalgia)
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nasal Congestion
• New loss of taste or smell
• Nausea / Vomiting
• Diarrhoea

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Diarrhea Treatment, Learn what is Gastroenteritis, Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Heartburn or GERD

Health Assessment & Screening Packages

Asymptomatic patients may not display no symptoms of illness. Vulnerable people should get vaccinated against Influenza as the stop gap until the COVID vaccine is found. The Flu vaccine would protect susceptible people from, as well as exclude the Flu and H1N1 viruses should they start to show URTI or ARI symptoms.

- Latest Influenza Vaccine

The latest Influenza Vaccine is now available. It protects against the Flu and H1N1 Viruses. In the event that a person displays flu-like symptoms after the Flu vaccination, both Flu and H1N1 may be excluded in his diagnosis, and treatment can be sought quickly should the patient have contracted COVID-19.

Ministry of Health Safety protocols are adhered to at all times for the safe vaccination of you and your family.

* Latest COVID-19 Updates & Health Tips

* Importance of Keeping your Vaccinations Up-to-date

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The Surprising Science of Happiness | Dan Gilbert | TED Talks

Dan Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness, challenges the idea that we'll be miserable if we don't get what we want. Our "psychological immune system" lets us feel truly happy even when things don't go as planned.

COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 Virus Information

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MD International Medical Centre

Medical Services available :

• General Medicine / General Practice
• Minor Surgical Procedures
  
• Dermatology - Skin Problems (Eczema, Acne, Rash, Boils, Dermatitis, Pigmented or Dry Skin, Mole/Skin Tag/Wart Removal)
  
• Dermoscopy - Non-invasive Detection of Skin Cancer, Pubic lice & Scabbies
• Treatment of Insect Bites & Stings
• Infectious diseases & Virology (COVID-19. Dengue, Flu, Hepatitis B)
• Respiratory Medicine - Cough, Wheezing, Shortness of breath
  
• Obesity / Weight control
• Stomach ache
  
• Respiratory Lung Diseases
• Liver Diseases
• Kidney disease / Kidney stones
  
• Eye Health / Opthalmology
  
• Ear Nose Throat / ENT -
  Nose Bleed-Epistaxis /Snoring & Sleep Apnoea /Verigo & Dizziness
• Removal of Ear Wax
• Personal Health
• Allergies Test & Management
• Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
  
• Asthma Management
• Vaccinations / Immunization (eg Flu vaccination)
• Depression / Anxiety / Stress Management
• Management of Chronic Diseases (eg Diabetes / Hypertension)
• Treating Prediabetes, Diabetes & Insulin Resistance
  
• Heart Disease / High Cholesterol Management
• Health Management
• Men's Health
• Women's Health - Osteoporosis, Heavy Periods, Breast lumps, Urinary Tract Infection, Anaemia, Tremors
  
• Child Health & Nutrition / Pediatrics
• Elderly / Senior Health
• Dementia Screening
• Neurological Disorders
  
• Treatment of Gout
• Pain Management (eg Arthritis, Back Pain, Migraine)
• Sports Injuries
  
• Travel Health (eg Vaccinations / Travellers' Diarrhoea)
  
• Health Screening / Blood tests
• Pre-Employment check-up
• Work Permit / Employment Pass / Student Pass / Driving License Check-up
• Blood Disorders
  

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Public Health Preparedness Clinic

National University Health System Primary Care Network

Singapore Ministry of Health Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP)

The information provided in this website is for knowledge purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice.

Should you encounter any medical problem that you are unsure of, always consult your doctor or health care provider for assistance and medical advice.

MD International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Get your:

* Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine / Booster

* Latest Influenza Vaccine (Protects against Flu and H1N1 Viruses)

* Pre-Departure COVID-19 PCR  Swab

* Serology Tests for Travellers 

* Supervised Antigen Rapid Test (Tele-ART) done from your home

* Serology Testing to Certify Vaccination status * Pre-Event COVID Testing

Make your appointment at Tel: 6694 1661.

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MDIMC Medical Team

Together, Being here for you.

Doing Our Best in the COVID-19 Pandemic!

“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
― John Wesley

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Risk Factors of COVID-19 Complications

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COVID-19 Singapore Public places visited by cases in the community

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9 Taman Serasi #01-11, Botanic Gardens View

Tel : 65-6694-1661  Fax : 65-6694 1771

Email : contact@mdimc.sg

Clinic hours:

Monday to Friday: 9am-12.30pm / 2pm-6.30pm    Saturday: 9.30am-1pm

*Last registration is 30mins before the closing time

Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays

- Cashless service with most International Insurance companies and Insurance Medical cards are accepted

- Japanese & Mandarin-speaking Doctors and Medical staff

Please contact us at Tel: 6694 1661 to make an appointment.

Please make an appointment for the following at Tel: 6694 1661:

* Minor Surgical Procedure

* Health Screening / Blood Test

* Dermatology Treatment

* Allergy Testing

* Pain Management & Treatment

* Vaccination

* Supervised COVID ART Test / Pre-Event Test

* Pre-Departure PCR Swab Test / Serology Testing

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OUR MEDICAL TEAM

Dr Don Lau – Medical Director

MBBS (Monash), B Med Sc (Hons) (Monash), Dip Pract Derm (Wales, UK)

Fujiwara Takanori

The Chiropractic Association Singapore, Japan Chiropractic Register, American Chiropractic Association, California Chiropractic Association

Physiotherapy-trained NBCE The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners

YAMAGATA Chihiro 山懸千尋

Registered Psychologist

MD International Medical Centre

Medical Services

• General Practice Family Medicine
• Minor Surgical Procedures / Laser Treatments
• Management of Chronic Diseases (Diabetes / Hypertension / Heart Disease / High Cholesterol Management)
• Pain Management (Joint pains, Knee Pain, Back Pain, Migraine, Sports Injuries)
• Shockwave Treatment / Deep Muscle Stimulator DMS Therapy
• Dermatology Treatments - Skin Problems (Eczema, Acne, Rash & Hives, Boils, Dermatitis, Pigmented or Dry Skin, Moles, Skin Tags, Corns & Calluses, Wart, Treatment of Insect Bites & Stings)
• Dermoscopy - Non-invasive Detection of Skin Cancer
• Allergies Test & Management / Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis / Asthma Management
• Vaccinations / Immunization (National Adult Immunisation Schedule / National Child Immunisation Schedule / Influenza)
• Infectious diseases & Virology (COVID-19, Dengue, Flu, Hepatitis B)
• Respiratory Medicine - Cough, Wheezing, Shortness of breath
• Eye Health / Ophthalmology (Conjunctivitis, Foreign body in the Eye)
  
• Ear Nose Throat / ENT Rhinoscopy (Nose Bleed-Epistaxis, Snoring & Sleep Apnoea, Vertigo & Dizziness, Removal of Ear Wax)
• Audiogram – Hearing test
• Personal Health (Stomach ache, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Heartburn, Treatment of Gout)
• Elderly / Senior Health (Arthritis)
• Men's Health
• Women's Health (Osteoporosis, Heavy Periods, Breast lumps, Urinary Tract Infection, Anaemia, Tremors)
• Child Health & Nutrition / Paediatrics
• Travel Health (Vaccinations / Travellers' Diarrhoea)
• Health Assessment, Screening & Management / Blood tests
• Pre-Employment check-up / Work Permit / Employment Pass / Student Pass / Driving License Check-up
• Obesity / Weight control
• Neurological Disorders / Dementia Screening
• Depression / Anxiety Management
  
• Insomnia & Stress Management

Minor Surgical Procedures :

·       Injection for Supraspinatus or Bicipital Tendonitis / Epicondylitis / Trigger finger / Plantar Fasciitis

·       Tendon Sheath Injection

·       Excision of small Skin tumours / Lipomas / Nail bed / Ear lobe cysts / Meibomian cyst

·       Removal of Skin sutures / Skin tags / Sebaceous cysts / Various foreign bodies / Corneal foreign body

·       Liquid Nitrogen Therapy

·       Treatment of Plantar Warts / Calluses / Corns / Ganglions

·       Splinters under nails

·       Olecranon and Pre-patellar Bursitis

·       Ear syringing

·       Embedded earring stud