Health Care and Vaccination

Health Tips

Medicine and Medical Help

Bring your own medicines if you are taking any.

Brand names may differ as all medicines are manufactured locally.

If you ever need a doctor, please ask the hotel to recommend one.

Most hotels have some physicians on call at all times.

Vaccinations

Please consult Public Health Services and / or your physician for their current recommendations.

Review your health insurance policies / coverage if you are covered for overseas treatment, hospitalization and medical evacuation.

Staying Healthy During Your Trip

Prevent Insect Bites

Many diseases, like malaria and dengue, are spread through insect bites.

Using insect repellent (bug spray) with 30%-50% DEET. Picaridin, available in 7% and 15% concentrations, needs more frequent application.

Prevent Animal Bites and Scratches

Direct contact with animals can spread diseases like rabies or cause serious injury or illness.

It is important to prevent animal bites and scratches.

Be sure you are up to date with tetanus vaccination.

Do not touch or feed any animals, including dogs and cats.

Even animals that look like healthy pets can have rabies or other diseases.

Help children stay safe by supervising them carefully around all animals.

If you are bitten or scratched, wash the wound well with soap and water and go to a doctor right away.

Be Careful about Food and Water

Diseases from food and water are the leading cause of illness in travelers.

Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles.

Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.

Do not eat food purchased from street vendors.

Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized.

Prevent Altitude Illness and Sunburn

If you visit the Himalayan Mountains, ascend gradually to allow time for your body to adjust to the high altitude, which can cause insomnia, headaches, nausea, and altitude illness. If you experience these symptoms descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention. Untreated altitude illness can be fatal.

Use sun block rated at least 15 SPF, especially at high altitudes, where the risk of sunburn is greater.

Other Health Tips

To avoid infections such as HIV and viral hepatitis, do not share needles for tattoos, body piercing, or injections.

To reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases always use latex condoms.

To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot, especially on beaches where animals may have defecated.