Health

Medical care in China

Usually hotels access to a doctor.

Under serious situition, when you need medication or hospitalization, your guide will make sure you will receive the best treatment possible.

Hospitals in big cities like Beijing, Shanghai have high standard hospitals, which can reach some foreign hospitals but the facilities still differ. Hospitals in small cities may not reach a international standard.

All patients need to pay a substantial fee before any treatment. Nursing care in hospital is strictly limited to medical treatments so patients will require a person who can assist with all other activities. There is a food supply if one need hospitalization, other wise, patient will have to get food himself.

We strongly suggest that all travelers buy comprehensive travel insurance before starting a tour.

What should I do to prevent myself from getting sick in China?

No matter how strong and healthy one maybe, China is still a foreign country and the chance to get sick is high if one doesn't know how to prevent. Take the following advises to assure a healthy trip to China.

• Drink only boiled or bottled water or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks and ice cubes.

• Don't buy food from street vendors; they are usually not clean enough to eat.

• Don't handle animals (especially monkeys, cats, dogs), to avoid the risk of rabies.

• Only swim in swimming pools or water parks. Don't swim in rivers or lakes.In some parts of China to avoid infection with schistosomiasis.

• Wash hands often with soap (and/or instant antibacterial hand wash).

• Only eat food that is completely cooked, or fruits and vegetables that you have peeled yourself.

Do I need some certain kind of vaccination before visiting China?

No special vaccinations are required, but those who have traveled from an infected area before coming to China should have vaccination records available for a Health Declaration form upon arrival.

Don't forget to ask the hotel whether the tap water is drinkable or not. Tourists are recommended to drink bottled water when they travel in China.

Do I need my medical record in Chinese hospitals?

Yes, all travelers are suggested to bring their medical records with them. Your medical records will help greatly if you need serious medical care. The medical record should include your blood type, immunization record, allergies, and any medications you are currently taking (both prescription and non-prescription), You should also include your doctor's name, address, phone number, emergency contact name and phone number, and your insurance company's name, address and phone number.

What shall I prepare in my medical kit if I want to take one with me?

Following is a list of items you should consider including in your medical kit - consult your pharmacist for brands available in your country.

• Aspirin or paracetamol (acetaminophen in the USA) - for pain or fever
• Antihistamine - for allergies, e.g., hay fever; to ease the itch from insect bites or stings; and to prevent motion sickness
• Cold and flu tablets, throat lozenges and nasal decongestant
  Multivitamins - consider for long trips, when dietary vitamin intake may be inadequate
• Antibiotics - consider including these if you're travelling well off the beaten track; see your doctor, as they must be prescribed, and carry the prescription with you
• Loperamide or diphenoxylate - 'blockers' for diarrhoea
• Prochlorperazine or metaclopramide - for nausea and vomiting
• Rehydration mixture- to prevent dehydration, which may occur, for example, during bouts of diarrhoea; particularly important when travelling with children
• Insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm and eye drops
  Calamine lotion, sting relief spray or aloe vera - to ease irritation from sunburn and insect bites or stings
• Antifungal cream or powder- for fungal skin infections and thrush
• Antiseptic (such as povidone-iodine) - for cuts and grazes
• Bandages, Band-Aids (plasters) and other wound dressings