Question & Answer

It is suggested to take along some medicines for cold, fever, diarrhea, anti-inflammatory prescriptions and pain killers. It is also advised to bring your medical records in case of emergency, that will help doctors learn about your medical history and make a prescription.

If you plan to go to remote areas, it is necessary to take along repellent especially in summer. If you plan to visit areas at a high altitude, please take along some anti-nausea medicine or other useful medicines.

All travelers are recommended to take their medical records along. In the event of some emergency your medical records will be of great assistance. 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.

No vaccinations are currently required to enter China, unless you come from or through a yellow fever infected area. It is highly recommended to take along the international certificate of vaccination lest it is required when you pass the customs.

Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
Hepatitis B if you might be exposed to blood, have sexual contact with the local population, be exposed through medical treatment, or stay longer than 6 months. (Hepatitis B is recommended for infants and for children 11-12 years of age who did not receive it as infants.)
Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals.
Typhoid, for visiting developing countries.

- Drink only boiled or bottled water or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks and ice cubes.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites using mosquito/insect repellant or spray.
- For prevention of Malaria, starting 4-6 weeks before your trip, start taking a antimalaria drug. (Please ask your doctor which one he/she thinks is best.)
- Bring over-the-counter antidiarrheal medicine if you have or get diarrhea easily.
- Bring Ibuprofen, Motrin. Advil, or other types of mild pain relievers for headaches, toothaches, muscular aches, backaches, the common cold, menstrual cramps and fever reducers and mild body pain.

- Don't eat food purchased from street vendors.
- Don't drink beverages with ice.
- Don't handle animals (especially monkeys, cats, dogs), to avoid the risk of rabies.
- Don't swim in fresh water (excluding well-chlorinated pools) in some parts of China to avoid infection with schistosomiasis.

- Wash hands often with soap or water (and/or instant antibacterial hand wash).
- Don't eat or drink dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurized.
- Don't share needles with anyone.
- Eat only thoroughly cooked food, or fruits and vegetables that you have peeled yourself.
- Never eat uncooked meat, raw eggs, or unpasteurized dairy products. Raw shellfish is dangerous for people who have liver disease or compromised immune systems.