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Tibet Health Tips China Travel Plan has tried to provide as up-to-date and accurate health information as possible. However we advise contacting medical organisations in your area regarding the latest Tibet travel health information.Before you leave for your Tibet holiday, there are several precautions that you can take in preparation for your trip. If you'd like to start building your own Tibet holiday, simply choose from our range of trips to Tibet or take a look at our suggested holidays in Tibet. You can also combine your Tibet adventure with our bite-sized trips in China. |
Tibet Health Tips: Before You GoIf you are taking prescription medication, be sure to bring along the information leaflet as well as vaccination douments on your holiday in Tibet. It's also a good idea to bring along an extra supply of medication just in case. It's also a good idea to pack a clean set of syringes and needles (but be sure to take a doctor's statement for this as well). If you wear glasses or contact lenses, take an optician's statement or an extra pair of glasses or lenses with you on your Tibet trip.Naturally it's best to arrange vaccinations as far in advance as possible and to receive information from various medical authorities since prices can vary from to another. Sites such as www.tripprep.com also offer valuable information, but please keep in mind that some of the links on this site are sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry. The information below is designed for healthy, non-pregnant travellers who aren't staying in China and/ or Tibet longer than a month. |
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Tibet Health Tips: MalariaMalaria isn’t present in Tibet, it is in China, so you may want to take precautions if you plan on travelling to both countries on a China or Tibet holiday. Many organisations inform travellers that there is a risk of Malaria in the Yunnan province and on Hainan Island all year long. The American Center for Disease Control web site (CDC) advises the use of Malaria prophylactics for China holidays to all locations beneath an altitude of 1500 metres; including Yunnan and Hainan. There are about 35,000 cases of Malaria reported in these areas annually, 46 of which end in fatalities. So, to find out what’s best for you, it's advisable to check with your GP or travel clinic for an update on the current situation. If you are planning on staying for a maximum of a week during a China trip, the anti-Malaria drug Malarone is the best choice. If you stay any longer, Lariam is suggested. The advantage of taking Malarone is that it can be taken for a shorter period of time than Lariam and it has fewer side effects. It is however also more expensive.Further precautions you can take are: covering arms, legs and feet at night, using insect repellent and mosquito netting. If despite all of these precautions you do get a fever for more than two days, contact a doctor to be on the safe side. You should remain cautious for fevers for up to two months after returning to the UK. |
Tibet Health Tips: VaccinationsDTP: Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio. These are advised for most countries outside of Europe, the vaccination is valid for 10 years. Most people have this shot when they're younger. After a booster shot you'll won't have to worry about getting another one for some time.Hepatitis A: Choose from either short or long-term protection (long-term protection is possible for 10 years). The regular injection of Hepitius A antibodies is only effective for a limited period of time, so it's important to get this shot just a short time before your departure. If you travel to countries that have Hepatitis A frequently, you may want to get a long-term vaccination such as Havrix. Please note: These are very expensive vaccins and you'll need a booster shot after 6 months. |
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Tibet Health Tips: VaccinationsTyphoid fever: This is advised for those staying in China and/ or Tibet for more than 3 months.Meningitis: Is advised for those spending a longer period of time in China and those in close contact with local inhabitants. Rabies: This vaccination is advised when travelling to remote areas. Bilharzia: As long as you don't swim in still-standing water, you won't have to worry about contracting this infection caused by worms. Dengue & Japanse B-encephalitis: These are both diseases that can contracted by mosquito bites and require the same preventative measures as for Malaria. There is no vaccination available for Dengue; however there is a vaccine for Japanese B-encephalitis and it is advised if you plan on travelling through Asia for more than 6 months. Additional preparation: Create your own first-aid kit or purchase one. There are also many books available on staying healthy while travelling in the tropics which may prove valuable when travelling through southern China and on Hainan Island. These books also provide you with information on what to take along with you in your first-aid kit. |
Tibet Health Tips: Altitude sicknessAltitude sickness: It won't be long before you notice that you're in the world's highest elevation country; unfortunately altitude sickness is one of the ways you'll notice. It's an ailment which can occur when you quickly climb to an elevation above 2000m - 2500m. Altitude sickness (also known as soroche) is caused by a lack of oxygen in the body in high altitude areas. Generally it doesn't occur until you surpass an altitude of 2500m. Susceptibility to altitude sickness differs depending on the person and symptoms can also occur at lower laying areas. In most case you won't be able to predict who will get altitude sickness. However, it's often the case that if you've had it once you're likely to get it again. |
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Tibet Health Tips: Altitude sicknessMild cases of altitude sickness: This occurs several hours to a day after arrival at a high elevation location. The symptoms are shortness of breath, headaches, nausea and general discomfort; a hungover feeling. To avoid worsening mild cases of altitude sickness, avoid climbing any higher and descend if the symptoms do not lessen within several days. Aspirin can help headaches and other medicine and oxygen may also be given.Severe cases of altitude sickness: This includes worsening headaches, more severe shortness of breath that also occurs while resting. The feeling of extreme fatigue can be so tiring that you might need help getting dressed. When walking you may sway as if you are drunk. This is a very serious ailment which can lead to fluid build-up in the lungs and brain. If any of these sever symptoms occure, seek immediate transport to lower laying areas! Medicine and oxygen may be necessary. When travelling to Tibet you're starting out at great heights. If this causes complications, it's impossible to descend to lower laying areas since you'll be on a plateau. That's why it's vital to take your time and acclimatise to being in Tibet. |
Tibet Health Tips: Altitude sickness prevention tips• Slow down and take your time climbing when above 2500m;• Acclimatise for 2 full days when exceeding an elevation of 2500m; • Avoid taking alcohol and/ or sleeping pills; • Drink large amounts of water and herbal tea (avoid alcohol and dehydrating fluids such as coffee) • Spend the night in a location no more than 300m higher than the location where you slept the night before; • Use Diamox only if you really must (it has side effects such as pins and needles in your legs) |
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Tibet Health Tips: Jet Lag & DiarrhoeaJet lag: Jet Lag is a disturbance of your body's sleep rhythm, caused by travelling through more than 3 time zones. Tibet is 7 hours ahead of the UK. After your flight, your body will have to adjust to the new bio-rhythm which will cause you to be tired and a bit out of sorts. The best remedy against jet la is to try to avoid coffee and alcohol during your flight and try not to over exert yourself for the first two to three days after your arrival in Tibet. It's important to adjust to the new sleeping rhythm as soon as possible.Diarrhoea: Changes in your daily rhythm, the climate and your diet can affect your intestines. As long as this only results in slight diarrhoea without any other symptoms, it's best to simply take it easy and drink a lot of water. You could also take some ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) diluted in water to make sure that you do not dehydrate; this is especially necessary for children and senior travellers. If you're on the road you may want to take some loperamide. This is not a medicine; it is simply a temporary aid to stop diarrhoea during difficult moments such as during long bus rides. If the diarrhoea continues for more than 2 days or if you have any other symptoms such as fever, blood in your stools or other symptoms, contact a physician immediately. |
Tibet Health Tips: Diarrhoea preventionOnly drink water and other drinks from closed/ sealed bottles, from cans or which have been boiled such as tea or coffee. Ice cubes (made of water) are usually safe if they are round and have holes in them. Fruit juices are only safe if no water has been added to them. All foods, especially meat and fish, should be well cooked, broiled or fried. It's best to stay away from western salads such as the ones you can get at luxury hotel salad bars. It's not always safe to eat foods from a street vendor in Tibet or China. Try to select street vendors that have many customers; more food will be purchased and therefore it won't be left in the elements for long before a new batch is prepared. Enjoy meals in restaurants that have a well maintained appearance. It's also best not to eat meats sold by street vendors later in the day; this meat may have been outside all day. A home remedy against diarrhoea is coca-cola and broth (not necessarily taken at the same time). Coca-cola is available everywhere and most hotels have water cookers available for you to prepare broth. |
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Tibet Health Tips: Additional InformationSkin careTake any wounds you may have on your skin seriously. Keep an eye on them and apply disinfectant and possibly even wear a band aid during the day. Try not to scratch open any mosquito bites you might get. Be sure to apply sunscreen to skin that is exposed to the sun. Brightly coloured or black clothing, strong perfumes, deodorants and after shave attract insects; it's best not to look too much like a flower. If you generally get skin irritations you may want to wear cotton or linen clothing. Wash or disinfect your hands after every visit to the toilet and try not to bite your nails. Sunstroke You can prevent sunstroke during your Tibet trip by wearing a hat, cap or bandana and possibly even a pair of sun glasses. Always have a bottle of water with you, especially when travelling through nature in areas where drinking water isn't easy to come by. If you think that you have sunstroke (you'll feel lightheaded and you'll have a headache) have a drink, sit in the shad and rest for a while. Vitamin B tends to help as well, but its best not to take too much of it. |
Tibet Health Tips: Back Home
If after your Tibet trip (and this can also happen several months later) you get a fever, intestinal complaints or anything that seems out of the ordinary, contact your doctor and tell him where you went to in Tibet and for how long. A Mantoux test (TBC test) may be needed.
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