Q & A:Health Concerns
1.What vaccinations do we need to travel to China and do you have any other medical suggestions? - Top
While traveling with DIY China Tours, we take every precaution to provide a safe and healthy environment for you. We choose restaurants and hotels that are clean, safe, and we always keep your needs and interests in mind. However, here are some precautions for you to take into consideration for your trip to China. In additional, all travelers are recommended to take their medical records when they travel. (Please see Do I need to bring my medical record?)
Vaccines/Immunizations (4-6 weeks before your trip):
Vaccination is particularly recommended for those who will be traveling in smaller cities, villages, and rural areas off the usual tourist itineraries. Travelers should be cautioned that typhoid vaccination is not 100% effective and is not a substitute for careful selection of food and drink.
- 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.
2.Health Precautions while traveling in China - Top
Drink only boiled or bottled water or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks and ice cubes. (also see Is the tap water drinkable?)
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.
3.Medical Treatment in China - Top
Hotels usually have access to a doctor.
In the event of a serious condition which requires hospitalization, your tour guide will do everything possible to ensure that you receive that best treatment possible. Please call your China Highlights Travel Advisor so that we can help in any way possible.
The major cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou have hospitals that will reach the Standard of foreign hospital however the hospital systems differ considerably. Hospitals in other cities may not offer the same standards of hospitals in foreign countries.
On entering hospital all patients are required to pay a substantial deposit before any treatment will be administered. Nursing care in hospital is strictly limited to medical treatments so patients will require a person who can assist with all other activities. No food is supplied.
We highly recommend that all travelers but comprehensive travel insurance in their home country before departure.
4.Do I need to bring my medical record? - Top
Yes, all travelers are recommended to take their medical records along. In the event of An 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.
5.How can I get the health service in Beijing? - Top
Hotels usually have access to a doctor if you need one. If your condition is serious, you will be taken to hospital. In emergency, you may call:
SOS First Aid Centre
Qianmen West Street
Tel: 66014433 /120
There are also two private clinics offering Western qualified doctors, medicines and treatment. Both run a 24-hour service and doctors and nurses can speak English. These clinics are not cheap, but they will accept payment by credit card.
International Medical Centre (IMC)
Lufthansa Centre (Ground Floor)
Room 5106 50 Liangmaqiao Road
Tel: 64651561
Asia Emergency Assistance (AEA)
International 14 Liangmahe
South Road 1/F Chaoyang District
Tel: 64629100
