Spring Festival holiday is a nice time to get away from the busy city. However, before setting out for the various fascinating destinations, foreign tourists may need first to get themselves informed of the various problems they may encouter in China. Here comes a list.
Injuries
Injuries are the leading cause of preventable death in travelers. An estimated five million people lost their lives from injuries in 2000, and over 90 percent of these were in developing countries.
Be aware that driving a car or riding a motorbike around China yourself may be more dangerous due to unfamiliarity with the roads, traffic regulations and conditions. Buses, taxis and particularly motorbike taxis are also far from flawlessly safe. If possible, travel during daylight, in good weather conditions and encourage your driver not to speed and cut people off.
Travelers' diarrhea
Every year, an estimated 10 million international tourists develop diarrhea, which makes it the most common illness among travelers. Ninety percent are resolved within one week, but it's never a pleasant experience and extra care should be taken when traveling in a foreign country.
Avoid eating food and drink bought from street vendors.
Avoid raw or undercooked meat and seafood and raw fruit unless you wash or peel it yourself.
Mild diarrhea can be left to run its course. Rehydration by drinking pure water is recommended. If the diarrhea is prolonged, then seek advice from a local doctor. If the condition persists despite treatment, then you should consider heading for a Western hospital, perhaps in Beijing, to be treated for a possible parasitic infection.
Malaria
Malaria, and a range of other diseases, is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, which usually bite at nighttime. If you're outside after dark, then consider wearing a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and a hat. Apply insect repellent to any exposed skin. You may want to bring a mosquito net and spray repellent to use inside.
Altitude sickness
If you visit the Himalayan Mountains or the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, try to ascend gradually to allow your body to adjust to the high altitude. You should also use sunblock as the risk of sunburn is greater at high elevations. What preventative measures can I take against sickness?
Wash your hands regularly
Only drink bottled or boiled water, or use your own purification methods .
Keep your feet clean and dry. Don't go barefoot.
Use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
What vaccines should I take to prepare for travel in China?
Unfortunately, there's no definitive answer. You should arrange an appointment with a doctor who can discuss your medical history and panned travel destinations for you.
Bear in mind that some vaccines should be taken four to six weeks before travel. You might want to consider protection against Hepatitis A and malaria for the south of China.
What should I have in my aid kit?
Basic first aid kits are available in many sporting good stores. More adventurous travelers can buy advanced medical kits and emergency equipment (one such store is adventuremedicalkits.com). When checking a kit or preparing your own, consider the following items:
Insect repellent containing DEET.
Sunscreen.
Oral rehydration solution packets.
Basic first aid items (bandages, gauze, antiseptic and scissors).
Antibacterial hand wipes.
What should I know about traveling with children?
Parents should educate themselves on specific issues that apply to their children.
Diarrhea and dehydration present a higher risk for children. Try to ensure they keep their hands clean and away from their mouths.
Also, carry oral rehydration solution packets in case of event of dehydration from diarrhea, vomiting or other circumstances.
Carry your medicine in childproof containers.
Do I need travel insurance?
If you don't have insurance, you should seriously consider getting some - particularly if you intend to do risky activities like horse riding or mountain climbing. There are a bewildering number of brokers and policies out there.
To get a recommendation, you could ask your health care provider. You could also seek advice from friends or post a question on an internet forum. If several people report having successfully made a claim from a company, that's worth taking into account. It's always sensible to read the fine print of your policy carefully and ask questions if you are unsure of anything. Check whether your policy covers:
Accidents and legal expenses resulting from them.
Dangerous sports.
Evacuation-an airlift or emergency air travel could leave you in debt for years.
High-cost room rates and doctor consultation-first-class hospitals in China charge first-class rate.
What organizations are there I should know about?
International SOS (internationalsos.com)
International SOS offers comprehensive 24-hour physician-backed medical and security assistance, for which members pay a fee. Membership provides access to safety travel advisories, pre-travel itinerary-based recommendations, and computerized medical records.
World Heath Organization (who.int)
The World Health Organization has 193 member states including China. Their website can give you up-to-date reports on disease outbreaks, specific conditions and other information.
What can my embassy help me?
Different embassies will have their own policies but it's likely they will be able to:
Visit you in the hospital
Inform friends and relatives
Help you with translation of documents and doctor consultation
Don't assume they will:
Pay hospital bills or demand payment from your insurance company
Offer legal advice
Store your belongings
What are some popular hospitals in Beijing?
Beijing International SOS
Tel: 010-6462 9112
International standard clinic; 24-hour call center; emergency evacuation service.
Beijing United Family Hospital and clinics
Tel: 010-6433 3960
International standard hospital network; travel medicine; vaccinations and check-ups.
Is there a 24-hour medical emergency number in China?
British citizens can call their consular duty officer on 139 010 1496.
American citizens can call their embassy 24 hours a day on 6532 3831.
For other nationalities please enquire at your embassy.
(Beijing Today by David Drakeford February 1, 2007)