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Health in Vietnam Travel health really depends on your pre-departure preparation and your health care while traveling. Although the potential dangers can seem very worrisome, in reality, there are only few travelers have got anything more than an upset stomach. Before departure, it is very important that you visit a doctor or specialist travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks earlier to allow time for the course of vaccinations (to allow time for shots to take effects). In fact, there is no vaccination required for the Vietnam entry (except for the yellow fever if you will be traveling in infected areas) but it is recommended especially for those who are traveling with children or infants. Some suggested vaccinations are Hepatitis A, B, E, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, and Typhoid. Another ways to ensure your safety is to bring your own necessary medications as know that, in Vietnam, hospitals or clinics are limited only in major towns or cities in all provinces and most of them are lacking of sufficient medications. Ascertain to bring enough medicines to last through your trip and carry them with you rather than trusting it to checked luggage (optionally, you may bring double supply of medications in different bags). It is advisable to carry extra prescription sheets written by your doctor in case you need refills during the trip and to show custom the proof of medication's identity. Always check for the expiration dates on all medications and if possible remember to bring an anti-diarrhea medication as you may need it. Additionally, consult with your medical insurance company prior to departure to confirm whether the insurance policy applies oversea and whether it covers emergency expenses. Uninsured travelers who require medical care oversea often face difficulties as most hospitals and doctors in Vietnam expect immediate cash payment before providing services. When discuss with your insurer, double-check whether payment will be made to the overseas health care provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. After preparing for all precautions, you are ready to set off. However, maintaining your health care all the time of traveling in Vietnam will ensure your safety and traveling fulfillment. In tropical climate it is easy to get run down so one of the keys is to get your resistance high by getting enough rest, drinking a lot of water and eat well. Nevertheless, avoid drinking from tap water as it might contaminate and possibly cause you vomiting, diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid. Try to drink water from a sealed bottle otherwise boil it first. Look carefully for fresh, clean and cooked food for your meals which are easily found in good quality restaurants. These are unnecessarily expensive, Western-style restaurants, for example, steaming bowls of pho soup at a street stall where food is cooked in front of you are also acceptable. It is a good idea to keep away from shellfish, salads, raw vegetables and peeled fruits unless peeled by you. Avoid drinking unpasteurized milk as well as daily products that are likely to have been made from unpasteurized milk. Powdered and tinned milk is advised for an alternative. Malaria is present but it is avoidable. Urban areas, the Red River Delta and the coastal plains north of Nha Trang are considered relatively safe. The risk is highest in the southern provinces of Ca Mau and Bac Lieu, highland and rural areas where Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous strain of malaria, is prevalent. Therefore if you happen to be around these areas, take any anti-malarial tablets for prevention. Also, Malaria is preventable by not getting bitten in the first place. As mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, you should wear long sleeves, trousers and socks, and avoid dark colors and perfumes (which likely attract mosquitoes). Applying repellent to any exposed skin is also helpful. Note that sprays or lotions containing around 40% DEET (Diethyltoluamide) are the most effective, however, it is toxic and must be kept away from eyes and wounds, also not recommended for children. This article is authored
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