Q:
I'm hoping to travel to China next year for several months. What should I be doing to prepare to go?
A:
Travel to developing countries can entail some health risks that can be minimized by pre-trip preparation. So it's good that you're asking about this ahead of time!
Which immunizations you'll need will depend on your itinerary - especially whether urban or rural - and your activities. Starting six months before your trip allows for optimal immunization against hepatitis A and B. Fairly adequate immunization for these and other diseases can be achieved if you have six weeks before traveling.
Other immunizations to consider for China include typhoid, polio, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and routine immunizations such as tetanus, diphtheria, measles and flu. These immunizations are available from our travel clinic or other travel clinics in the area. A travel clinic visit also provides you with lots of information on avoiding diseases spread by mosquitoes, food and water borne illnesses and other health hazards. You may need prescriptions for preventing malaria and treating travelers' diarrhea.
Pre-trip preparation can help ensure a safer and more pleasurable experience
abroad. If you have questions or want to make an appointment, you can call
the Student Health Center travel clinic at 650-3400.
~The Doc
