Staying Healthy and Safe in Thailand

Chiang Mai is a fairly safe city in terms of health and safety. There are petty crimes as any other tourist cities, but the incidences are quite low. However, it is wise to take some precautions. 

Information given here are guidelines only. For medical advice, please consult a doctor. 

Immunisation for travel to Thailand

Some vaccinations require more than one injection, or cannot be given together. Some vaccinations need some time before you get the full benefit. It’s wise to consult a doctor at least 6-8 weeks before your departure.

You may consider getting vaccinations/prevention for the following diseases, but again, please consult your doctor.

• Cholera, Diphtheria & Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Polio, Typhoid, Malaria

For more information: MDtravelhealth page on Thailand:
http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/asia/thailand.php

Medical Supplies

Although medications for common remedies are readily available in Chiang Mai, it is recommended that you bring:

• Your own regular prescription medications
• Asthmatics should ensure they have their medications ready
• Anti-malarial medication (if prescribed by your doctor)
• Anti-diarrhoeal medication
• Insect repellents (with DEET) to help avoid mosquito bites (to prevent Dengue Fever and Malaria)
• Sunscreen
• Epi-pen (for those with history of severe allergic reactions). Note: a lot of Thai food contains peanuts, so you’ll need to take extra care if you have peanut allergies.
• Medications below are readily available in Chiang Mai, however, you may want to bring a small supply.
• Pain/fever medication eg. Paracetamol/acetaminophen, asprin, ibuprofen
• Anti-histamines
• Anti-motion sickness tablets
• Antacid

For more information about putting together a “travel health kit”, please go to this link: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh2-HealthKit.aspxThis list is very comprehensive and you may not want to bring all the things listed.

Points to note to keep you healthy and comfortable while you are here:

Dehydration

Thailand, being a tropical country, can get quite warm, especially during the hot season. You can get dehydrated very quickly if you don’t drink enough fluids.

Young children and the elderly are most at risk.

Symptoms include: dry mouth, nausea & vomiting, muscle cramps, light-headedness, especially on standing. If not treated, dehydration may lead to confusion and weakness, and finally coma.

Prevention: Try to stay out of the sun during the hottest periods of the day. Drink plenty of fluids (like water or sports drink but not caffeinate ones) – 8-10 glasses per day is recommended for adults. Children (4-10year olds) should drink 6-10 glasses of fluids.

Food & Water

Thai food is delicious. However, the food here is possibly very different to what you’d get at home, and in some “local” places, the hygiene standard may not be what you’re used to. Stomach upsets and diarrhoea is not uncommon. Some tips to help prevent this:

• Avoid raw or undercooked shellfish and undercooked meat.
• If the place looks clean and there are lots of patrons, then chances are that you’ll be fine. The food should be freshly cooked and not left to stand around for too long.
• Wash your hands before eating! Also, frequently clean young children’s hands during the day. The warm climate is perfect for bacterial growth and young children tend to like to put hands into their mouths.
• Don’t have too much chilli if you’re not used to eating it! Ask for “mai ped” – not spicy.
• It is not recommended that you drink tap water, but it's OK to brush your teeth with. Bottled drinking water are widely available.
• Make sure your vaccinations are up to date, in this case, for typhoid.

Mosquitoes

The main risk here is Dengue Fever, particularly during the rainy season (July-Oct) when there are a lot of mosquitoes around. There is no malaria risk in Chiang Mai, but may be required if you’re going to rural areas near the border of Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, including Mae Hong Son.

For more information, please check the MDTravelhealth website. 
http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/asia/thailand.html

The Dengue mosquito is most active during the day.

It is recommended that you use insect repellents and keep yourself covered with long, loose light coloured clothing (mosquitoes love dark colours).

Road Safety in Thailand

Thai roads are not safe and motorists often do not obey traffic rules. You need to be very careful when crossing the road, even at pedestrian crossings because cars do not stop for pedestrians. At traffic lights, make sure vehicles stop before you cross the road as cars or motorcycles running the red light is not uncommon.

Rabies

Rabies remains a risk in Thailand, and is contracted through the bites of infected animals (or for example, if an infected dog licks an open wound). There are many street dogs in Thailand, and it is recommended that you avoid getting bitten, and don’t allow children to touch animals (including monkeys). If you have been bitten by an animal, wash the area with soap and water and seek medical advice immediately.