Before visiting China you should consult your doctor regarding the recommended vaccinations. The World Health Organization recommends that travelers to China have diphtheria and tetanus, hepatitis A and B, MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), typhoid, and varicella (if you haven’t already had chicken pox).

Malaria is still present in some of the rural areas of the southwestern regions (predominantly those bordering Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) and precautions are advisable if visiting these areas. General measures for Malaria prevention include use of topical repellents, mosquito netting, and avoiding standing water. Wearing long sleeved, light weight clothing is also helpful.

Rabies among animals is more common in China than in other countries and you should discuss the need for a vaccination with your doctor. Do your best to avoid contact with dogs, no matter how cute or friendly they seem.

Do not drink the tap water. Bottles of filtered water are available at supermarkets and small shops. They cost about 40 cents each.

Traveler’s diarrhea is caused by bacteria found in contaminated food and water. If the local water is not safe you should take precautions. Your travel health care provider can provide you with two prescriptions (Ciproflaxin and Lomotil) that will help if you do get diarrhea. Most of all use common sense when eating and enjoy the cuisine.

Visitors to areas of high altitude such as Tibet, Qinghai and Xinjiang should be aware of the symptoms and dangers of altitude sickness and if possible take time to acclimatize to these heights. Travelers to these areas should drink sufficient amounts of water or isotonic fluids and limit their alcohol intake. If symptoms persist after two or three days, consult a doctor.

We also recommend you carry with you a small supply of basic health care medication such as travel sickness tablets, anti-diarrhea tablets, insect repellent, sun creams and a general purpose antibiotic. Although most of these items are available in China, the security provided by brands one is used to is reassuring.

We strongly recommend that all travelers be properly insured for the holiday. If you have taken your own travel insurance, please check that it includes repatriation costs.