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SUMMARY OF MEDICAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHINA

This information is provided by a medical worker who has lived in Asia many years. Many of these drugs have side affects. Please consult your doctor and discuss possible adverse reactions.

Immunizations --  immunizations should be obtained before you travel to Asia. The following are strongly recommended for all going on a short-term (2 weeks to 6 months) or long-term trip (over 6 months),   Make sure booster shots are up to date (within 10 years, especially polio).

1. Tetanus
2. Diphtheria
3. Typhoid
4. Oral Polio vaccine
5. MMR

Hepatitus B immunization: is recommended for long stays in Asia: Optional for 2-4 week trips. (No immunization is needed if you have a positive antibodies test for Hepatitus B.). You can generally take the first two doses before you leave the USA, and get the third dose in Asia for a cheaper price.

Hepatitus A vaccine (Havrix): is strongly recommended for short-term and long-term trips to Asia. (also not necessary if you have a positive antibodies test for Hepatitus A). Havrix gives better protection than gamma-globulin, and is good for longer period of time. Gamma-globulin loses effectiveness over several months and requires that you get shots every several months. Your choice:

Japanese Encephalitus B: strongly recommended. Officially, it is not needed if you spend less than two weeks in the target area, but this has proven to be false. FACT: it is rare for foreigners to get the disease; there is a 40-50% mortality from the disease; almost all survivors have some form of permanent neurological damage. Given under medical supervision at week 1, week 1-2, week 2-4.

Malaria suppressants: Malaria is present in Guizhou and Yunnan Provinces. Use mosquito nets and insect repellant. For short-term trips (2-4 weeks) you should take Aralen (mefloquine) one 250 mg tablet every week, starting 1-2 weeks before arrival and continue 4 weeks after departure.

Medications: Bring an adequate supply of any medication you require. If you have allergies, asthma, or bronchitis, they will be aggravated by the climate and air pollution of China. Bring adequate supply of medication if you have any history of any of these complaints. Also note, mold, dust, and coal smoke are very prevalent in the area.

Additional Recommendations For Those Staying 6 months are Longer

Chest x-ray: generally required for teachers and students in China planning to be in China for over 6 months. Please send in a copy of the radiologists report (not the x-ray films)

AIDS testing: AIDS testing is now required by the Chinese government for all foreigners planning to reside in China for six months or more. This law is strictly enforced, You should have your AIDS testing done before you leave the USA and bring with you a doctor’s certificate that you are free from AIDS. The school may require you to have the test taken again, along with another physical exam. You may be able to persuade the officials that your papers are sufficient, but you will possibly need to have the tests run again to meet their requirements.

Medical Records: If you will be living in China for a longer time, you should have your own medical records in a personal file, including

For continuing medication, list:

Include a weight record, and if no scales, record your waist measurements

Personal medical record should be brought with you. It will be an invaluable source if you require medical treatment.