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Health Information for Travelers to China

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Karol Castaneda

Vaccines and safe food and water are important when traveling to China. Travelers should get recommended vaccines, only eat fully cooked food, drink bottled water, and avoid tap water. They should also use insect repellent and cover exposed skin to prevent bug bites. Medical evacuation insurance is suggested in case of emergencies. After returning home, see a doctor if feeling unwell and mention any animal bites during travel.

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Health Information for Travelers to China
1. Vaccines and Medicines 2. Stay Healthy and Safe 3. Healthy Travel Packing List 4. Travel Health Notices 5. After Your Trip More information can be found at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/china List
1. Vaccines and Medicines
Vaccines and Medicines Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4- 6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
Health Information for Travelers to China
Health Information for Travelers to China
Health Information for Travelers to China
2. Stay Healthy and Safe
Eat Safely Eat ¨‘Food that is cooked and served hot ¨‘Hard-cooked eggs ¨‘Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself ¨‘Pasteurized dairy products Don¡¯t Eat ¨‘Food served at room temperature ¨‘Food from street vendors ¨‘Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs ¨‘Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish ¨‘Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables ¨‘Unpasteurized dairy products ¨‘¡±Bushmeat¡± (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink Safely Drink ¨‘Bottled water that is sealed ¨‘Water that has been disinfected ¨‘Ice made with bottled or disinfected water ¨‘Carbonated drinks ¨‘Hot coffee or tea ¨‘Pasteurized milk Don¡¯t Drink ¨‘Tap or well water ¨‘Ice made with tap or well water ¨‘Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice) ¨‘Unpasteurized milk Tap water is not drinkable in China. Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Prevent Bug Bites Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in China. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites. What can I do to prevent bug bites? ¨‘Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats. ¨‘Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below). ¨‘Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin. ¨‘Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms. What type of insect repellent should I use? ¨‘FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours. ¨‘FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Use products with one of the following active ingredients: ?DEET (https://www.epa.gov/pesticides) ?Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
Stay Safe Outdoors If your travel plans in China include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip: ¨‘Wear the right clothes and pack bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit. ?Eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating. ¨‘Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.¨C4 p.m.). (https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm). Stay safe around water ¨‘Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches. ¨‘Do not dive into shallow water. ¨‘Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor. ¨‘Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick. Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in China. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Keep away from Animals Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies. Follow these tips to protect yourself: ¨‘Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know. ¨‘Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth. ¨‘Avoid rodents and their urine and feces. ¨‘If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately: ¨‘Wash the wound with soap and clean water. ¨‘Go to a doctor right away. ¨‘Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling: ¨‘Wash your hands often, especially before eating. ¨‘If soap and water aren¡¯t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol). ¨‘Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. ¨‘Try to avoid contact with people who are sick. ¨‘If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care. Reduce your Exposure to Germs
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen. Protect yourself: ¨‘Use latex condoms correctly. ¨‘Do not inject drugs. ¨‘Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated. ¨‘Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. ¨‘If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized. Avoid Sharing Body Fluids
Know How to Get Medical Care while Traveling ¨‘Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination. ¨‘Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance. ¨‘Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take. ¨‘Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call China¡¯s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you. ¨‘Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Select Safe Transportation Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries. ¨‘In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes. Walking Be smart when you are traveling on foot. ¨‘Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks. ¨‘Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas. ¨‘Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Select Safe Transportation- Riding/Driving Choose a safe vehicle: ¨‘Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses. ¨‘Ride only in cars that have seatbelts. ¨‘Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans. ¨‘Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.) Think about the driver: ¨‘Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking. ¨‘Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area. ¨‘Arrange payment before departing. Follow basic safety tips: ¨‘Wear a seatbelt at all times. ¨‘Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis. ¨‘When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.) ¨‘Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of China may be poor. ¨‘Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Select Safe Transportation Flying ¨‘Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft. ¨‘If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections. ¨‘Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather. Medical Evacuation Insurance ¨‘If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons. (https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/e n/go/health/insurance- providers.html#insurance)
3. Healthy Travel Packing List
Maintain Personal Security To call for emergency services while in China, dial 999 (Beijing) or 120 (Shanghai) for an ambulance, 119 for the fire department, and 110 for the police. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip. Before you leave ¨‘Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture. ¨‘Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State. ¨‘Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace. While at your destination(s) ¨‘Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate. ¨‘Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel. ¨‘Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry. ¨‘Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas. ¨‘If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
¨‘Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for China for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you. (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/china/traveler/packing-list) Healthy Travel Packing List Prescription medicines Medical supplies Over-the-counter medicines Supplies to prevent illness or injury Health insurance card
During Your Stay: ¨‘Failure to register with the police within 24 hours of arrival in the country could result in fines and deportation. You can register with hotel staff or the local police station. ¨‘Carry your valid U.S. passport and Chinese visa or residence permit at all times. ¨‘Entry and exit requirements are strictly enforced, as are restrictions on activities allowed by any particular visa class. If you encounter problems in Tibet, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide assistance, as the Chinese government does not usually authorize U.S. government personnel to travel there, even to provide consular assistance to U.S. citizens.
4. Travel Health Notices
Be aware of current health issues in China. Learn how to protect yourself. Travel Health Notices
5. After Your Trip
¨‘If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling. ¨‘If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick. ¨‘Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history. ¨‘For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel. (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/getting-sick-after-travel) After Your Trip
Stay safe & have fun!

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Health Information for Travelers to China

  • 2. 1. Vaccines and Medicines 2. Stay Healthy and Safe 3. Healthy Travel Packing List 4. Travel Health Notices 5. After Your Trip More information can be found at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/china List
  • 4. Vaccines and Medicines Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4- 6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
  • 9. Eat Safely Eat ¨‘Food that is cooked and served hot ¨‘Hard-cooked eggs ¨‘Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself ¨‘Pasteurized dairy products Don¡¯t Eat ¨‘Food served at room temperature ¨‘Food from street vendors ¨‘Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs ¨‘Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish ¨‘Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables ¨‘Unpasteurized dairy products ¨‘¡±Bushmeat¡± (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
  • 10. Drink Safely Drink ¨‘Bottled water that is sealed ¨‘Water that has been disinfected ¨‘Ice made with bottled or disinfected water ¨‘Carbonated drinks ¨‘Hot coffee or tea ¨‘Pasteurized milk Don¡¯t Drink ¨‘Tap or well water ¨‘Ice made with tap or well water ¨‘Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice) ¨‘Unpasteurized milk Tap water is not drinkable in China. Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
  • 11. Prevent Bug Bites Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in China. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites. What can I do to prevent bug bites? ¨‘Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats. ¨‘Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below). ¨‘Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin. ¨‘Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms. What type of insect repellent should I use? ¨‘FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours. ¨‘FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Use products with one of the following active ingredients: ?DEET (https://www.epa.gov/pesticides) ?Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
  • 12. Stay Safe Outdoors If your travel plans in China include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip: ¨‘Wear the right clothes and pack bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit. ?Eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating. ¨‘Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.¨C4 p.m.). (https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm). Stay safe around water ¨‘Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches. ¨‘Do not dive into shallow water. ¨‘Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor. ¨‘Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick. Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in China. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
  • 13. Keep away from Animals Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies. Follow these tips to protect yourself: ¨‘Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know. ¨‘Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth. ¨‘Avoid rodents and their urine and feces. ¨‘If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately: ¨‘Wash the wound with soap and clean water. ¨‘Go to a doctor right away. ¨‘Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
  • 14. Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling: ¨‘Wash your hands often, especially before eating. ¨‘If soap and water aren¡¯t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol). ¨‘Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. ¨‘Try to avoid contact with people who are sick. ¨‘If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care. Reduce your Exposure to Germs
  • 15. Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen. Protect yourself: ¨‘Use latex condoms correctly. ¨‘Do not inject drugs. ¨‘Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated. ¨‘Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. ¨‘If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized. Avoid Sharing Body Fluids
  • 16. Know How to Get Medical Care while Traveling ¨‘Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination. ¨‘Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance. ¨‘Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take. ¨‘Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call China¡¯s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you. ¨‘Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
  • 17. Select Safe Transportation Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries. ¨‘In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes. Walking Be smart when you are traveling on foot. ¨‘Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks. ¨‘Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas. ¨‘Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
  • 18. Select Safe Transportation- Riding/Driving Choose a safe vehicle: ¨‘Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses. ¨‘Ride only in cars that have seatbelts. ¨‘Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans. ¨‘Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.) Think about the driver: ¨‘Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking. ¨‘Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area. ¨‘Arrange payment before departing. Follow basic safety tips: ¨‘Wear a seatbelt at all times. ¨‘Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis. ¨‘When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.) ¨‘Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of China may be poor. ¨‘Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • 19. Select Safe Transportation Flying ¨‘Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft. ¨‘If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections. ¨‘Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather. Medical Evacuation Insurance ¨‘If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons. (https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/e n/go/health/insurance- providers.html#insurance)
  • 21. Maintain Personal Security To call for emergency services while in China, dial 999 (Beijing) or 120 (Shanghai) for an ambulance, 119 for the fire department, and 110 for the police. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip. Before you leave ¨‘Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture. ¨‘Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State. ¨‘Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace. While at your destination(s) ¨‘Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate. ¨‘Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel. ¨‘Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry. ¨‘Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas. ¨‘If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
  • 22. ¨‘Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for China for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you. (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/china/traveler/packing-list) Healthy Travel Packing List Prescription medicines Medical supplies Over-the-counter medicines Supplies to prevent illness or injury Health insurance card
  • 23. During Your Stay: ¨‘Failure to register with the police within 24 hours of arrival in the country could result in fines and deportation. You can register with hotel staff or the local police station. ¨‘Carry your valid U.S. passport and Chinese visa or residence permit at all times. ¨‘Entry and exit requirements are strictly enforced, as are restrictions on activities allowed by any particular visa class. If you encounter problems in Tibet, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide assistance, as the Chinese government does not usually authorize U.S. government personnel to travel there, even to provide consular assistance to U.S. citizens.
  • 25. Be aware of current health issues in China. Learn how to protect yourself. Travel Health Notices
  • 27. ¨‘If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling. ¨‘If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick. ¨‘Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history. ¨‘For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel. (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/getting-sick-after-travel) After Your Trip