Health Risks in Vietnam

Precautions to health dangers should be taken prior to your travel to any destination. In Vietnam, the health risks include Hepatitis A and E, typhoid fever, Japanese encephalitis cholera and HIV/AIDS. For those traveling outside the main cities, the existence of Malaria and Dengue should also be noted.

Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne disease. This is common among domestic pigs and wild birds, but transmission to humans is possible. Vaccinations can certainly prevent this disease.

Vietnam is a tropical country, although some parts have four seasons, and so many kinds of insect carrying diseases exist. Mosquito repellants are vital to avoid Malaria or Dengue, especially when going outdoors. Malaria is mostly present in the rural areas of Vietnam except in Red River Delta and the coast of Nha Trang.

Avian Influenza has also been confirmed to have caused deaths in a number of countries including Vietnam. There are antiviral medicines that can be taken, but this should be under the prescription of a doctor.

The number of people living in Vietnam that have contracted HIV is continually increasing. The spread of the disease is most common among the intravenous drug users. In addition, another emerging epidemic being associated with HIV is Tuberculosis (TB). This is because HIV increases the vulnerability to TB.

As pollution is high in this country, wearing gas masks, especially in the urban areas, is recommended. The most common diseases among travelers are those caused by contaminated food and water. Diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration that could be serious if no immediate action is taken. It is important to avoid drinking tap water and eating food from unreliable sources.

It is advisable to have a comprehensive international health insurance plan to avoid giving out immediate cash payments during emergencies. Pacific Prime is an expatriate insurance broker that can help you with your insurance needs.