Malaria Treatment FAQ:
I’m sorry I bother you vietnam people so often… I have so many questions m(_ _)m
I’ll probably be in Saigon (including Mekong area), Nha Trang, Hue, Hanoi, Halong Bay and then cross the border into China from Dong Dang. Are any of those places health risks for malaria or anything else (already planning on getting a hepatitis A shot)
I’m sorry I bother you vietnam people so often… I have so many questions m(_ _)m
I’ll probably be in Saigon (including Mekong area), Nha Trang, Hue, Hanoi, Halong Bay and then cross the border into China from Dong Dang. Are any of those places health risks for malaria or anything else (already planning on getting a hepatitis A shot)
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Good question to ask your doctor. They should be up-to-date on these things.
Probably wouldn’t hurt to do SOMETHING!!!
Adult Immunization Schedule
(Anyone over 18 years old)
Vaccines for adults include
Tetanus-Diphtheria Vaccine (all adults, every 10 years)
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine (adults 50 and older)
Pneumococcal Vaccine (adults 65 and older)
Hepatitis B Vaccine (adults at risk)
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Vaccine (susceptible adults)
Varicella (chickenpox) Vaccine (susceptible adults)
Vaccines for travelers (see CDC travel web site for specifics)
Yes! It is always an extremely good idea to prepare for any and all eventualities, no matter how insignificant (or in this case, not so) the probability may be. Malaria is all-but unheard of in the western world, but it has not yet been contained in Vietnam or most parts of SE Asia.
Since you’ll have to visit the doctor for the hepatitis A vaccine anyway, you can ask him or her if there is anything else you need to worry about.
Vietnam and most tropical regions are endemic areas for malaria. It would be wise to get malarial tablets before entering the area. You only have to take tablets for one week before entering the area, and when you come back. Your physician can give you specific recommendations, but I would definately take it since it isn’t expensive and can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. Also while travelling it would probably be good for you to take anti diarrheals, and also some antacid.
Yes, see your doctor, you may need a typhoid shot too. Just tell them where you are going. If you have fair skin, make sure you cover up well with sunscreen. Malaria tablets make you extra sensitive to sunlight and I got burnt to a crisp when I was on them.
DEFINITELY get your Hep shot. I was cruising with some Australian med students in Ha Long Bay, and they told me that hepatitis is second only to motorcycle accidents in the patients they receive in the hospital in Ha Noi.
I had malaria pills with me during my last trip, but I didn’t take them because I forgot to. It’s a very good idea to take them because you WILL get bit by all kinds of six legged flying creatures. Remember to take them though.
Take a lot of insect repellent. If you run out, try to eat a lot of garlic. You and your breath are going to smell awful, but the bugs will avoid you.
YES, Definelty get Malaria pills for Vietnam…. The place has so mnay mosquitos… Bugs and rats int eh hotel rooms too
my brother was in the war in Vietnam and he got malaria so i would say yes to be on the safe side.
If I were you, I’d get all the shots I could possibly get prior to going to Vietnam incl. malaria.
)
Since you’re there, keep handy with you some strong dose of anti-diarrhea medication, too (It’s always a ‘must’ to me. I haven’t a glue of what’s the problem to my stomach every time I’ve been back there. I was okay then growing up eating food & drinking water there. It must have changed on me after years of living in the States ?!)
Believe me: better have it and not need it, than need it and not have it !
There are hospitals in Vietnam where you can seek medical advice in English such as the Pasture Institute, and the American-run Columbia hospital in Saigon. Besides, most professional doctors in Vietnam speak sufficiently English. So, don’t lose any sleep over any of this.
By the way, could you just stop apologizing “to the Vietnamese people” should you post a question ? It isn’t troublesome at all for us to share with you what we know about Vietnam. in facts, we’re glad we can help, okay ?
We (I know I’m speaking for most Vietnamese) find your apologies ‘very, very’ bothersome…(just kidding…
Good luck & take care !
….would you go already…!??!? lol take Imodium, and a wide spectrum anti biotic [ if you can get a dr. to prescribe one] just in case . motion sickness pills can be gotten there… i also bring “prednozone “, just in case my asthma acts up bad. and i bring a lot of good cold and flu remedies [ alkaselzer cold and flu , alkesalser plus etc.] no shots especialy if your just doing the tourset route….. go already and enjoi… you owe us all post cards…lol oh yeah, a small btl of asprine if you plan on a lot of night life… be healthy before you go, drink lots of water ,[no alcohol ever on a plane… you’ll be fine…. some bug spray…easily the most risky place you’ll be will be the plane ride over… be healthy before you get on..
I think you should.
It’s rainy season now & there r more mosquitoes than ever. Moreover, where you r getting to places has many lakes & waters…
Beware of Malaria meds. Many people have mental issues from them. Most travelers that I know simply take some with them and take after getting Malaria.
I hve lived in the region for several years and have never gotten Malaria. But know other expats that have.
There are meds available in this country more readily available and cheaper than in the west.
BTW, Malaria is really only an issue in what most would term “jungle” areas. The cities do not have Malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Dengue, on the other hand, is a whole other issue.