Getting sick is definitely the last thing people would expect for their vacation. But we should not reject the fact that it is a possible situation. For a more enjoyable trip, it is important to know some common diseases in Vietnam and how to prevent them.
Common Diseases in Vietnam and What Cause Them
Some common diseases in Vietnam you may catch include cough, mild fever, stomachache, heatstroke, diarrhea, malaria, dengue fever, and in rarer cases, rabies or blood-transmitted diseases.Before knowing how to prevent them, we can first look into some sources that might cause them.
Stomachache and Diarrhea
Eating Out. Eating out at street food stalls that cooking and serving process doesn’t qualified enough to ensure food safety. It does not mean that you should cross out trying street food in your Vietnam traveling to-do list, but it would be better to read through the reviews online or ask for recommendations from the local before choosing a restaurant or food store.
Drinking Contaminated Water. Is it safe to drink tap water in Vietnam? The answer is no, under any circ*mstances. Also, be careful with the ice that is served with your drinks, it might be made from tap water. This is another reason to look for recommendations about the food safety of a restaurant before actually visiting it.
Tap water in Vietnam can be used for many purposes, except drinking
Cough, Mild Fever, Heatstroke, Malaria, Dengue Fever, and Rabies
Staying Outdoors. Like many other tropical countries, Vietnam receives a large amount of sunlight. Going outdoors for a long time might give you a heatstroke, headache or mild fever.
The intense heat from the sun in Vietnam might cause heat stroke and sunburn
Air pollution from a high volume of vehicles in Vietnam, which make you may also want to consider traveling outdoor with face masks
Getting Bitten By Insects or Animals. Being bitten by insects can make you itchy, red, swollen, or worse: being infected with malaria or dengue fever.Most common types of stray animals in Vietnam are cats and dogs. They might look adorable, but it might not be a good idea to approach them at a close distance.
Blood-transmitted Diseases
Having Minor Surgery. If you are in an emergency of getting a minor surgery in Vietnam like dental work, make sure you choose a prestigious health institution to omit the risk of having blood-transmitted diseases.
Getting Tattoos. You can easily get blood-transmitted diseases when getting a tattoo as when having minor surgery. Check the cleanliness of the needles and sterilized procedures of the parlors.
Widespread Period of United Diseases in Vietnam
Summer and the rainy season is when you may easily get some common diseases. The sunlight in this period can be burning, which might lead to dehydration, and the humid weather is an environment for some insect-transmitted disease outbreak to happen.
How to Prevent Common Diseases in Vietnam
Vaccine.Make sure you have all the necessary shots.Learn more about what vaccinations you need for traveling to Vietnam.
Bring Proper Clothes.Light cotton clothes would make you feel more comfortable and easier to deal with the hot weather. Long-sleeves and well-covered clothes would be ideal if you camping outdoor. Check out top things you should pack for Vietnam.
Only wear your most comfortable clothes during your Vietnam trip
Don’t Forget Insect Repellent with DEET.Put it on as most frequently as you can, even when you sleep and especially when you travel to the Southwest region. Most effective brands can be easily found on Amazon.
Where a Face Mask in Crowded Public Places. air-born viruses and respiratory droplets from a sick person are the last things anyone wants to catch on their travel. Prepare medical face masks upon your trip as you will enter crowded places like the airport.
Be Mindful of the Things You Eat and Drink.The hygiene of the stalls and the freshness of the ingredients are important signs. Readmore tips onhow to avoid food poisoning in Vietnam.
Buy Health Insurance.It might not be the relevant answer to the question “What are the common diseases in Vietnam and how to prevent them”, but in case the unexpected situations happen, all we can hope for is the least loss for ourselves. Get a quote below:
Summary of Common Diseases in Vietnam and How to Prevent Them
Without being careful, you can get some common diseases in Vietnam when eating out, drinking contaminated water, staying outdoors, getting bitten by insects or animals, and having minor surgery. Several diseases are widely spread in the summer and rainy seasons. Getting some vaccinations, bring your suitable clothes and insect spray, and buy qualified health insurance can be helpful.
With our information about common diseases in Vietnam and how to prevent them, you can be more well-prepared for a pleasant trip. Don’t forget to check out our comprehensive travel guides for more useful articles.
