VietNam » Health and Precautions

We are not doctors, and neither you or WomPom can know what you need without you seeing qualified medical help. By this we mean a doctor or nurse, not a pharmacist or a friend who is already taking something.

The following are offered as guidelines for your consideration.

	Special Precautions	Certificate?
Cholera	Yes	Note 1
Malaria	2	Note 2
Polio	3	N/A
Typhoid	3	Note 3
Yellow Fever	Yes	Note 4

Notes:

1.	WHO guidelines issued in 1973, stipulate a cholera vaccination certificate is not an official condition of entry to VietNam. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.
2.	Malaria risk exists throughout the year everywhere except urban areas, the Red River delta and the coastal plains north of Nha Trang.
	The risk highest exists in the southern provinces of Bac Lieu and Ca Mau, and highland areas.
	The malignant falciparum form is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine.
3.	Vaccination against typhoid is advised.
4.	A Yellow Fever vaccination Certificate is required from Travellers over 1 year of age if arriving within 6 days of visiting infected areas.

Food & Drink

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Ha Noi water contains trace amounts of arsenic.

Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled.

Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water.

Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk.

Eat well-cooked meat and fish only, served hot, preferably. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risks. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

No meat should be eaten raw, chicken and chicken products may be infected with salmonella. Chicken flu has been widely reported in all areas of the country during 2003-2004.

Other risks

Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present in the delta of the Mekong River. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are chlorinated and well maintained are safe.

Dengue fever can be epidemic.

Dysentery, both amoebic and bacillary, can occur.

Filariasis is endemic in some rural areas

Hepatitis A, B and E occur; precautions should be taken.

Japanese encephalitis is a risk in Ha Noi and in rural areas. A vaccine is available and Travellers are advised to consult their doctor prior to departure.

Plague rarely occurs.

Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination prior to arrival should be considered. If bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

Trachoma rarely occurs.

Typhoid fever can occur.

Health Care Facilities

There are hospitals in major towns and cities, and health care clinics in all provinces, however facilities are limited everywhere and there is a lack of medicines.
There are advanced, modern facilities in both Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City with special wards set aside for Foreigners.
Health insurance is essential and should include cover for emergency repatriation by air. Immediate cash payment is expected for services.

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Updated 2004AUG13