Hong Kong & Bangkok vaccinations

psychopathbabble

Hi all,

I'm not seeking medical advice, just any suggestions that you may have that I can look into.

It's probably a bit late to be asking but it never occurred to me before... oops.

I'm travelling to Hong Kong in 2 weeks, then onto Bangkok for a few days.

Any ideas of what vaccinations I should have had? I've been looking at the fit4travel site and I'm fairly sure I don't need anti-malaria drugs. However, we are doing a tour out of BKK with elephants and going into the river Kwai so not sure if this makes a difference.

I'm thinking that we should take some kind of pro-biotic to try to help our stomachs, but is there anything else you can suggest? I will also have plenty of anti-bac gel for hands.

Thanks in advance

Incapuppy

psychopathbabble wrote: »

Any ideas of what vaccinations I should have had?

If you have been looking at the fitfortravel website that should have up to date advice on it but you could check with your practice nurse to be sure.

totallybored

Incapuppy wrote: »

If you have been looking at the fitfortravel website that should have up to date advice on it but you could check with your practice nurse to be sure.

My practice nurse had to google the fit for travel website! My surgery advertises a travel clinic too.

I think it recommends Hep A for HK but I'd not had it done to travel there before.

psychopathbabble

Thanks guys

I just called my surgery as they are still open which I didn't realise and I have to fill in a form to send them them. Fingers crossed I don't need anything major!

Voyager2002

Please don't use that anti-bacterial gel. Just use plenty of soap and water, and look up advice on thorough hand-washing.

dickydonkin

Voyager2002 wrote: »

Please don't use that anti-bacterial gel. Just use plenty of soap and water, and look up advice on thorough hand-washing.

And don't drink the tap water in BKK!

Doshwaster

Voyager2002 wrote: »

Please don't use that anti-bacterial gel. Just use plenty of soap and water, and look up advice on thorough hand-washing.

I know some people have issues with the use of these anti-bac gels in terms of the development of superbugs but sometimes they can be a useful backup. One of the problems in Thailand (especially outside of Bangkok) is that toilet facilities can sometimes be very basic and carrying one of these gels in your bag is better than nothing.

Stan_Here

Take some Imodium for the squirts. Just in case. Bottled water is very widely available in Thailand so you shouldnt have a problem with water, but if not available, drink well known soft drinks and never drink tap water. Also avoid ice in drinks as you dont know if it has come from the tap.

You probably wont be able to take pro-biotics with you due to the fluid/flight rules and I would avoid buying them abroad as you dont know whether they are genuine or fakes. I had 4 weeks in Thailand all over the country and had no problems with the trots but had Imodium just in case.

You may not be in malaria areas but there are still mozzies. Some people (me) get eaten alive other dont. I took a special piezo electrical clicker, available from Boots I think and when you get a bite, you put the end over the bite and click a couple of times and it stops the itching. It is the itching and subsequent scratching that prolongs the bite and very often causes it to bleed and then get infected.

Doshwaster

Stan_Here wrote: »

Take some Imodium for the squirts. Just in case. Bottled water is very widely available in Thailand so you shouldnt have a problem with water, but if not available, drink well known soft drinks and never drink tap water. Also avoid ice in drinks as you dont know if it has come from the tap.

Good advice. Bottled water is very cheap and can be got for less than 10p in convenience stores. Given the heat and humidity it's always wise to carry a bottle with you at all times.

No matter how careful you are a dose of "Bangkok Belly" is likely to happen sooner or later. Taking some anti-squits tablets with you is a good idea in case the symptoms start at 4am (which they always do!). Usually taking the next day easy and drinking lots of fluids will cure thing quickly.

Ice in most bars and restaurants is usually made from purified water, either onsite or delivered, and is usually safe but if you are in any doubt then skip it.