Don’t you just love the Olympics? The Summer Olympics present an opportunity to see the youth of the world competing at the highest levels of athleticism and sportsmanship. This summer, it also presents an opportunity to contract some really world-class diseases if you go to the Beijing for the competitions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is there to help, though. They have a Web site dedicated to helping you prepare physically for your trip to China. Here are 10 health risks and preventative measures the CDC suggests you take before heading out to Beijing (we hope you’re not needle-shy):
Hepatitis A — Get vaccinated (2 shots), eat foods that are fully cooked and served hot, drink beverages that have been bottled and sealed (water, carbonated drinks, or sports drinks).
Hepatitis B — get vaccinated (3 shots), use condoms if you have sex, avoid sharing needles or getting tattoos.
Typhoid Fever — Get vaccinated with one shot or take pills (4 doses), eat foods that are fully cooked and served hot, drink beverages that have been bottled and sealed (water, carbonated drinks, or sports drinks).
Japanese Encephalitis — Get vaccinated (3 shots) if you are going to be in China more than 30 days or are planning to spend time outside in rural areas, prevent mosquito bites by using an insect repellent containing DEET and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, if you are sleeping outdoors or in a room with no window screens, use an insecticide-treated bed net.
Malaria — If you are going to a malaria risk area, take medicine to prevent malaria. There are several medicines available; talk to your doctor about which one is right for you. You will start the medicine before you go to a malaria risk area, take it while you are there, and continue taking it after you leave the risk area. Prevent mosquito bites: Use an insect repellent containing DEET and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. If you are sleeping outdoors or in a room with no window screens, use an insecticide-treated bed net.
Influenza (Bird & Seasonal) — Do not touch birds (alive or dead), do not go to poultry farms or live bird markets, only eat poultry that has been fully cooked, wash your hands and utensils after handling raw poultry, get a flu vaccine to avoid seasonal flu.
Rabies — Do not touch animals, even pets, as they might not be vaccinated as they are in the United States. If you get an animal bite or scratch, go to a hospital or doctor’s office immediately. If you are going to spend a lot of time outside or in rural areas, consider getting rabies vaccine (3 shots). Important: Even if you get the vaccine, you will still need to see a doctor right away if you are bitten or scratched.
Schistosomiasis — Swim only in chlorinated pools, avoid swimming, wading or participating in activities in fresh water; get tested if you do go in fresh water — even if you do not feel sick. Once you come home, see an infectious disease doctor or tropical medicine doctor to find out if you were infected. If you were infected, take medicine to stop the infection.
Traveler’s Diarrhea — Eat only fully cooked food that is served hot or fruits and vegetables you can wash and peel yourself, drink beverages that have been bottled and sealed (water, carbonated drinks, or sports drinks), wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand gel before you eat or prepare a meal.
Breathing Problems — If you have asthma or another lung problem, see your doctor before you go to China. You may need to take extra medicine to control your symptoms. If you have coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing while you are in China, see a health-care provider right away. If possible, plan outdoor activities early in the day in areas with no traffic.
