China Health Risks

We're doing Voyager Hong Kong to Beijing in March. Does anyone recommend particular vaccinations to deal with any special health risks relating to China, Japan or Korea, which are the ports on this trip?

We're doing Voyager Hong Kong to Beijing in March. Does anyone recommend particular vaccinations to deal with any special health risks relating to China, Japan or Korea, which are the ports on this trip?

You should get your doctor to refer you to a travel health specialist with the latest information. But these are not third-world countries.

We're doing Voyager Hong Kong to Beijing in March. Does anyone recommend particular vaccinations to deal with any special health risks relating to China, Japan or Korea, which are the ports on this trip?

None.

Been many times no shots were required. As was mentioned these are not third world countries.

If you have not had your hepatitis A and B vaccines, you should get them. No other vaccinations needed, as the main health risks in china are from the air pollution and eating raw foods or drinking tap water. Just stick with bottled water, avoid salads and other raw food, and you should be fine. You have no control over the air though.

It really depends on where you are going in China. I was in China in a few months ago and it was recommended that I get a number of vaccinations (Hep A & B which I already had) but also Typhoid.

I highly recommend that you do not rely on advise from this board and consult a travel doctor.

Been to those places many times, nothing special needs to be done. Ask your Doctor what they think would be good for you. Than you you get to those places use common sense and you'll be OK. Enjoy the cruise.

About the air, many residents wear a respirator mask, which can be as simple as a painter's mask.

I did not, but my throat did feel soar in Beijing because of the bad air.

Just a quick "FYI" - RachaelG is a physician. Unless you have some special health issues, I would pay attention to her suggestions.

I am sure Rachel is fine physician, but it is still best to discuss with your own physician and discuss where in China you are going. Are you really saying someone should get their medical advise from a forum?

I don't think anyone is suggesting that the information volunteered on the forum is "final" - particularly related to health issues - those need to be discussed with one's own doctor who knows what each person particular situation is.

Having said that, this is a very good place to start. And to have people like RachelG is a big asset. (Thank you Rachel! And all the others who help)

Peggy

Ray and I have spent almost 2 months in China on land.

Take Rachel's recommendations if you are in any hotel that isn't a 6* or better....Also do not brush your teeth with tap water in any place. I also keep my mouth closed when taking a shower( I know Jackie and Peggy that's hard to believe).

As to vacinations, we maintain ours all the time.....especially the Hep A & B shots as well as the rabies shot.

As the say, check with your own family doctor. I am a firm believer that having your vacinations, flu shots, Pneumonia and Shingle shots is a great part of how we can travel without having any illnesses, so far, knock on wood!

One more thing, drink lots of liqueur as alcohol sterilizes everything..

Cheers, Pat

Hi Pat,

It has been too long since we cruised together (we gave up Trivia because you aren't on our team):o

I can definitely identify with taking a shower with my mouth closed. There are several countries that we have been to on land vacations where we could not drink the water.

Really hope that you consider Regent's Explorer -- it is truly a beautiful ship with great food!

Jackie

LynnRuns: In terms of RachelG's recommendations, I specifically said "Unless you have some special health issues..................". Obviously one cannot take medical advice on a public forum but it is helpful and appreciated when a knowledgeable person gives advice.

You have been given good advice about some of the vaccinations and to still seek out a health professional. As Peggy mentioned Cruise Critic is a nice start but none of us know your health history.

I always think it is important to ensure that all of your vaccinations are up to date whether or not you travel but this is a good opportunity to do that.

You have also been given good advice about foods to avoid and about the water situation.

If you have any breathing issues China can be a challenge because of its pollution. In both Mainland China and also in Hong Kong some refer to it as fog but our experience is that it is mainly pollution. If you have bad allergies I would also discuss with your physician. My wife does not use an inhaler very often except when allergies get bad and it came in handy in China.

When the pollution is bad and you are out for awhile you might return to the ship thinking you are getting sick.

These are wonderful areas of the world. Japan will by far be the most organized.

Keith

I'm surprised no one mentioned the basics like tetanus, whooping cough, and pneumonia if over 60 or have respiratory problems. Best advice is to have your doctor refer you to a travel health specialist who can review your overall health, current immunizations, and itinerary and offer an informed professional opinion based on those criteria.

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ducklite, tetanus is just one of a few vaccinations that fall under "make sure your vaccinations are up to date" category.

For adults, PCV13 (pneumonia vaccination) is recommended at age 65.

I often recommend seeing a travel health expert but for these three countries I really think that ones regular physician is sufficient but certainly that is an option.

Keith

ducklite, tetanus is just one of a few vaccinations that fall under "make sure your vaccinations are up to date" category.

 

For adults, PCV13 (pneumonia vaccination) is recommended at age 65.

 

I often recommend seeing a travel health expert but for these three countries I really think that ones regular physician is sufficient but certainly that is an option.

 

Keith

I had the PPSV23 at 50 as I am asthmatic. My GP suggests it at 60 for all adults. I think we can both agree that the starting point would be the GP, and if they feel it is warranted, a travel medicine physician by referral.

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I had the PPSV23 at 50 as I am asthmatic. My GP suggests it at 60 for all adults. I think we can both agree that the starting point would be the GP, and if they feel it is warranted, a travel medicine physician by referral.

 

 

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Yes, an example of why we begin with our own physician.

Keith