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HEALTH PROBLEMS
IN VIETNAM
Living in Vietnam doesn’t present a high risk from a
sanitation and health point of view, especially if you
live in the big cities.
Most visitors and Expats only experience an upset stomach,
especially when they just arrive.
Nevertheless, the following information aims to inform
about problems
you can specifically encounter in Vietnam. |
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Drinking
water
in Vietnam
The water system
in urban areas of Vietnam is not safe. You can use the
water to wash your teeth but you should avoid it after a
storm.
Purifying water
with pills can be efficient on bacteria and some virus,
but not on parasites (mostly worms).
filtered water can stop
bacteria and parasites but not viruses.
Avoid the use of
ice in small restaurants.
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Malaria
in Vietnam
this
serious and sometimes fatal disease
caused by mosquito bites, can still be found in some
regions in the South (Extreme south of the Mekong region
except Can Tho, My Tho, and Ca Mau), in forest areas in
center Vietnam (Kon Tum, Play Ku, Dac Lac, Buôn Ma Thuôt,
Dông Xoai, Bao Lôc) and in the North (Sapa, Lao Cai, Son
La, Dien Bien Phu)
Protect yourself by avoiding mosquito
bites: Covering clothing at night time,
mosquito net and mosquito repellent.
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Japanese B
Encephalitis in Vietnam
This is a serious viral infection of
the brain, transmitted by mosquitoes near rural river
areas and pig raising farms. It
can also be found in urban areas, especially in Hanoi
where the rates are among the highest.
High rate of mortality.
Preventive
treatment by vaccination.
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Hepatitis
in Vietnam
Vietnam
present high risks for viral
hepatitis
A, B and C.
Hepatitis
A transmitted by contaminated water and
food is usually not serious and heals spontaneously.
Preventive
treatment by vaccination is
advised for Expats younger than 40.
Hepatitis
B transmitted
through sexual
and blood contact is more
severe. It's a more serious
disease and the probability of getting it is also fairly high:
15% of the South East Asia population
carry the virus.
Preventive
treatment by vaccination.
Hepatitis
C transmitted by blood contact may be a
problem in Vietnam during transfusions
for its not considered when people give
their blood.
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Rabies in
Vietnam
This viral infection is transmitted by
bite or even a lick from contaminated animals such as dogs,
cats or monkeys. It is potentially fatal.
Preventive
treatment by antirabies
vaccination.
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HIV and
AIDS in Vietnam
The epidemic spreads significantly because
of the increase in the sex business in South East Asia.
20% of the people involved in this activity in Ho Chi Minh
City are considered infected by HIV.
Therefore avoiding sex contact without
condom should be an absolute necessity, including during
oral sex.
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Swimming
Beaches on the
sea shores are sometimes dangerous because of
contaminated dogs (intestinal worms of the dog can go
through your skin). You should sit on the humid sand swept
by the waves rather than on the dry sand.
Avoid
swimming in rivers if you don't want to be contaminated by
bacteria and other parasites.
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Health Care
in Vietnam
Very
modern hospitals have opened their doors in the big cities,
especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
They can handle serious problems.
For basic care, especially concerning eyes and dental
problems, a lot of places can provide you now with
international standard care at a low price
Medicines
in Vietnam
Pharmacies in Vietnam are sufficiently numerous and well equipped so that you don’t need to pack your bags with a
lot of medicines. But, if you have some extras or if you
are afraid you won't find those you need here, you are
allowed to bring with you some medicines in “acceptable”
quantity. You will have to declare it at the customs when
you arrive. (Customs may be tough with you if they find
that you do some drug/illegal medicines business).
Health insurance
in
Vietnam
Your
health insurance may not apply here. Check with the
administration to find out.
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