Rough Guide to Vietnam - Jan Dodd [14]
For protection against hepatitis A, which is spread by contaminated food and water, the vaccine is expensive but extremely effective – an initial injection followed by a booster after six to twelve months provides immunity for up to ten years. Hepatitis B, like the HIV virus, can be passed on through unprotected sexual contact, blood transfusions and dirty needles. The very effective vaccine (three injections over six months) is recommended for anyone in a high-risk category, including those travelling extensively in rural areas for prolonged periods, with access to only basic medical care. It’s also now possible – and cheaper – to have a combined vaccination against both hepatitis A and B: the course comprises three injections over six months.
The risks of contracting Japanese encephalitis are extremely small, but, as the disease is untreatable, those travelling for a month or more in the countryside, especially in the north during and soon after the summer rainy season (June–Nov), should consider immunization. The course consists of two or three injections over a month with the last dose administered at least ten days before departure. Note that it is not recommended for those with liver, heart or kidney disorders, or for multiple-allergy sufferers. If your plans include long stays in remote areas your doctor may also recommend vaccination against meningitis (a single shot) and rabies.
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Health | Before you go | Vaccinations |
Avian flu
Avian flu or bird flu is a contagious disease normally limited to birds and, less commonly, pigs. However, the virus can spread to humans by direct contact with infected poultry or with contaminated surfaces. In the 2004–05 outbreak in Vietnam of the highly contagious H5N1 strain of the disease, there were around sixty confirmed cases involving humans, of which some forty were fatal, according to the World Health Organization. The vast majority of people infected had direct contact with diseased birds. Since the initial outbreak, a further forty or so cases have been reported, the most recent in February 2009.
Evidence of human-to-human transmission has yet to be confirmed but the indications are that, if it is possible, it is extremely rare and has so far been limited to close family members. The main fear among health experts is that the virus will mutate into a form that is highly infectious to and easily spread among humans.
At present the risk to travellers visiting infected areas remains low. As a precaution, however, you are advised to avoid contact with live poultry and pigs, including live animal markets, and to eat only well-cooked poultry and eggs. Check the latest with your doctor or travel health specialist prior to travel. You’ll also find up-to-date information on the following websites: www.avianinfluenza.com.au, www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en and www.cdc.gov.
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Health |
Mosquito–borne diseases
Both the Red River and Mekong deltas (including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) have few incidences of malaria. The coastal plain north of Nha Trang is also considered relatively safe. Malaria occurs frequently in the highlands and rural areas, notably the central highlands, as well as the southern provinces of Ca Mau, Bac Lieu and Tay Ninh. The majority of cases involve the most dangerous strain, Plasmodium falciparum, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
The key preventive measure is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes (which carry the disease), but if you’re travelling in high-risk areas it’s advisable to take preventive tablets.
Mosquitoes are also responsible for transmitting dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis. Dengue is carried by a variety of mosquitoes active in the daytime (particularly two hours after