Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [657]
Sedating antihistamines such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), Prochlorperazine (Phenergan) and others depending on your country of residence are usually the first choice for treating motion sickness. Their main side effect is drowsiness. A herbal alternative is ginger, which works like a charm for some people. Scopolamine patches are considered the most effective prevention but again are unavailable in many countries.
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IN THAILAND
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AVAILABILITY & COST OF HEALTH CARE
Bangkok is considered the nearest centre of medical excellence for many countries in Southeast Asia (such as Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam) and there are a number of excellent hospitals in the city. Some of them have specific staff available for liaising with foreign patients. They are usually more expensive than other medical facilities but are worth using as they will offer a superior standard of care. They can also liaise with insurance companies more easily. Such facilities are listed under Information in the city sections of this book. The cost of health care is relatively cheap in Thailand compared to most Western countries, which makes it even more sensible to ensure you utilise one of the better hospitals if you do require medical care.
In rural areas, however, it remains difficult to find reliable medical care. Your embassy and insurance company can be good contacts.
Self-treatment may be appropriate if your problem is minor (eg traveller’s diarrhoea), you are carrying the appropriate medication and you cannot attend a recommended clinic or hospital. If you think you may have a serious disease, especially malaria, do not waste time – travel to the nearest quality facility to receive attention. It is always better to be assessed by a doctor than to rely on self-treatment.
Buying medication over the counter is not recommended, because fake medications and poorly stored or out-of-date drugs are common.
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INFECTIOUS DISEASES
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Avian Influenza
Thailand has recorded a total of 25 cases of ‘bird flu’ since 2004 – the majority of which occurred in 2004. At the time of writing there have been no cases reported since January 2007.
The risk of travellers catching bird flu is minimal – it remains that most of those infected have had close contact with sick or dead birds.
To avoid bird flu the following recommendations come from the CDC and WHO:
avoid direct contact with poultry and wild birds
avoid bird markets and poultry farms
only eat thoroughly cooked bird meat or products (chicken, duck, eggs)
wash hands frequently with alcohol-based hand gel
seek medical care quickly if you have a fever, sore throat and cough – especially if you may have been exposed
Cutaneous Larva Migrans
This disease, caused by dog or cat hookworm, is particularly common on the beaches of Thailand. The rash starts as a small lump, and then slowly spreads like a winding line. It is intensely itchy, especially at night. It is easily treated with medications and should not be cut out or frozen.
Dengue Fever
This mosquito-borne disease is becoming increasingly problematic throughout Southeast Asia, especially in the cities. As there is no vaccine available it can only be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites. The mosquito that carries dengue is a daytime biter, so use insect-avoidance measures at all times. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache (especially behind the eyes), nausea and body aches (dengue was previously known as ‘breakbone fever’). Some people develop a rash (which can be very itchy) and experience diarrhoea. The southern islands of Thailand are particularly high risk. There is no specific treatment, just rest and paracetamol – do not take aspirin or ibuprofen as they increase the