| VACCINATIONS AND HEALTH ISSUES |
recommended. Since there are thousands of people that go to China
every year for short visits, and "expats" who will live in China for
extended periods of time, I decided it a good idea to put together some
information about vaccinations and health issues within China that
might be of help to everyone. You will have to decide which
vaccinations you think you will need. Some vaccinations require you to
get them months in advance of your departure date to be effective
while you are in China. Your doctor or local health department are
excellent sources for answers to any questions you might have, as well
as perfect places to get the vaccinations.
vaccines of the utmost necessity. At this time there is still no vaccine
for Hepatitis C, D and E however the vaccine for Hepatitis B also
protects against Hepatitis D. Among the 350 million people worldwide
who are chronically infected with Hepatitis B, 75 percent reside in
Asia, of which China accounts for more than 100 million people or
roughly 8 percent of the population of China. As a result, China has
the greatest burden of hepatitis B and liver cancer (a common
consequence of Hepatitis B infections) in the world. The disease
severely affects regions in western China however Guangdong
Province (Located just east of Guangxi and therefore Nanning)
suffers the highest number of cases in southern China with an
incidence rate of close to 18 percent.
Hepatitis A is similar to Hepatitis B but not quite as serious although
it is transmitted much more easily. Usually by close personal contact
or by eating food or drinking water containing the virus. TWINRIX is
the recommended vaccine as it offers protection against both Hepatitis
A and B. Three shots have to be taken within a month long period
with a booster given 6 months later. Protection lasts for five years
once all three of these steps have been taken.
Like Hepatitis, Asia also has a highly disproportionate rate of human
rabies, which is a viral disease found in the saliva of infected animals
that is transmitted via animal bites. Rabies is one of the most fatal
diseases known to man. Once symptoms develop it is almost always
fatal if not treated right away. New treatments are available now but
they must me implemented soon after contact with a rabid animal.
Japanese Encephalitis also poses a serious risk and is endemic in
China but it's usually found in rural areas because of the method of
transmission. You have to come into contact with a bird or animal that
has been infected after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the disease.
Malaria, while mostly a problem in rural China, can also be a risk in
cities especially in southern China where mosquito populations are
very high.
Typhoid, while a big problem in China does not pose a significant
problem in any of the major cities. For those planning on traveling, it
is highly recommended to get either the Typhoid Vi Polysaccharide
vaccine injection, or you can purchase typhoid capsules.
One last note, if you haven't had a Tetanus shot in years you might
want to consult your doctor as to if you need to get another, just as an
extra precaution.
