16 Important Health Tips for Olympics Travelers to China

By Jeffrey Band, MD, FACP, FIDSA

Less than two months remain before the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is estimated that up to 2.5 million visitors are expected to attend the August 8 – 24 games. The following health and safety tips to ensure safe travels are offered by Dr. Jeffrey Band, medical director of the InterHealth Travel Medicine Program at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.

1. Travelers should make certain they have had a recent medical and dental exam, especially if pre-existing conditions exist. A copy of one’s medical profile listing medical conditions, allergies, medications and special needs should be carried at all times.

2. Bring an adequate supply of all prescriptions (carefully labeled) and other medications. Pack medications in carryon bags only.

3. Take an extra pair of prescription eye glasses or lens prescription, hearing-aid batteries and other important personal items.

4. Make certain vaccinations are up-to-date.

• A tetanus-diphtheria booster is recommended for everyone every 10 yrs.

• A polio booster may be needed unless previously vaccinated.

• Measles is quite active in China. All travelers should be immune to measles, mumps and rubella. If not, a vaccine called MMR will be needed.

• If you have not had chickenpox, vaccination should be provided.

5. Travelers to China should best receive protection against both hepatitis A and typhoid (infections that besides being passed person-to-person, can be foodborne).

6. Travelers should not drink the tap water or use ice. All water for drinking, brushing teeth, and making ice cubes should be bottled water or purified by boiling first. Milk and dairy products should not be considered safe. All meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetables must be cooked well and served hot. Fruits with intact skin should be peeled by you. Salads and cold buffets should best be avoided.

7. Intestinal upsets: travelers to China may experience diarrhea. Take antidiarrheal medications with you on the trip. If one develops mild diarrhea, take Pepto-Bismol tablets as directed. If diarrhea continues but is not associated with vomiting, severe cramps or high fevers (> 101º F), add the antidiarrheal medication Imodium to the Pepto-Bismol. If diarrhea persists for more than 8 to 12 hours, a prescription antibiotic may be warranted. This should be discussed with the travel medicine specialist and filled before traveling. If illness persists or if high fevers are present, seek medical advice (the United States Embassy can be contacted for assistance).

8. Precautions against insects: mosquitoes and other insects can transmit a number of diseases. To protect against insect bites, especially when in the desert or in rural areas, use a repellent containing 28 – 35% diethyltoluamide (DEET). Also, consider wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants at dusk or at other times insects are more likely to be prevalent.

9. Sunburn protection: use a sun block to provide maximum protection. Wear a hat in hot, sunny areas.

10. Footwear: wear appropriate footwear at all times to prevent both injuries and infection.

11. Jet lag can be largely prevented by resting before travel, avoiding heavy meals en route, limiting alcohol while flying and by selective use of sleep medications.

12. Don’t forget to take antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol with you.

13. If you are extending your travels to rural areas, medication to prevent malaria may be needed. Discuss this with your travel medicine physician.

14. Bird flu (avian influenza) is a viral infection that usually affects birds but rarely people. People catch bird flu from touching sick or dead birds, and rarely by visiting “wet” markets where recently killed birds are on display. Only three cases have occurred in China in 2008. If visiting a “wet” market stay approximately 6 – 12 feet from the birds themselves. Wash your hands after the visit and do not consume undercooked poultry.

15. Air pollution can worsen breathing problems. If you have asthma, allergies or lung problems, discuss this with your primary care provider and travel medicine physician.

16. Be careful. Don’t drink and drive, wear seatbelts at all times and stay alert in crowds. Avoid political protests and rallies. These recommendations are only intended as general guidelines. They should not be regarded as a substitute for consultation with a travel medicine specialist.

China is a vibrant and beautiful country with wonderful sites to visit and friendly people. The 2008 Olympics will be exciting… let the games begin!

Dr. Jeffrey Band is the director of the Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, and Corporate Epidemiologists at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI. He is a Clinical Professor of Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine.