Vietnam Travel Health

Malaria does exist in Vietnam, and although it is not a major problem it is extremely important you seek up-to-date advice from your GP before you travel. The entire coastal region and the flat delta regions (Red River Delta and Mekong Delta) are almost malaria-free, except for the most southerly point of the Mekong Delta to the south of Ca Mau (where we actually do not offer any modules). All provincial capitals are also malaria-free except for Kon Tum. For most of the Vietnam tours that we offer anti-malaria medicine is not necessary.

Because anti-malaria medicine is quite strong, and the fact that there is not a really large risk of malaria in many areas, some travellers do not take any medication. That is the decision of each traveller, and should be based upon the information they have received from the National Health Service or medical authority.

The best bet is to try and reduce the risk of catching malaria by preventative health measures. Keeping your arms, legs and feet covered in the evenings, using anti-mosquito spray/cream on exposed areas of skin (the best ones contain DEET), and sleeping under a mosquito net where possible.

If during or after your Vietnam trip you find yourself with flu-like symptoms lasting longer than two days (even up to 2 months after your return to the UK), seek the advice of a doctor or health professional immediately, and advise them that you have been to Vietnam.

Both of these diseases are carried by mosquitoes, so you can take the same precautions as for malaria. For more information about these diseases, and the status of any outbreaks, you're advised to seek the advice of the National Health Service or a suitable medical institution or health professional.

There is no vaccination against dengue, however, there is for a vaccination for Japanese B encephalitis, which is advised only if you are going to be in Asia for longer than six months.

Only consume water, and soft drinks from properly closed and sealed bottles or cans. Drinks made with boiled bottled water, such as tea or coffee are also fine. Ice is only trustworthy in the form of manufactured bagged ice, but this is widely available. Fruit juice is safe, but only if no water has been added. Food, especially meat and fish must be cooked properly, so that it is well cooked all the way through.

In Vietnam eating food from street stalls is common place, but to prevent illness a good idea is to eat where it's busy. This usually means that the food is good, and that the turnover means the time between food preparation and consumption is the shortest possible. It's probably best not to eat meat at the end of the day, as the meat can sometimes have been lying around all day in the heat un-refrigerated.

After your trip to Vietnam (and this can be months later), pay close attention to your health for a little while. If you contract flu like symptoms, have stomach problems, or experience something unusual symptoms, contact your GP and let them know that you've been to Vietnam.