Southeast Asia Health
First time visitors to Southeast Asia may find it tough to stay totally healthy when on the road as a combination of the hot climate, humidity, spicy food and non-potable tap water usually gets some people. Travelers should therefore spend time preparing for their trip and have any inoculations.
The capital cities of Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Thailand have the best healthcare facilities in Southeast Asia although, with the exception of Singapore, rural areas of these places often only have limited health-care facilities available. Other developing countries such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Burma and most of Indonesia have the poorest healthcare facilities in the region. Most countries have non-prescription drugs available over the counter although you should check the generic name of any medication you are on.
You should also consult your doctor at least six weeks before traveling to Southeast Asia and look at having jabs for diphtheria, typhoid, hepatitis A, and tetanus and polio boosters. In addition HIV/AIDs is prevalent in much of the region due to the high prostitution rate and, short of abstinence, one should never fail to use protection during sex.
Food in the region is generally cooked hot and fast and even at street vendors they get through their meats quickly and generally use fresh ingredients. That said, scoping out a restaurant before ordering, checking whether it is busy with customers, and the hygiene in general, is recommended. With the exception of Singapore, the tap water in Southeast Asia is not safe to drink and you should get into the habit of buying bottled water. Brushing one's teeth with tap water is generally fine, however.
Diseases: hygiene remains a problem in many parts of Southeast Asia, with water borne diseases prevalent in the wet season, resulting in mild dysentery, a burgeoning problem with dengue fever and malaria in selected areas. HIV is also a risk among the sex trade in Thailand and the Philippines. Due to the prevalence of stray dogs in some countries a rabie injection is recommended should you get bitten. Poor sanitary conditions might also lead to the less lethal Hepatitis A.
