Health, vaccinations and prevention

health

Overall, there is very good health care in Thailand. In the larger cities and tourist centers, health care is at a western level. Here are numerous doctors (in Pattaya, Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok also German-speaking doctors) and many hospitals.

In the same way one finds also many pharmacies and one gets usually all medicines problem-free. However, if you have to take special medications permanently, you should bring them with you from home!

Ideally, you should take out travel health insurance in your home country for the trip. Most insurance companies already offer protection from about 10, - €  or 10 to 15 US-$ annual fee. 

vaccinations

For Thailand, no vaccinations are required.

(Only exception: entry from a yellow fever area [Central Africa, South America]

When traveling with children, vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), polio (where appropriate), mumps-measles-rubella (MMR), pneumococci and influenza may also be considered.

For all travelers, a consideration for hepatitis A may be considered.

For long-term stays, vaccinations against hepatitis B, rabies Japanese encephalitis and typhoid are recommended.

prevention

The most important precaution is mosquito spray / repellents, because some mosquitoes can transmit malaria and dengue (especially during and after the rainy season). You should generally spray during the day and in the evening / at night with mosquito protection! It is also advisable to wear at least in the evening long clothes, stockings and shoes and u.U. at night. to sleep under a mosquito net. Mosquito protection is available in all 7/11 markets and family marts. For on the way there are small bags for the one-time use (price per bag between 3 and 5 THB, see photo), sprays and larger bottles are available for about 70-150 THB depending on the package size.

Dengue fever is transmitted by the day-active tiger mosquito. Apart from the protection by mosquito sprays there is no precaution possibility!

Malaria is transmitted by the bite of Anopheles mosquitoes. In particular, the border areas to Myanmar (Mae Hong Son, Tak, Chumphon, Prachuab Khiri Khan, Kanchanaburi and Petchaburi), the border areas in the extreme south to Malaysia (Narathiwat, Songkhla) and the southeastern border areas to Cambodia (Trat, Chantaburi ). If you travel to these risk areas, you may want to think about chemoprophylaxis.

If you have been stung, Fenistil Gel or Tiger Balm, or White Monkey Balm, can help against the annoying itching. All products are also available in Thailand.

Sunscreen is also very important. Because of the tropical sun, a high sun protection factor (at least as low as SPF 30+) must be ensured. For dry, sensitive skin, it is advisable to use an Afer-Sun lotion if necessary.

Diarrheal diseases: Due to the heat, diarrheal diseases are common. Therefore, hygiene (such as hand washing / disinfecting), hygienic drinking water (industrially produced in bottles) and cooked food should be ensured. Raw food and food that is not peeled or boiled should be avoided. And if Montezuma's revenge overtakes, it's best to take Imodium Acute or some other electrolyte mix. Various preparations are available in pharmacies in Thailand.