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Health & Safety |
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No vaccinations are required for entry into Thailand except for yellow fever for travelers arriving from endemic regions (parts of Africa and Latin America). Immunizations for tetanus, polio, rabies, typhoid, tuberculosis, and hepatitis are advisable (but not essential) before travel to Pakistan.
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In Pakistan or upcountry, drinking water straight from the tap is unadvisable. Like the Pakistani's, use only a reliable brand of bottled water or boiled water from the tap. Be wary of ice, which may come from a questionable source, and is often manhandled unhygienically. Cylindrical ice cubes with a hole through them are usually produced and delivered under hygienic conditions.
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Choosing food and restaurants is pretty much a case of common sense. If the restaurant or food looks dirty, then avoid it. Steer clear of suspicious-looking meat dishes that may have been cooled and reheated. Fruits and vegetables should be washed or peeled before eating.
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In the tropics, even the most minor cuts and scratches seem to go septic and take longer to heal than in colder climates. Clean cuts carefully and treat them with an antiseptic such as tincture of iodine or the bright-red mercurochrome, as the Pakistani's do. Avoid plasters and bandages, which tend to prolong the healing process.
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You can get sunburned very easily in the tropics, even when it’s cloudy. Use a sunscreen, hat and good-quality sunglasses. If you do get burned, use a proprietary cold cream for relief.
Sunstroke and heat exhaustion may also creep up on the unwary traveler. Dizziness, fatigue and cramps are common symptoms of heat exhaustion. Make sure you drink plenty of water and salts, and stay out of the sun during very hot spells.
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For the frequent traveler, diarrhea is almost inevitable. Just a change in drinking water and food can trigger an attack. These are generally not cause for concern though. When diarrhea strikes, it’s important to guard against dehydration by drinking lots of fluids such as weak tea or rehydration salts dissolved in water. Avoid food for a while to avoid recurrence.
Severe attacks, with bleeding or mucus in the stools, accompanied by high fever could be an indication of something more serious such as dysentery. In this case, medical consultation should be sought.