Risk / Health Info for China

What vaccines do you need for China?

Before you leave for China, consult our advisers about making sure your shots are up to date, including polio. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended, especially as they are spread by unsafe water and food.

You might also consider a hepatitis B shot, especially if you plan to visit China often or stay for an extended period. Hep B shots are recommended for children, too, and anyone who might come in contact with blood or body fluids such as people working in healthcare or dentistry. Hep B is also spread by unprotected sex and dirty needles.

Japanese encephalitis, spread by infected mosquitoes, is present in some parts of China, so check with your adviser whether you should get vaccinated.

Animals in China can carry rabies, so make sure you have been inoculated, especially if you might be around animal such as dogs or bats or if you intend to visit remote areas.

How to protect my health in China?

The air quality in Beijing and Shanghai and in some industrial areas of China may aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Practise safe food and water precautions in China: use commercially bottled water, and avoid foods that you cannot peel or have not been cooked or boiled.

Medical care is widely available in cities, but not in remote areas of China. Make sure doctors and dentists use sterilized equipment. Treatment, especially western-style care, can be expensive and you are expected to pay on the spot. Your Canadian health plan will not cover you outside the country, so make sure you have travel insurance before you leave for China. Consult your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

Take along a good supply of any medications you might need, because they may be hard to find in some parts of China.

Will I catch bird flu in China?

Bird flu or avian influenza continues to be present in China. It usually affects birds, but in rare cases can infect people. The risk of human-to-human transmission is very low. China has strong surveillance and quarantine systems in place, but Health Canada recommends reducing your risk by avoiding exposure to dead or live poultry and not visiting markets where poultry is sold, and taking the same steps you use to avoid regular influenza: wash your hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, and always practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette.

Altitude in China

Parts of China are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Dengue fever in China

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in China. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in China

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of China at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in China

MERS-CoV is a viral respiratory infection with a high mortality rate. It is caused by the coronavirus and is thought to be contracted from infected camels. You should take diligent hygiene measures such as thorough handwashing if you visit a farm, barn or market or touch a camel. Avoid contact with sick animals. Do not drink raw camel milk or urine; and do not eat camel meat that has not been properly cooked. The Government of Canada has issued a travel health advisory about Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in China.

polio in China