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Thailand is a relatively safe destination
and you can, in almost all areas, relax and
feel comfortable with your surroundings, as
a male or female. Of course, those new to
the environment should be a little wary of
safety in Thailand until they have become
more familiar with their situation.
Health in Chiang Mai
Malaria
Chiang Mai is
deemed malaria-free; in fact, most of
northern Thailand is too high in altitude
for the virus to thrive. However, you may be
at risk if you are planning a trip down the
Mekong river to Laos or other lowland areas.
Mosquitoes are a widespread irritant across
Thailand due to the abundance of water.
Furthermore, the malarial strains here
are considered immune to western
prophylactics such as Larium. Soxycycline is
recommended as an impromptu preventative
medicine. There is a malaria centre
alongside the outer western flank of the
moat (near Chiang Mai Ram 1 hospital).
HIV
Thailand has
generally been very successful in its
campaign to limit the spread of HIV and AIDS
in a country that has a reputation for its
sex industry. Realistic estimates put the
infection level at roughly five per cent of
the population, however those mingling in
the go go scene are obviously among a higher
risk group. Condom usage is essential and
widely practiced here; other methods of
transmission are deemed to be low-risk in
Thailand, with the exception of sharing
syringe needles.
Venereal disease
likewise there are higher incidences of
diseases such as syphilis, herpes and
gonorrhoea among prostitutes and their
clients, however, the high publicity of AIDS
has encouraged many people to use condoms,
thus reducing the spread of venereal
diseases in general.
Drinking water
In
Thailand, the tap water is not drinkable,
and bottled water is widely available and
cheap. Be aware that mountain streams may
also be contaminated as discharging waste
into waterways is common in Thailand.
Reverse-osmosis water purification systems
are generally used, therefore ice and free
water offered on restaurant tables is safe
for drinking.
Dengue Fever
Has
similar symptoms to malaria and is spread by
mosquitoes occupying stagnant pools of water
in urban areas. Incidents have been isolated
and occur between July and October; there is
no prophylactic available yet and if
untreated the hemorrhagic form of the
disease can sometimes be fatal.
Dehydration
During the
months of March, April and May, Thailand
becomes extremely hot, with temperatures
reaching 40°C/105°F. Those who are not used
to such temperatures will certainly feel
uncomfortable and should drink plenty of
water to avoid dehydration, especially if
out in the direct sun and engaging in
activity. Symptoms include: fever, fatigue,
breathing difficulty and a dry mouth. Rehydration salts/drinks or a trip to the
nearest hospital are recommended.
Diarrhoea
Is common
among non-Asians and a mild bout of the
infamous 'Bangkok belly' at least once
during your trip is common. This usually
results from eating unhygienically prepared
food (roadside noodle shops are notoriously
bad), too much chilli in your food,
contaminated water or unfamiliar spices and
herbs.
Anti-diarrhoeal medication is widely
available in Thailand. The runs usually pass
within 24 hours; be sure to keep well rested
and rehydrate yourself. If you have been
vomiting or suffer a severe case, then
report immediately to the hospital.
Hepatitis:
exists in a
variety of strains affecting the liver;
although the symptoms may be similar, they
differ in method of transmission and
seriousness. Hep A is spread through
contaminated food and drink, resulting in
fever, chills, headaches and fatigue. The
best remedy is simply resting and eating
properly, waiting for the symptoms to pass.
Hep B is far more serious and often
results in 'yellowing' of the skin and leads
to long-term liver problems. It is spread
through contaminated blood or sexual
activity. Hep C, D and E are less common but
can be lethal and there is no vaccination
against these. Drinking alcohol during the
weeks after recovery is not advised.
Avian influenza:
is no
longer a threat and was always most
dangerous when receiving adverse
negative-hype coverage in the press
(particularly affecting the tourism
industry). Although a few new cases have
been reported in mid 2004, they are isolated
and chicken products across Thailand are
considered safe to eat. The only reported
human cases have been from farms where the
infected were in close contact with
livestock.
Pesticides:
are still
unfortunately widely used by ignorant
farmers who are desperate to scratch a
living by whatever means boosts their crop
success. Vegetables here are generally
sprayed with toxic insect repellents and
products are also often enhanced in
appearance using dyes.
Few cases of poisoning are ever noted and
organic vegetables are available in selected
modern supermarkets, at a premium price.
Most respectable eating establishments will
endeavour to source healthy vegetables.
Rabies:
there are many
'street dogs' in Thailand and travellers
complain of bites fairly regularly. A rabies
vaccine is now available, if you have not
had this treatment before coming to Thailand
and are subsequently bitten it is advisable
to report to a hospital for injections. The
rabies infection can be fatal and is carried
in the saliva, so even a dog licking an open
wound can be dangerous. Immediately clean
the wound with iodine if you are worried.
Dogs infected with rabies usually display
symptoms of dementia (madness), acting very
aggressively and foaming at the mouth in the
late stages.
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