Nepal’s health situation is among the world’s worst but
still among the lowest in the world. The dire national
health situation is less threatening to travelers, who are
better nourished than Nepalese, are hopefully immunized,
drink clean water. Most illnesses are gastrointestinal,
transmitted through food or water contaminated by infected
feces. You need to be careful about what you eat and drink.
Trekking in Nepal involves long stretches of steep
up-and-down terrain. You need to by physically fit and in
case if you have had the following problems you should
discuss them with your doctor before you go. This can prove
physically tiring, especially as the altitude increases, and
can put a lot of stress on your knees The best training to
make yourself fit is to walk up and, in particular, down
hills as much as possible. Trekking in Nepal is strenuous,
and the time you put into physical training before you go
will definitely be rewarded.
Jaundice, Peptic Ulcer, Pregnancy, Diabetes, Back Trouble,
Tenosynovitis, Ear Trouble, Epilepsy, Asthma, Previous
Shoulder Dislocation, Piles and dental problem.
Immunizations
Nepal does not require any official vaccinations for entry,
however there are several major diseases that can be
prevented, or whose risks can be significantly decreased by
immunizations. The list below is fairly exhaustive and a bit
frightening; however most people will already have had most
of these vaccinations and will probably only need jabs for
Hepatitis, Typhoid and Meningitis. You can start thinking
about these about two months before departure. This list can
be supplemented by more up to date advice from specialist
source; your family doctor perhaps, a travel medical centre,
or a hospital specializing in infectious diseases.
Hepatitis A - strongly recommended
Hepatitis A is transmitted differently, and is usually less
serious than, Hepatitis B
The organism is common in Nepal and is spread by
contaminated food and Water.
Typhoid - recommended
This disease is highly prevalent in Nepal. Although almost
never fatal in travelers it makes people severely ill and
recovery may take several weeks.
Eningitis - recommended
The risk is low in short term travelers, but the diseases is
serious and the vaccination (one injection) is safe.
Tetanus & Diphtheria
The vast majority of people from Western countries receive
these vaccines in childhood. The tetanus and diphtheria
germs are worldwide prevalent, and preparing for overseas
travel is a good chance to boost your immunity. You should
take a booster if it has been longer than 10 years since
your last one. It is specially important to ask for a
tetanus booster if you are over 50 years old, as studies
have shown that this population is more likely to have let
their tetanus boosters lapse.
Polio - recommended
Again, you should have a booster if you have not had one in
the last ten years.
The above are the standard immunizations which can be
recommended to all travelers in that the advantages of
immunization clearly out weight any side effects. For the
less common, or lower risk diseases below, then it is less
easy to make clear assessment of the risks, which may vary
with each individual traveler.
The following immunizations are not so necessary for
short-term travelers although Rabies and Jap B are
recommended by some travel authorities. We suggest that the
following should be considered by long-term travelers, those
going to remote regions, and those coming in close contact
with local people. If considering these immunizations, you
can get up to date advice from travel clinics. They will
have more up to date, and specialized information.
Tuberculosis
If concerned, you should ask your Doctor for a Mantoux test,
then depending on the result, discuss a BCG vaccination.
Hepatitis B
This is spread by infected person’s blood coming in contact
with your own thorough cuts, re-used needles, blood
transfusion, swallowing, sex, inhalation, etc. For most
travelers this is probably of very low risk, but it is a
severe and occasionally fatal illness. Immunization requires
three injections and is safe but expensive.
Rabies
If you avoid dogs then the risk of infection is low. If
however you do get bitten then very expensive modern
treatment with anti Rabies Serum plus immunization is
essential, safe but expensive.
Cholera
Risk of acquiring cholera as a traveler to Nepal is close to
Zero. Japanese B Encephalitis This a mosquito-borne disease
so is not found above 1000 m. Cases have been reported in
the Terai but not usually affecting tourists. It is, though,
a very nasty disease and the vaccine is safe and effective.
Malaria
There is currently no vaccine against malaria. Travelers to
areas where malaria is a risk must rely on trying to prevent
mosquito bites and taking prophylactic medication to try to
avoid malaria infections. In Nepal, malaria transmission is
limited to the lowland area adjoining India. There is no
risk of malaria in Kathmandu, Pokhara or any of the main
trekking areas. |
