Jaundice,
Peptic Ulcer, Pregnancy, Diabetes, Back Trouble, Tenosynovitis,
Ear Trouble, Epilepsy, Asthma, Previous Shoulder Dislocation,
Piles and dental problem.
Immunisations
:
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 center, 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 severally ill and recovery may take
several weeks.
Meningitis
- 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,
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 especially 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
traveler, 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.
Heptitis
B
This
is spread by infected person’s blood coming in contact with
your own through cuts, re-used needles, blood transfusion, swallowing,
sex, inhalation, etc. For most travelers this is probably 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,
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