Health Concerns for Travelers in Nepal

Nepal is a dream destination for many. Those who dream of conquering the mighty Everest, to experience tiger sighting encounters and elephant rides, outdoor adventure sports such as white water rafting and a popular destination especially those seeking for a travel experience different to that of the normal Asian destinations. However, many who travel to Nepal are not sufficiently prepared for the many health concerns that might just ruin a perfect trip.

The major known health issues and concerns for travelers in Nepal are:
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Tetanus, Pertussis & Diphtheria
- Measles, Mumps & Rubella
- Chickenpox
- Influenza
- Poliomyelitis
- Malaria
- Meningitis
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Rabies
- Cholera
- Traveler's Diarrhoea

It is strongly recommended for travelers to Nepal to seek pre-travel medical assistance in assessing the vaccination and health requirements before departure. This should be done three month in advance as some vaccinations require more than one application before it is effective. Seek your local doctor or a travel medical specialist to help you identify the needs.

For Nepal especially, Malaria is especially of high risk in regions bordering India, therefore, consider taking anti-malarial drugs after discussions with your health care professional. Hygiene based health concerns such as Typhoid, Cholera and Traveler's Diarrhoea are common health issues. A vaccine is available for Typhoid however not for the others so common sense should be applied when eating out anywhere in Nepal. Restaurant dining is generally safe in Kathmandu however when traveling in rural areas and 'off the beaten track', make sure to follow the rules of healthy eating and drinking such as drink only boiled water and eat at clean places to minimize risks. Bring some water purifier along with your medical kit to use at times when boiling water isn't possible and always look out for symptoms that may develop into a severe condition.

Those who suffer respiratory conditions and pulmonary diseases may also find it difficult in Kathmandu due to the heavy air pollution problem. Take extra pre-cautions and first aid accessories to ensure any problems can be dealt with.

On a side note, Yellow Fever is not a threat in Nepal however may be required for travelers arriving from or transiting through infected areas, make sure you ask your doctor about this if you are planning to travel to Nepal from another country.

Vacations are always fun and we all wish to have a good time then to return home safe to tell the tales. Getting sick on your holidays isn't fun and sometimes can cause severe harm to your general well being. Visiting a travel medical specialist before the trip to get information on what to expect in Nepal and receive any available vaccinations to cover possible illnesses can minimise the risk of getting severely ill, and ensure that you stay healthy all the way through you travels in Nepal.