What you can get sick in Thailand and how to protect yourself from it

Thailand has one of the highest levels of medical care in Southeast Asia. Therefore, the risk of catching a dangerous infection is extremely low if basic personal hygiene rules and precautions are observed when visiting nature reserves and agricultural regions.

However, the change of climate can affect the body in different ways: the weakening of the immune system due to unfamiliar climatic conditions, as well as various viruses can lead to a number of diseases. Holidays in Thailand, you should keep this in mind. Therefore, before you decide to go on vacation, it will not hurt to get acquainted with the main diseases of Thailand.

Dengue

It is a fever carried by a mosquito with the Latin name Aedesaegypti. In simpler terms, the Egyptian biting mosquito. Some of its fellows are also carriers of the virus. Like most mosquitoes, the vector of Dengue lives in wetlands. But it can also be found in showers, toilets, stagnant water tanks if there is high humidity. Related article: poisonous animals and insects of Thailand.

Viruses are especially common in April and May, the rainy season in Thailand. During the dry season, Dengue is not as common, but there is still a chance of catching the virus.

But mosquitoes aren't the only ones that carry Dengue. Humans, monkeys, and bats also spread the virus. The beginning of a Dengue epidemic in Thailand is usually not announced.

Previously, fever was the cause of high mortality. But Thailand's medicine is advancing rapidly, and doctors are quick to detect the presence of the disease and treat it as quickly as possible.

Dengue virus prevention

To avoid contracting the Dengue virus, you must remember:

• The Egyptian bite is black with white dots on the body.

It is these mosquitoes that are the main spreaders of the virus.

• Shady and marshy areas are the most dangerous.

They are preferred by the vector of Dengue. If you get to such places for some reason, for example, went on an excursion, be very careful - you will do very rationally, having prepared in advance closed clothes and taking with you the anti-mosquito spray.

Symptoms

Fever has several pronounced symptoms:

• Chills;
• Aching or pain in the bones. Usually around the spine;
• Joint pains;
• Muscle pains;
• Fever. One of the symptoms of the disease is high fever, which drops sharply after 3 days;
• Lack of appetite;
• Decline of strength;
• Insomnia;
• Nausea;
• Dizziness;
• Redness on the face, swelling, red eyes;
• Increased pulse rate;
• Redness of the throat;
• Rash.

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience even one of these. You can only get infected four times.

Doctors call the first time a mild form, because when the disease repeats, it develops a hemorrhagic form with more serious symptoms: bloody vomiting, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, and others. A blood test is taken to detect the presence or absence of the disease.

How the virus is treated

If you find symptoms of the virus - do not hesitate to go to the doctor. Timely detection of the disease will allow you to quickly take the necessary measures to eliminate it. The body is weakened by this infection, so constant medical observation is necessary.

Beware of cuts and wounds - blood loses its ability to clot, which makes it worse for the patient.

What else you can catch in Thailand

Many other diseases are also common in Thailand.

Sunburns

It is best to be in the sun from 6 to 11 a.m. and from 4 p.m. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the most dangerous sun. When going to the beach, put sunscreen in your bag and wear a hat. Try to stay in the shade to avoid overheating.

Intestinal infection

Intestinal infections and diarrhea are the most common diseases in Thailand among tourists. According to statistics, in 98% cases they are caused by lack of personal hygiene and only in 2% cases by poor water quality.

If you're going to the local market in Thailand, don't eat unwashed fruits and vegetables. If you have a weak stomach, try to avoid all unfamiliar food or eat at proven places.

Malaria

Malaria has similar symptoms to the fever described above. The first symptoms are nausea, chills, and weakness. Malaria is still considered to be a very dangerous disease, even though doctors have invented many treatments. Malaria is especially dangerous for children and pregnant women.

Allergy

It can manifest itself suddenly, especially in those who already suffer from allergies. Various plants bloom all year round here. Therefore, skin rashes, itching, sneezing and other symptoms may appear. If you suffer from allergies - be sure to take medications you are familiar with.

Japanese encephalitis

An acute infectious disease. It is transmitted by mosquitoes living in rice paddies, which are most active and dangerous during the dark hours of the day. Japanese encephalitis is most common in northern Thailand.

It peaks from May to October. Thai health authorities are constantly monitoring and eradicating pockets of Japanese encephalitis.

Sexually transmitted diseases

Thailand is the capital of sex tourism. It's easy to catch STDs. Avoid casual sex.

Precautions

1. Drink bottled or boiled water only. Do not buy water in trays only in stores and supermarkets. Never drink water from the tap.

2. wash your hands as often as possible, especially before you eat.

Don't stay in the sun too long! You can get sunburns even in cloudy weather. Make it a rule to sunbathe for no more than 15 minutes a day - the first few days. Use sunblock, if cream, then with a degree of protection at least 30.

4. Do not eat too much seafood, you can get protein poisoning. It is better to eat in restaurants where the preparation is done in front of your eyes. Seafood poisoning can be fatal.

5. Be vigilant. This is a foreign country and your usual behavior can play a fatal role and ruin your vacation.