General Health and Recommendations While Traveling in Malaysia: Influenza A (H1N1)

As Malaysia exists of three main areas, Peninsular (West Malaysia), Sabah and Sarawak (East Malaysia) on Borneo. Health issues vary from area to area, as some parts are more prone to tropical diseases because of forests and or swamps.

Personal Care, General Health

Being in Asia means being in the tropics, and temperatures rise here well above 32 degrees on a daily basis. During the day loosing a lot of fluids is normal, proper hydration with 2 to 3 liters of fresh water per day are a must for every person. At these temperatures bacteria thrive and the general advice is to treat all your wounds large or small, with utmost care. Do not leave any food lying around your living spaces, it will attract insects and little critters, which are not easily to get rid of once they have arrived.

The general recommendation by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, Public Health Department (Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia) for 2009 are.

Influenza A (H1N1)

H1N1 as it is most commonly known is at this moment the hottest health issue around the globe. Swine flu did not pass on Malaysia and is front page news nearly everyday. With nearly 2000 recorded case and 32 deaths at this moment, the treat of this aggressive flu virus is felt in this country too. The virus is contagious and is spreading from person to person. When you arrive at any border or airport, infrared heat sensors scan the incoming stream of visitors for detectable signs.

Health warnings can be found in almost all buildings and many portable doctors stations are set up in office areas and public buildings, for the public to easily find a doctor during work hours. People in the streets and trains are seen with mouth protection. Mainly germs spread the disease, wash and sanitize your hands on a regular basis, wear facial protection for mouth and nose, to avoid infection.

The symptoms of H1N1 are very similar to normal flu but more severe, coughing, chills, headaches, fatigue, overall body and muscle pains. Seek immediate medical attention when in doubt.

Dengue Fever

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by female mosquito’s and occurs in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the globe, people are more prone to attracting the infection during wet and humid months of the year. High fever, chills, headaches, joint and muscle pain are among the main symptoms. There is no real cure for Dengue, take plenty of rest and paracetamol to relief pain. Seek doctor’s advice.

Sun and Sunburn

The sun stands high in the sky all day, even when clouds are blocking the sun light, ultraviolet rays are still burning down on your skin, wear protective clothing and when exposed use crème with a minimum SPF 15 (Sun Protection Factor), wear head gear if possible. Drink lots of fluids, preferable plain water.

Malaria

Malaria exists throughout Sabah. Malaria transmission in the rest of Malaysia is mainly confined to the rural areas, during daytime hours risk of exposure is minimal.

Vaccinations

Because of the tropical climate it is wise to vaccinate. Depending on the area’s you may visit various cocktails are available.

Non rural areas – minimum of Hepatitis A and B

Rural areas – Malaria, Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and B, TB, Rabies, DTP.

Food

Tap water in cities is safe to drink, and most houses, hotels and community buildings have double filtered water, you are advised to use bottled water if in doubt. Food outlets can be considered safe, even the local and road side stalls, try to avoid uncooked meat and fish.

Doctors and Hospitals

Doctors and Hospitals are widely available, well equipped, and payments are normally done in cash but credit cards are accepted everywhere Most offices or “kliniks” as they are called locally have their own medicine bank and pharmacy.

Health Insurance

Insurance is recommended when traveling around Malaysia. Proof of any foreign insurance is generally accepted.

Malaysia is a largely safe area to travel without complications, however be aware of high temperature which can cause infections and dehydration fast.