Health in Myanmar

People Myanmar Health issues and the quality of Myanmar medical facilities vary enormously depending on where and how you travel in Myanmar. Many of the Myanmar major cities are now very well developed, although travel to rural areas can expose you to a variety of health risks and inadequate medical care in Myanmar. Myanmar Travelers tend to worry about contracting infectious diseases when in the tropics, but infections are a rare cause of serious illness or death in travelers. Pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, and accidental injury (especially traffic accidents), account for most life-threatening problems. Becoming ill in some way, however, is relatively common. Fortunately, most common illnesses can either be prevented with some common-sense behavior or be treated easily with a well-stocked traveler's medical kit in Myanmar.

Pack medications in their original, clearly labeled, containers before your lend Myanmar Airport. A signed and dated latter from your physician describing your medical conditions, including generic names, is also a good idea as proof. If carrying syringes or needles, be sure to have a physician's later documenting their medical necessity. If you have a heart condition, bring a copy of your ECG taken just prior to traveling in Myanmar. If you take any regular medication bring double your needs in case of loss. Even if you are fit and healthy, don't travel without health insurance accidents do happen while you are traveling. Remember to declare any existing medical conditions you have the insurance company will check if your problem is pre-existing and will not cover you if it is undeclared. You may require extra cover for adventure activities such as rock climbing in Myanmar. If your health insurance doesn't cover you for medical expenses abroad, consider getting extra insurance when you go to Myanmar. If you're uninsured, emergency evacuation is expensive-bills of over US% 100,000 are not uncommon. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures.(in many countries doctors will expect payment in cash) some policies offer lower and higher medical expense options; the higher ones are chiefly for countries that have extremely high medical cost, such as USA and European country. You may prefer a policy that pays doctors or hospitals directly rather than having to pay on the spot and claim later. If you have to claim later, make sure you keep all documentation (reverse charges) to a centre in your home country, where an immediate assessment of your problem is made.

Myanmar Local medical care is dismal, and Myanmar local hospitals should only be used out of desperation. Contact your embassy for advice if you have any question before you travel to Myanmar, as staff will usually direct you to the best alternatives. Be aware that getting western style health care may not come cheap in Myanmar. Self-treatment may be appropriate if your problem is minor (eg traveler's diarrhea), you are carrying the appropriate medications and you can't attend a recommended clinic in Yangon or Mandalay. If you think you may have a serious disease, especially malaria, do not waste times travel to the nearest Myanmar quality facility to receive attention. It is always better to be assessed by a doctor than to rely on self-treatment. Buying medication over the counter is not recommended in Myanmar, as fake medications and poorly stored or out of date drugs are common. So be careful if you need to deal with your health issue in Myanmar.

This disease is caused by dog hookworm. The rash starts as a small jump, then slowly spreads in a linear fashion. It is intensely itchy, especially at night. It is easily treated with medications and should not be cut out or frozen.

This mosquito-borne disease is becomingly increasingly problematic throughout Myanmar. As there is no vaccine available it can only be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites. The mosquito that carries dengue bites in Myanmar. The mosquito that carries dengue bites day and night, so use insect-avoidance measures at all times. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache and body ache (dengue was previously known as "break bone fever") some people develop a rash and experience diarrhea. There is no specific treatment; just rest and paracetamol do not take aspirin, as it increases the likelihood of hemorrhaging. See a doctor to be diagnosed and monitored in Myanmar.

A mosquito-borne disease that is very common in Myanmar local population, yet very rare in travelers. Mosquito-avoidance measures are the best way to prevent this disease in Myanmar.

Myanmar is among the list of countries in Asia with the highest rate of HIV infection and the problem is increasing. Heterosexual sex is now the main method of transmission.

For such a serious and potentially deadly disease, there is an enormous amount of misinformation concerning malaria and malaria medication. You must get expert advice as to whether the destinations you are going to will put you at risk. For most rural areas, however, the risk of contracting the disease far out weighs the risk of nay tablets side effects. Remember that malaria can be fatal. Before you travel, seek medical advice on the right medication and dosage for you.

Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. The most important symptom of malaria is fever, but general symptoms such as headache, diarrhea, cough or chills may also occur. Diagnosis can only be made by taking a blood sample. Two strategies should be combined to prevent malaria mosquito avoidance and antimalarial medictions. Most people who catch malaria are taking inadequate or no antimalarial medication. Travelers are advised to prevent mosquito bites by taking these steps:

Artesunate Derivatives of Artesunate are not suitable as a preventive medication. They are useful treatments under medical supervision.

Chloroquine and pludrine The effectiveness of this combination is now limited in most of Southeast Asia. Common side effects include nausea (40% of people) and mouth ulcers. Generally not recommended.

Doxycycline this daily tablet is a broad-spectum antibiotic that has the added benefit of helping to prevent a variety of tropical diseases, including leptospirosis, tick-brone disease, thphus and meliodosis. The potential side effects include photosensitivity(a tendency to sunburn), thrush in women, indigestion, heartburn, nausea and interference with the contraceptive pill. More serious side effects include ulceration of the oesophagus- you can help prevent this by taking your table with a meal and a large glass of water, and never lying down with half an hour of taking it. Must be taken for four weeks after leaving the risk area.

Malarone this new drug is a combination of Atovaquone and Proguanil. Side effects are uncommon and mild, most commonly nausea and headache. It is the best tablet for scuba divers and for those on short trips to high-risk areas. It must be taken for one week after leaving the risk area.

A final option is to take no preventive medication but to have a supply of emergency medication should you develop the symptoms of malaria. This is less than ideal, and you'll need to get to a good medical facility within 24 hours of developing a fever. If you choose this option the most effective and safest treatment is Malarone (four tablets once daily for three days). Other options include Mafloquine and quinine, but the side effects of these drugs at treatment does make them less desirable. Fansidar is no longer recommended.

Traveler's diarrhea is the most common problem affection travelers between 30% and 50 % of people will suffer from it within two weeks of starting trip in Myanmar. In over 80 % of cases, traveler's diarrhea is cause by a bacterium (there are numerous potential culprits), and there fore respond promptly to treatment with antibiotics. Treatment with antibiotics will depend on your situation how sick you are, how quickly you need to get better. Where you are like that.

Diarrhea is defined as the passage of more than three watery bowel movements within a 24 hour period, plus at least one other symptom such as nausea, vomiting, fever, cramps or felling generally unwell. Treatment consists of staying well hydrated; rehydration solutions such as Gastrolyte are the best for this. Antibiotics such as Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin or Azithromycin will kill the bacteria quickly. Loperamide is just a "stopper" and doesn't get to the cause of the problem. It can be helpful, for example if you have to go on a long Myanmar bus ride. Don't take loperamide if you have a fever, or blood in your stools. Seek medical attention quickly if you don't not respond to an appropriate ntibiotic.

Many parts of Myanmar are hot and humid throughout the year. For most people it takes at least two weeks to adapt to the hot climate. Swelling of the feet and ankles is common, as are muscle cramps cause by excessive sweating. Prevent these by avoiding dehydration and excessive activity in the heat. Take it easy when you first arrive. Don't eat salt tablets (they aggravate the gut), but drinking rehydration solution or eating salty food helps. Treat cramps by stopping activity, resting, dehydrating with double-strength rehydration solution and gently stretching.

Dehydration is the main contributor to heat exhaustion. Symptoms can include feeling weak, headache, irritability, nausea or vomiting, sweaty skin, weak pulse and normal or slightly elevated body temperature. Treatment involves getting the person out of the heat and/or sun, fanning them and applying cool, wet cloths to their skin, laying them flat with their legs raised, and rehydrating them with water containing teasppn of salt per litre. Recovery is usually rapid, and it's common to feel weak for somedays afgerwards. Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms come on suddenly and include weakness, nausea, a hot, dry body with a body temperature of over 41° C , dizziness, confusion, loss of coordination, fits and eventually collapse and loss of consciousness. Seek medical help and commence cooling by getting the person out of the heat, removing their clothes, fanning them and applying cool, wet clothes or ice to their body, especially to the groin and armpits. Prickly heat is a common skin rash in the tropics, caused by sweat being trapped under skin. The result is an itchy rash of tiny lumps. Treat by moving out of the heat and into an air-con area for a few hours and by having cool showers. Creams and ointments clog the skin, so they should be avoided. Locally bought prickly-heat powder can be helpful in Myanmar.

Tropical fatigue is common in long term expats based in the tropics. It's rarely due to disease and is caused by the climate, inadequate mental rest, excessive alcohol intake and the demands of daily work in a different culture in Myanmar.

Fungal rashes are common in humid climates. There are two common fungal rashes that effect travelers. The first occurs in moist area that get less air such as the groin, the armpits and between the toes. It starts as a red patch that slowly spreads and is usually itchy. Treatment involves keeping the skin dry, avoiding chafing and using an antifungal cream such as Clotrimazole or Lamisil. Tinea versicolor is also common this fungus causes small, light-coloured patches, most commonly on the back, chest and shoulder. Consult a doctor.

Sunburn is one of things most Myanmar travelers have to face while you are traveling in Myanmar. Even on a cloudy day sunburn can occur rapidly. You need to be careful while you are walking on the street or traveling on a Myanmar bus. Always use a strong sunscreen (at least factor 30), making sure to reapply after a swim, and always wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses outdoors in Myanmar. Avoid laying the sun during the hottest part of the day (12 Noon to 3 PM). If you become sun burnt stay out of the sun until you have recovered, apply cool compresses and take painkillers for the discomfort. A 1 % hydrocortisone cream applied twice daily is also helpful in Myanmar.

Throughout Myanmar traditional medical systems are widely practiced. There is a big difference between these Myanmar traditional healing systems and medicine. Folk remedies should be avoided, as they often involve rather dubious procedures with potential complications. In comparison, traditional healing systems such as traditional Chinese medicine are well respected, and aspects of them are being increasingly used by western medical practitioners. All traditional Asian medical systems identify a vital life force, and see blockage or imbalance as causing disease. Techniques such as herbal medicines, massage, and acupuncture are utilized to bring this vital force back into balance or to maintain balance. These therapies are best used for treating chronic disease such as chronic fatigue, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and some chronic skin conditions. Myanmar Traditional medicines should be avoided for treating serious acute infections such as malaria. Be ware that natural doesn't always mean "safe", and there can be drug interactions between herbal medicines and western medicines. If you are using both systems ensure that you inform both practitioners what the other has prescribed.