Common Concerns on Travel Health in Medan

**CLICK HERE for special room rates, discounts and reservations on Medan Hotels**

Informing yourself of the potential risks to your health in Medan is your first step in dealing with possible health problems. Travel health is an important aspect that you should prioritize every time you travel. Traveling to different environments and climates abroad can expose you to new diseases and other health risks. As such, you should be cognizant of the dangers and on how to protect your health.

A yellow fever immunization certificate is required only for tourists traveling from infected countries. This is imposed by the Indonesian government for protection of the locals from Yellow Fever due to the presence of the vector Aedes aegypti present in the country. Travelers from certain parts of Africa and America must present their proof of Yellow Fever vaccination.

Other vaccinations not entirely required but recommended include tetanus-diphtheria-polio (DPT), measles, mumps and rubella. Seasonal influenza is suggested for children and person over 50 years of age. In addition, pneumococcal, hepatits A and typhoid fever are recommended immunizations before traveling to Medan.

Common tropical diseases may pose a threat to your health in Medan. Since Medan is at the lower altitude of Sumatra, there is a possible risk of malaria in the area. Persons traveling extensively in rural areas, cruising between islands or making night excursions should practice necessary precautions. For protection purposes, apply insect repellant day and night and wear long-sleeve shirt during nighttime. Another common mosquito-borne disease is dengue fever. Take note that this is a year-round disease, with elevated prevalence during rainy season, from October to March. Risk is also higher in crowded urban areas where mosquitoes breed in stagnated water. For safety measure, apply DEET-containing repellant and spray permethrin solution on clothes.

Other common diseases in Medan include schistosomiasis, Avian influenza, chingkunguya virus, cutaneous larva migrans, giardiasis, hepatitis E, intestinal parasites, melioidosis, tuberculosis and scrub typhus. Sexually transmitted infections are very common so practice safe sex at all times. If possible, bring condoms with you since quality, reliability and size may vary in different countries.

Apart from immunizations and disease safety precautions, you should also watch out for food and water safety. Consider all local waters contaminated. All tap water that is used for brushing teeth, drinking and making ice cubes must be boiled. Do not worry as there are plenty of bottled water brands available at cheap prices; most hotels offer bottled water. Milk must be boiled before being taken due to possible improper refrigeration. Evaporated and powdered milk are safe and available.

Ensure the fish, meat and poultry are well cooked and served hot. Avoid cold buffets, frozen desserts, uncured cheese, custard, salads and undercooked or raw eggs. While first rate hotels and restaurants offer reliable food and distilled drinking water, the risk is left to your judgment.

Several hospitals and health clinics are available in Medan in case you need treatment or health checkup. Follow the tips mentioned above to maintain optimum health in Medan. Do not forget to bring first-aid medicine and anti-allergy tablets for an instant health fix. Always drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration during the hot season.