Before visiting Southeast Asia countries in general and Cambodia in particular, it would be better if you get necessary medications as well as suitable vaccinations which help protecting your health during the journey. Your doctor or medical center will base on the traveling destinations, health conditions, immunization history to give you advice about the things that you need for good preparation.

To control and enhance your health, you should visit the hospital or health care center to get the overall medical examination periodically, especially before traveling abroad. Regarding the vaccine against malaria, the recommended timing to take the best effect is 4-6 weeks. In case your departure date is sooner than 4 weeks, you still need to take the necessary vaccinations and get updated information about the destinations in your trip.

Pack medications in their original, clearly labeled containers. A signed and dated letter from your physician describing your medical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good idea. If carrying syringes or needles be sure to have a physician’s letter documenting their medical necessity. If you have a heart condition bring a copy of your ECG taken just before traveling.
In almost of Southeast Asian countries, it is very easy to buy any medicines without a prescription from a doctor. However, sometimes, you can find difficulty in buying special drugs or specific medications.
We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. If you have a medical condition, you should also share your travel plans with any doctors you are currently seeing for other medical reasons.
If you travel to more than 1 country, it is good if the doctor knows as he will help you to get exact vaccinations and necessary medical information for your safety.

Vaccinations

The only vaccine required by international regulations is yellow fever. Proof of vaccination will only be required if you have visited a country in the yellow-fever zone within the six days before entering Southeast Asia. If you are traveling to Southeast Asia from Africa or South America you should check to see if you require proof of vaccination.

Specialized travel-medicine clinics are your best source of information; they stock all available vaccines and will be able to give specific recommendations for you and your trip. The doctors will take into account factors such as past vaccination history, the length of your trip, activities you may be undertaking, and underlying medical conditions, such as pregnancy.

Most vaccines don’t produce immunity until at least two weeks after they’re given, so visit a doctor four to eight weeks before departure.

Medical checklist

Recommended items for a personal medical kit:
1. antibacterial cream, eg Muciprocin
2. antibiotics for skin infections, eg Amoxicillin/Clavulanate or Cephalexin
3. antibiotics for diarrhea, eg Norfloxacin or Ciprofloxacin; Azithromycin for bacterial diarrhea; and Tinidazole for giardiasis or amoebic dysentery
4. antifungal cream, eg Clotrimazole
5. antihistamines for allergies, eg Cetrizine for daytime and Promethazine for night
6. anti-inflammatories, eg Ibuprofen
7. antinausea medication, eg Prochlorperazine
8. antiseptic for cuts and scrapes, eg Betadine
9. antispasmodic for stomach cramps, eg Buscopa
10. contraceptives
11. decongestant for cold and flu, eg Pseudoephedrine
12. DEET-based insect repellent
13. diarrhea ‘stopper’, eg Loperamide
14. first-aid items such as scissors, plasters (Band-Aids), bandages, gauze, thermometer (electronic, not mercury), sterile needles and syringes, safety pins, and tweezers
15. indigestion medication, eg Quick Eze or Mylanta
16. laxatives, eg Coloxyl
17. migraine medication (your personal brand), if a migraine sufferer
18. oral-rehydration solution for diarrhea, eg Gastrolyte
19. paracetamol for pain
20. steroid cream for allergic/itchy rashes, eg 1% to 2% hydrocortisone
21. sunscreen and hat
22. throat lozenges

Malaria

For such a serious and potentially deadly disease, there is an enormous amount of misinformation concerning malaria. You must get expert advice as to whether your trip actually puts you at risk. Many parts of Cambodia, particularly populated areas, have minimal to no risk of malaria, and the risk of side effects from the antimalarial medication may outweigh the risk of getting the disease. For some rural areas, however, the risk of contracting the disease far outweighs the risk of any tablet side effects. Remember that malaria can be fatal.

You need to discuss with your doctor if you need to use antimalarial drug since it might cause side effects like: tiredness, nausea, drowsiness, or stomach upset…There are some effective way which can prevent you from malaria such as wearing a shirt with long sleeves, sleeping inside bed net, using lemongrass essential oil…Additionally, try to get the type of long-lasting insect repellent and use them more frequent around every 3 or 4 hours when you travel to the areas have mosquitos. When and where the risk of malaria is low, taking an antimalarial drug is not recommended.

Insurance

Your insurance should basically cover health services and medication. You should find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or if they reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures. You may prefer a policy that pays doctors or hospitals directly rather than you having to pay on the spot and claim later. If you have to claim later, make sure you keep all documentation.

Related tours for you:

• Best of Vietnam Cambodia tour package 2023
• Cambodia overland discovery tour
• Cambodia tour of Culture, Nature & Wildlife

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Travel Authentic Asia Company is your best choice for discovering the beauty of Southeast Asia. Our experienced and knowledgeable travel advisors are committed to helping you create a tailor-made tour and extraordinary experiences in this majestic region.

If you're looking for an authentic cultural experience, do not hesitate to contact Travel Authentic Asia to choose a Cambodia tour, Southeast Asia tour package or to customize your own style tour to South East Asia.