Staying healthy While travelling Nepal
Travelling to a new country always poses some risk of becoming ill. This article sets out some of the common ways travelers could fall ill and advice. Note this sets out general information only, not medical advice and you should speak with you physician before travelling, or seek one out in Nepal if you fall ill.
Food (and beverage) poisoning
Everyone knows what this is like. You had a great meal but later on start to feel nauseous and, well… You know what happens next! In Nepal food poisoning can range from a mildly upset stomach to a serious illness requiring medical attention. Best to prevent it with the tips below.
Prevention tips
Wash hands thoroughly regularly, especially before eating
Eat at reputable places
Treat all water used for food, toothbrushing etc (filter, boil for 2 mins, or purify with tablets)
Eat safer foods - those that are local (e.g. dahlbhat), cooked (not salads), and fresh (recently prepared). Vegetarian food can also be safer than meats like chicken.
Discuss prior to traveling with your doctor, they may prescribe antibiotics or medicine for you with directions for its use. If you run out, you can take the packet to a local pharmacy.
Motion sickness
Nepali roads can be windy, bumpy, and a wild ride as the driver swerves around dogs, chickens, motorcycles and the like. If you know you are prone to this, you can try the tips below.
Prevention tips
Try to get a seat closer to the front of the vehicle
Carry herbal remedies or prescription medicine from your doctor
Try acupressure wrist bands (while these can be found in Nepal they are more expensive and difficult to find)
Altitude sickness
This occurs when someone ascends or descends altitude faster than the body can adjust. It ranges from minor symptoms to a life-threatening condition. Our guides are all trained to recognise symptoms and our itineraries are designed for safe ascent/descent distances to enable good acclimatization. While our guides are here to keep you safe, there are also a few things you can do yourself.
Prevention tips
Only ascend a safe distance each day and follow our guide’s acclimatization plan
Stay well-hydrated
Discuss prior to traveling with your doctor, they may prescribe a medicine for you in case you need it
Don’t dismiss minor symptoms - speak with your guide to let them know how you are feeling so they can keep you safe (e.g. any headaches)
Animals - rabies
Rabies is present in Nepal. It can be transmitted by an animal bite or scratch, or contact with an animal’s saliva. As rabies is deadly, seeking medical treatment if you are exposed is crucial.
There are two types of vaccine: pre and post exposure, both which are available in Nepal. Even if you have had the pre-exposure vaccine, you must quickly seek out medical attention and a post-exposure vaccine if you have been bitten/scratched. There is a relatively short window of time within which you must receive the post-exposure vaccine.
Speak with your doctor prior to travelling for advice on the vaccines and wound treatment.
Prevention tips
Don’t pat dogs, cats, or other animals
Don’t make eye contact with monkeys, tease them, eat around them, or leave your belongings where they could grab them
Speak with your doctor before travelling and consider vaccination
Immediately seek medical treatment if you are scratched or bitten, even if you have had the pre-exposure vaccines
Insect bites & diseases
There are various biting insects in Nepal. Mosquito bites can transmit malaria, dengue and other diseases. These are season and region specific (though this is changing alongside changing weather due to climate change). Other insects that can be the vector for disease in Nepal include sandflies (Leishmaniasis), fleas/mites (various types of typhus), ticks (lyme disease). Other creepy-crawlies like bed bugs and leeches can be unpleasant but unlikely to transmit any disease.
Prevention tips
Speak with your doctor and know the risks for the season and region you’re travelling in
Avoid being bitten e.g. wear long clothing, use insect repellent, mosquito nets
Other illnesses
Speak with your doctor before travelling for advice about other illnesses such as hepatitis, and prevention measures.
