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Healthcare in Vietnam

Health care in the cities is adequate for minor injuries. More complicated treatment may require evacuation to another country. Healthcare in rural areas is extremely basic. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Complete the next of kin details in the back of your passport.

If you are taking prescription medication into Vietnam, carry it in your hand-luggage with a copy of the prescription. Some specific medicines can be hard to find in Vietnam and many medications on sale are counterfeit.

Beware of food from street-side vendors, which might be contaminated.

Don’t drink wine without recognised brand names. There have been deaths caused by fatal levels of methanol in rice wine.

Since early April 2014, Vietnam has experienced a higher than normal number of measles infections, including cases involving young children with severe symptoms. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date.

There has been an increase in the number of cases of dengue fever that have been reported in Vietnam.

There have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Vietnam in recent years. A small number of people have died from Avian Influenza since January 2014. The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is low. You should, however, avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds, and make sure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 115 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

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