Food Borne Illiness in China

We are traveling with a group to some of the tourist cities in China-Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guilin, Wuhan, Suzhou, Chongquin. When I read the Lonely Planet Guide, they leave the impression that there is a high probability of getting sick from the food and water (30-50%). There are about 10 meals where we will be on our own during our time in China, so this is a concern. But realistically, in these cities is it really that likely and, if so, how do we minimize the risk?

Is it necessary to get the typhoid vaccine when traveling to these cities? This is one of the vaccines recommended by the US CDC.

Thanks, Joe

Food Borne Illiness in China

The travel doctor told us that there was a 50% chance that we would get some sort of stomach bug in China. He also said that by taking Pepto Bismol tablet with every meal would reduce it by 10%. That didn%26#39;t seem worth it to us. He did not recommend the typhoid vaccine for our two week trip. I got a Hep A and will get a tetnus shot this week. I realized that all the places we%26#39;re visiting are much more urban then where we live, it%26#39;s not as if we%26#39;re going into the jungle or planning to do anything very risky.

Food Borne Illiness in China

Just adjusting to the difference in diet and the amount of oil can cause some discomfort. I always find that the spiciness of Chongqing type food has bad effects on my digestive system, but it%26#39;s not a major problem.

A lot of it has to do with the kinds of places you will eat. If you stick to hotel restaurants and big fancy restaurants, you%26#39;ll have less problems.

If you are tempted by little hole-in-the-wall places and street food, you%26#39;re more likely to have problems. Also, in the less clean places, meat, seafood, and raw veggies (salads) would be more likely to be a problem than stir-fried vegetable dishes.

Thank you for the info and tips, Joe

Do as the Chinese do/eat where they eat. You will never see Chinese eating salad or unpeeled fruit. By all means take Purell or other alcohol-based hand wash %26amp; in China buy baby wipes.

Hep A vaccine is important. Get your doctor to prescribe Lomotil or Immodium (generic substitute is cheaper %26amp; just as effetcive) Only take it when you must travel that day as long term use is not good for you.

Be adventurous and don%26#39;t limit your eating to high priced tourist restaurants.

Yeah, dont worry about it. Get your Hep A shot and have your doctor prescribe you some Cippro for if/when you get hit with diarrhea. The Spicy food is delicious so make sure you get some of that. I would try to find some Watson%26#39;s ginger ale too because that helps with stomach problems too. You should go to restaurants where you see other people eating because that way you know the food is safe and maybe even yummy. I%26#39;ve been all over China and live in Beijing so the food is diverse and good. Make sure you wash it down with some local beer or red star bai jiu.