From my agency:
When you go to China to meet your child, you will be traveling in a developing country where you will be exposed to health hazards that you are unlikely to encounter in the United States. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent or readily treat many of the illnesses that you could get in China. Here is what I suggest to help you stay healthy during your trip.
TRAVELERS’ DIARRHEA is a common, troublesome ailment in China. Be sure to ask your doctor or travel clinic for a prescription for an antibiotic to treat travelers’ diarrhea. A fluoroquinolone, such as ciprofloxacin (often referred to as “cipro”), is usually recommended. You should also buy loperamide (brand name Imodium), an anti-motility agent available without prescription. Taken together, they rapidly control diarrhea.
WHILE TRAVELING IN CHINA, you can reduce your risk of getting diarrhea and other enteric illnesses by diligently following these general hygiene measures:
- Do not drink tap water or use ice. It is safe to drink beverages made with boiled water (such as tea or coffee), bottled water, soft drinks, beer and wine. Bottled water is readily available.
- Avoid salads, uncooked vegetables, unpasteurized milk, and raw or undercooked fish and shellfish.
- Eat only food that has been cooked and is still hot.
- Eat only fruit that you have peeled.
- Avoid street vendors.
- IMPORTANT: Always clean your hands after you change a diaper, use the restroom, and before you eat. The preferred methods are hand washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub product (e.g., Purell). Although convenient, an antibacterial moist towelette (e.g., Wet Ones) is a less effective alternative.
