Common Illnesses in Thailand

Use safe fluids and ask a pharmacist about oral rehydration solution; mix it exactly as the packet directs. Small, frequent sips may be easier if you feel sick. Seek advice if fluids will not stay down, urine becomes markedly reduced, symptoms persist or there is blood in stool.

Do not use leftover antibiotics or choose treatment solely from a tablet’s appearance. Tell the pharmacist about pregnancy, age, regular medicines and medical conditions. Keep washing hands and avoid preparing food for others while ill. Follow clinical advice if you are vulnerable or symptoms worsen.

Fever, headache, body pain and a rash can occur with dengue and other infections. Symptoms cannot reliably distinguish them. Get medical advice quickly and describe where you have travelled. Severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding or fast breathing require urgent hospital care, including when the temperature starts to settle.

NHS guidance advises against aspirin and ibuprofen for dengue because they can increase bleeding risk. Ask a clinician or pharmacist about suitable symptom relief rather than assuming every painkiller is appropriate. Malaria risk varies by itinerary; discuss relevant border, forest and rural travel with a travel-health clinician instead of using a single rule for all Thailand.

If heat causes dizziness, headache, thirst, weakness or nausea, stop activity and move to a cool place. Cool the skin and use cool drinks if the person is alert and able to swallow. Someone should stay with them.

Confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, fast breathing or remaining unwell after cooling are urgent warning signs. Call 1669 for suspected heatstroke, keep cooling the person and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Do not give drinks to an unconscious person. Plan shorter walks, shade and rest rather than trying to push through the heat.

After a potentially rabies-exposing bite or scratch, wash the area thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately. Saliva entering broken skin or the eyes or mouth also needs assessment. Avoid further contact with the animal.

Tell the clinician when and where it happened, the animal involved and your previous vaccination history. Pre-travel rabies vaccination does not remove the need for post-exposure care. Keep a record of any vaccine or other treatment given so the course can be continued correctly. Do not wait until you return home.

Mention floodwater, fresh-water activities, mosquito bites, animal contact, food and water concerns, and recent travel outside Thailand. CDC highlights leptospirosis risk after floods or heavy rainfall; avoiding potentially contaminated water and covering cuts are practical precautions. Fever after such contact deserves medical advice.

For respiratory symptoms, avoid close contact with others when ill and ask a clinic what precautions to take before arrival. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, immune suppression or a long-term condition. After returning home, explain the Thailand itinerary and symptom dates; do not assume the trip is irrelevant.