Most of the standard travel guides provide you with short descriptions of common ailments, but are lacking in practical advice. They typically suggest you seek medical assistance if you suspect serious illness, but it may not always be feasible (or, indeed, possible) to obtain such assistance. Moreover, the quality of medical care in many places in Southeast Asia can be questionable. Prudent adventurers should be equipped with a good basic awareness of common tropical diseases as well as guidelines on self-medication in the field, should this become necessary. With these pragmatic considerations in mind, we have taken the standard coverage of health risks in Southeast Asia a step further. Keep in mind that this article is not comprehensive coverage of this topic, is not professional medical advice, and that the public health situation can change very rapidly. Please refer to the important 'Medical Disclaimer' notice at the end of this article.
1. Kelly A. Bennett, MD is Chief of Staff, Texas Tech University Student Health Department and Clinical Assistant Professor, Texas Tech University School of Medicine, Lubbock, Texas, USA. Fiona R. Prabhu, MD is Assistant Professor, Texas Tech University School of Medicine, Lubbock, Texas, USA. L.S. Peter Prabhu, M.Phil (Cantab) is Senior Expedition Leader, End-of-the-Tether Expeditions and Member of the BDICFA, Cambridge, UK.