Health Advice

Before coming to Indonesia read the following health advice for travelling or working in the tropics and it is recommended to seek further advice from your doctor. It is also recommended you take responsibility for your Sexual Health.

Before arrival in Indonesia

It's important to get a International Health Certificate. This card will state what vaccinations you've had and if you're on medication you can get some legal looking document stating what medication you're on. This could solve many problems if your bags are checked when entering the country.

The advantage of this card is that it will put you in direct contact with a doctor with the most up to date knowledge. If you already have a card check the validity of Hepatitis A, Typhoid & Tetanus.

Most insurance companies do not cover Gynecological or Dental Health so it may be advisable to have a medical check up before departure. This would include recommended Vaccinations for Tetanus, etc. and if you are coming from South America or Africa you need a Yellow Fever Vaccination.

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General Advice

Food is probably the main cause of Health complaints. It's best to avoid empty warungs (street vendors) or even restaurants. Street food could have a lower risk of causing stomach upsets because the vendors specialize in one type of food so the ingredients are generally fresh every day.

If you do have problems it's best to relax, eat bland food (bubur), drink lots of fluids (flat Coke is very good) but try to avoid coffee. In extreme cases take Imodium tablets, like Entrostop. There is an old Indian cure for diarrhea which is eating raw onions & vinegar. Sounds disgusting but the onions act as a disinfectant while the vinegar clears out the system.

The other major problem is 'kutu air' (athletes foot) which needs some anti-fungal cream. It's worth taking good care of cuts, wash them with an antiseptic (Betadine).

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Malaria

One of the hazards of the tropics - it's advisable to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. In Java & Bali there are very few incidents of malaria and even then only in the isolated areas. Travelling outside these areas means you should consider taking prophylactics.

It's best to wear long light weight clothes & screen up windows or close doors. Although DEET creams are very effective try not to use them too much as they can't be good for your skin. Minyak Gosok (a local product) can stop the bites itching.

Do check with you family doctor for more up to date information.

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Typhoid

Typhoid is contracted from eating food or beverages which have been handled by a person carrying the virus or by coming into contact with sewage that is contaminated with the virus. In Indonesia you can't drink tap water and should be careful of fruit or vegetables that may be washed in infected water.

The best advice is to maintain a high standard of personal hygiene, wash hands before and after meals, keep fingernails clean, etc. and follow the advice in the General Health advice on this page.

The symptoms are usually fever, aching joints or headaches, other flu-like symptoms. lethargy and irregularities in bowel movements. If symptoms similiar to this persist you should either have a blood test or have your stools tested. The cheapest anti-biotic is Ciprofloxacin but only take this after speaking to a doctor.

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Hepatitis

Hepatitis A can be contracted from dirty water, fruit or vegetables washed in dirty water etc. Hepititus B is primarily transmitted by having unsafe sex, sharing needles or using unsterile equipment. This means you should be careful when getting tattoed and having blood transfusions in countries that do not pre-test for blood transfusions.

Although there are often no symptoms you may have mild flu-like symptoms vomiting abdominal pain, dark urine or yellowing of the skin. It is recommended to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A before arrival in Indonesia. It is also recommended you take responsibility for your Sexual Health.

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Sexual Health

Like many developing countries the incidence of AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases are not accurately recorded and the Sexual Health Education is not adequate. It is essential to wear a condom with all new sexual partners.

ftnp has detailed advice on sexual health issues: including symptoms to look out for and simple advice.

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