Health Tips

Like elsewhere in the world COVID 19 also affected the Kingdom of Bhutan. It was an uphill task and challenge to the government which was successfully dealt with bringing Covid 19 in Bhutan under control.

All Bhutanese citizens remain aware and responsible to Covid 19, travelers are requested to equally comply with the protocol whilst in the country, downloading the Druk-Trace App for an updated health status during your stay here. Each establishment/sites visited will have the Druk-Trace App. The Royal Government of Bhutan built the Druk Trace app as a free app to fight against COVID-19 pandemic. This SERVICE is provided by Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan at no cost and is intended for use as a tool to expedite contact tracing in case of local transmission in Bhutan only.

Our representatives will assist in down loading the Druk-Trace App and advise on its usage.

In the unfortunate event should any incidence requiring medical treatment or hospitalization, we stand responsible for the medical treatment without any additional charges provided it is not a pre-existing condition. Every district has well equipped hospital with services available at any time to address any emergency.

Vaccinations

As per Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan there is no standing requirement of vaccination to travel to Bhutan. WHO however, recommends Adult Diphtheria & Tetanus, Hepatitis A & B, Polio, Typhoid, Cholera, Rubella, Japanese B Encephalitis, and Rabies vaccinations. You may at your own concern, wish to take immunization against certain preventable diseases; recommend you to go through US Centers for Disease Control for updated information the issue. 

General Health Concerns

General health problems for visitors in Bhutan include diarrhea and respiratory problems due to   change in climatic conditions. For some, altitude change could also cause some palpitations, breathlessness or headaches, especially if you are on trek. Travelers are advised not to drink water from uncertified sources. 

Altitude Sickness

Altitude Sickness is one important concern that a traveler needs to be aware of. International Society for Mountain Medicine will provide you good information on prevention and management of this sickness.

Symptoms include headache, dizziness and lethargy, loss of appetite, nausea, breathlessness and irritability. Difficulty sleeping is another common symptom and tends to be worse at night. This sickness are caused by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs and brain, and include breathlessness at rest, dry cough, severe headache, lack of coordination (leading to drunken-walk), confusion, irrational behavior, vomiting and eventually unconsciousness. These symptoms, even in mild form are to be taken seriously before it gets serious.

Prevention

1. Ascend slowly and do not push yourself while ascending high passes, allow your body to acclimatize the high altitude; take plenty of breaks
2. Should descend down to lower altitude for overnight halts
3. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
4. Eat light, high-carbohydrate meals for more energy.
5. Avoid alcohol and smoke to prevent dehydration
6. Avoid sedatives

Treatment

1. Mild symptoms could be treated by taking rest at same altitude until recovery.
2. Paracetamol or Aspirin is recommended for headache; advisable that you consult your physician beforehand about medication.
3. If symptoms persists or worsens, immediate descent is necessary; this is the most effective way to treat this sickness.
4. Drug treatments are given at some cases but should not compromise to descend or to enable further ascent.

Generally acute altitude sickness victims need to be evacuated to better health; travelers   precisely trekkers are advised to have adequate coverage of Travel Insurance prior to commencing journey in Bhutan.

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