Due to its isolated location, you should be aware of health concerns as you travel throughout the country. It is highly advised that all travelers stay in groups of at least two at all times. You should make an appointment with a doctor well in advance of your trip to discuss any concerns or underlying health conditions that could challenge your travel plans. Furthermore, Chinese and Tibetan medical facilities are far from Western standards, and language barriers may complicate matters so it is best to be well-prepared and informed about possible scenarios before arriving in Tibet. You should also find your embassies both in China, and also in surrounding countries.
An insurance plan that covers evacuation is a necessity. If you do develop a serious health problem, the best medical treatment will be found in a location outside of Tibet and China, such as Singapore.
Travel insurance is recommended because travelers have been known to have severe cases of altitude sickness. Make sure you understand all the conditions of your policy prior to departure. International travel insurance is available at www.lonelyplanet.com/travel_services.
Because of lengthy airplane travel and bus rides, people with heart disease, cancer, clotting disorders, women on birth control or other estrogen therapy, pregnant women, and people who have have had recent surgery should be especially careful of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is caused by long periods of immobility which causes blood clots in the legs and potentially other serious conditions.
It is suggested that you receive the following vaccinations: tetanus, polio, diphtheria, typhoid, hepatitis A, meningitis, hepatitis B, and rabies. Immunizations frequently require multiple shots, so plan accordingly.
Some common goods that any traveler should have are band aids/plaster, swiss army knife and/or scissors, tweezers, antifungal cream/powder, antiseptic, antihistamine, calamine lotion or aloe vera to soothe bug bites or sunburn, water purifying tablets or a filter, eye drops to relieve irritation from dust, scarf or bandana to protect against dust, lip balm, sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses that block UV rays, wide-brimmed hat, mosquito repellent, facial/body moisturizer, multivitamins, basic cold medications, cough drops, multi-purpose drug containing codeine, and any prescription medication you may already be taking.
It is also advisable that you bring additional medications such as Diamox or the generic acetazolamide (for the high altitude), ciprofaxacin (for dysentery), tinidazole (for giardia or amoebic dysentery), and iodine tablets (for water purification).
Consider bringing along a personal set of silverware or disposable silverware in order to ensure more sanitation.
If you are prone to motion sickness than you should eat a little before and during your trip. If possible, find a place that minimizes movement such as the middle of a bus or a seat near the wing of an airplane. Fresh air, ginger capsules, peppermint, or mint sweets can help. Be aware that commercial medications often cause drowsiness and must be taken prior to your trip.
Where There Is No Doctor by David Werner
Staying Healthy in Asia, Africa, & Latin America by Dirk Schroeder
The Travelers Good Health Guide by Dr. Ted Lankester
Expedition Medicine Editors David Warrell and Sarah Anderson
The High Altitude Medicine Handbook by Andrew J Pollard and David R Murdoch
Elizabeth Tseng