What do you all recommend for using to keep the mosquitos away? Is it that much of a problem in June? ie. Do you have to spray yourself with DEET every day when you're out? The main concern is malaria I would guess. Is that much of a problem in Beijing/Xian/Hangzhou/Shanghai?
Also after reading all the posts/ CDC/etc. It seems like the reasonable vaccinations to get would be Hep A and tetanus? Any others you all think are necessary? We had hep B already.
Thanks!

I had the same question about mosquitos in Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, and HK. Is it a problem where we'll need to have insect repellant at all times??

Mosquitos bite in BJ and not just at dusk. The results look like chicken pox!!! Bring a repellent and bring some of that benadryl spray you can get in the US, or if coming from Japan, the little pre-benadryled Bandaid stickees.

You may want to consider japanese B encephalitis if you will be in suburbs. You have to be bitten by a mosquito that is infected from a pig, so chances seem slim. But the xcpats here are split 50-50 over this one, with those in the suburns opting for it and those down town, usually not.

If you are on the move, you'll be Ok, but you can't really sit down for a long period outside without spray or citronella candle. June won't be as bad as July or August.

Mosquitos bite in BJ and not just at dusk. The results look like chicken pox!!! Bring a repellent and bring some of that benadryl spray you can get in the US, or if coming from Japan, the little pre-benadryled Bandaid stickees.

You may want to consider japanese B encephalitis if you will be in suburbs. You have to be bitten by a mosquito that is infected from a pig, so chances seem slim. But the expats here are split 50-50 over this one, with those in the suburbs opting for it and those down town, usually not.

If you are on the move, you'll be Ok, but you can't really sit down for a long period outside without spray or citronella candle. June won't be as bad as July or August.

I have never even thought of northern China - or even southern China, come to that, as being malarial. What makes you think they are?

There are hundreds of websites where you can locate this information. So check 'em out!

I guess just to be on the safe side, bring tons of repellant. Is May very different from June or July??

It's always wise to bring repellant, deet-based, containing 25-50% deet maximum.

Do read the cdc website www.cdc.gov/travel for all the info on travel medicine. You'll find that malaria is a problem in only particular provinces. Japanese encephalitis is a disease not of the suburbs, but of rural areas. The cdc recommends this vaccine only if you are spening over a month in a rural area.

After you've done your research by reading the cdc website, consult with a travel medicine doc about all the issues to consider.

kathie---we bought some bug spray today and it says 100% deet....is that too strong....we have some from other trips, which is maybe 50% deet....is the new too strong?? thanks

bob

Bob, 100% deet is not meant for the skin. Instead, it is meant for spraying clothing.

thanks...i just read the directions and it mention skin but also rubbing on your skin and wash it off immediately after use....i hate sun tan lotion and this kind of spray anyways....we have the malerone and will rely on it primarily....my wife will of course use both....

kathie---you might be intered that we are meeting craig for lunch tomorrow to get a first hand report about his india trip....have you been there?? its very near on our horizon...

So would you say the insect repellant should be used at ALL times?? Some say it might even be a good idea to have it on when you sleep as some mosquitos are notorious for getting you at that time!

We bought wipes that are 30% DEET. There are convenient little spray bottles , but they are 100% DEET. I thought that was too strong. What do you think of the wipes? You are suggesting we use these wipes everyday while we are out, not just at dusk?

Mosquitos that carry malaria bite from dusk to dawn and are most prevalent in rural areas. However, those that carry dengue fever bite during the day and are most prevalent in urban areas. Check the cdc website to see whether there are current outbreaks of dengue in the areas you are visiting. Even if there are no outbreaks, if you find lots of mosquitos you'll want repellant.

The wipes should be fine. remember that you want to cover all exposed skin to be effective.

Thanks, Kathie!!