I will be traveling to China this July, and will be visiting Beijing, Xian, the Yangze River, Guilan, and Shanghai. How bad will the pollution be, and what precautions might be helpful? Thanks, <BR>Fred

You might find it a good idea to pack along a couple fabric face masks, sold in your local drugstore. Your problem most likely would be dust in July. In winter, when the Chinese burn a lot of coal in the form of briquettes, the air in northern China's cities and towns is filled with coal fumes and smoke. Of course, you will want to drink only bottled water from sealed bottles. Or you might like to drink their beer, which is OK. Remember to brush your teeth with the bottled water; never use tap water except to wash. Don't use ice cubes...in anything. Take along some Purell or similar waterless hand cleaner. Keep your fingers out of your mouth and eyes. Just have a great time.

Fred: My travel advisor just returned from China - your same destinations. He told me that everyone on the tour (20 people) ended up with some sort of respiratory problem by journey's end. His opinion is that the problems all arise from air pollution and he strongly urged me to bring along "lots" of over-the-counter meds for congestion, cold, coughs, sore throats,etc when I make the trip in September. He is not a doctor, so this is just his opinion, but I will go prepared - preferring "safe" over "sorry". Hope this helps.

We were in the places mentioned last September-October and never experienced any problems with pollution or respiratory side effects. I don't recall seeing more than a few people wearing face masks.

I live in Shanghai, and only very, very rarely see people (only Chinese riding their bikes) wearing face masks). <BR> <BR>I think an antihistemine (sp?) would be a good idea - something that can help clear up your nasal passages (maybe ask a doctor what's appropriate - I'm not sure). <BR> <BR>I WOULD recommend that you bring small packages of baby wipes - my mom discovered this trick and it's really handy. She buys the kind that are either meant to be portable or are meant to be a refil for a standard holder - at any rate, they come in small, flexible, re-sealable packs of about 15 or 20. Perfect for tucking in a bag and using to wipe off your hands and face when you're hot, sweaty and dusty. <BR> <BR>Good luck!

Dear Fred: <BR> <BR>RE PRECAUTIONS: Check the CDC web site for precautions. For our trip this summer to China (based on CDC and our family doctor), we did: <BR>1. Polio vaccine; <BR>2. Hepatitis A vaccine; <BR>3. Immunoglobulin (I am not sure how that is spelled); <BR>4. A prescription strength immodium and antibiotic; <BR>5. Over the counter sudafed and pepto bismo; <BR>6. Throw Away seringes (if you must get a shot in China, they do not have disposable siringes, so it is best to have your own with you; your doctor can give you some, and a prescription as to why you have them with you). <BR> <BR>Get a tetanus booster if you haven't had one in 5 years. <BR> <BR>Personally, I am carrying a face mask, just in case, but I do not think I will have to use it. <BR> <BR>I also suggest alcohol wipes; wipe the bowls and glasses before each meal to sanitize them. <BR> <BR>Happy Travels! <BR> <BR>CYNTHIA