Health risks in Penang and hospital care
Local liquor can upset foreign stomachs
There are generally very few health risks in Penang worth worrying about and the worst most travellers encounter is a mild upset stomach from unusually spicy food. That said, it is worth taking a few simple precautions to lessen the danger of any unfortunate ailments. Those who are not used to tropical climates can find themselves feeling queasy because of the sudden humidity, so it is wise to take things slowly at first and not pack too much into your first day of sightseeing.
In general Penangites are extremely friendly and used to see foreigner travellers wandering around Georgetown and the beaches. But despite the prevalence of the tolerant Chinese Malaysians who are more open to Western cultural values, Malaysia is still a Islamic country and public displays of affection or profanities can cause offence. It is therefore wise to exercise tact with one’s conduct. More on etiquette in Penang.
Hospital treatment in Penang is generally of a very high standard and the island-state is fast becoming a centre for medical tourism. Most doctors and pharmacists are able to speak good English and are extremely well trained.
However, costs for treatment can soar dramatically, especially if inpatient care is required. You should, therefore, make sure not to compromise and take out comprehensive travel insurance in case anything should go awry. More on safety in Penang.
Health in Penang
Avian influenza: there is no major risk of bird flu in Penang despite Malaysia being the ninth Asian nation to haver confirmed cases of the pandemic. Numbers of infected poultry have tailed off considerably in recent times and, without question, chicken, duck and goose is all completely safe to eat.
Swine flu (H1N1): occurrences of swine flu which claimed many lives worldwide have plummeted remarkably since the rolling out of vaccination programmes. Some Malaysians did die after contracting the H1N1 virus but these have been generally confined to the elderly and those with serious underlying health problems.
Dengue fever: this is one of the more serious tropical health risks in Malaysia which it is wise to take precautions to avoid. Especially prevalent in urban areas such as Georgetown, the disease previous called ‘breakback fever’ is mosquito-born with nasty symptoms such as an aversion to sunlight and excruciating pain in the joints. No vaccination is available to counteract dengue so the only precaution travellers can take is to invest in DEET-based mosquito repellent and cover up to avoid being bitten. Those who suspect they have dengue should seek immediate medical attention.
Diarrhoea/food: Even experienced travellers will have some difficulties handling the intensely spicy food that makes eating in Penang such as delight. Of course, backpackers who frequent only make-shift streetside restaurants are likely to feel the effects more than guests of five star hotels, but affluent eating is certainly no guarantee of trouble-free toilet time. In general only eat at cheap restaurants which are packed with local patrons. And avoid anti-diarrhoea medication like Immodium unless undertaking a long journey. Complications can arise if loose motions are blocked for extended periods.
Dehydration: the temperature in Penang never drops below sweltering evening in monsoon season and dehydration is especially a problem for visitors unaccustomed to such factors. Tourists should ensure they drink plenty of water and take rehydration salts if suffering from other maladies such as diarrhoea or vomiting. Bottled drinking water is available all over Penang although tap water is generally fine to drink as well, but it is perhaps wise to ask your guesthouse or resort proprietor first.
Drinking water: tap water in Penang is generally safe to drink and if you are presented with water at a restaurant it will always be boiled or from a safe source. Although ice used to be a perilous choice, these days it invariably comes from a central processing plant and is safe. Bottled drinking water is inexpensive and widely available also
HIV/AIDS: instances of HIV/AIDS are rising across Southeast Asia including Penang although generally Malaysia does not have the level of problem of certain more liberal neighbouring countries. Conservative Islamic society generally hinders the spread of STDs although it is still paramount to use a condom to be 100 per cent safe. Contraception is cheaply available from Penang pharmacies and 7-eleven convenience stores.
Lam Wah Ee Hospital in Penang
Hepatitis: this disease, which involves swelling of the liver, has different variations. Hep B is considered the most serious and is spread through blood or sexual contact including dirty needles. Hep A is a slightly milder version and more common. Vaccinations for both strains are easy to find so get protected against them before setting off on your travels.
Hygiene: in general Penang is more developed than the majority of tourist destinations in Southeast Asia with a higher standard of hygiene, especially in the hospitality industry. That said, it’s not uncommon to see rats scurrying around pile of refuse dumped in the street and it is best to avoid establishments that clearly have a lax attitude towards vermin and cleanliness. Overflowing drains can cause a stench during sudden downpours and be problematic if only wearing sandals.
Mosquitos and Malaria: luckily there is no real risk of contracting malaria in Penang and the whole of Peninsular Malaysia generally. But if travelling farther afield visitors should make certain they have the correct prophylactic medication for their chosen destination. Many drugs require the course to begin a few weeks prior to departure so it is wise to leave plenty of time. Women should know that some anti-malarials (including the common doxycycline) are actually antibiotics and reduce how effective contraceptive pills are drastically.
Rabies: stray dogs are not as common in Penang as Thailand or other Buddhist Southeast Asian nations. This is mainly because, as an Islamic country, there is not the same ‘live and let live’ attitude towards animals. Should you get bitten or scratched, however, seek out medical attention and wash the wound immediately with rum, whisky or another spirit alcohol. The rabies vaccine is widely available and is a very wise investment.
Tropical infections: scratches or cuts can easily get infected so remember to wash these out with iodine or Betadine and allow them to dry properly. This is particularly important if the injury is sustained from coral in the sea, as all manner of bacteria and hazardous substances can lurk on these unsanitary surfaces.
Tattoo and piercing: If you want to get a piercing or tattoo whilst in Penang it is wise to be mindful of hepatitis B and ensure the artist uses a fresh packet of needles which is opened in front of you. If in doubt, it is certainly better to head elsewhere rather than take the risk with your life.
