Stay Healthy and Safe in China

You practice health and safety at home. Take these good habits to China, too!

Stay Healthy

• Follow safe food and water practices (see section below).
• Wash your hands with soap and water before you eat, after you cough or sneeze, and after you go to the bathroom. If you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol).
• To reduce the changes of heat-related illness:
  • Drink plenty of water and eat regularly.
    • An adult should drink about two liters of water each day (about eight, 8-ounce glasses) to stay hydrated. In extreme temperatures, two to four 8-ounce glasses of fluid an hour will help keep you hydrated and decrease the risks for heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
  • Wear a hat or head covering to prevent sunburn, and wear sunglasses with UV protection to prevent sun damage to your eyes.
• Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to prevent sunburn, and wear sunglasses with UV protection to prevent sun damage to your eyes.
• Use an insect repellent containing DEET (30-50%) or picaridin (up to 15%).
• Use condoms if you have sex.
• Avoid touching or petting animals, especially birds and dogs.
• Swim only in chlorinated water.

Follow safe food and water practices

Hygiene and safety standards for food and water are different in China from what you are used to at home. Use these tips to help make food choices:

• Eat foods that are fully cooked and served hot.
• Eat and drink only dairy products that have been pasteurized.
• Drink beverages that have been bottled and sealed (water, carbonated drinks, or sports drinks).
• Do not put ice in drinks.
• Eat only fruits and vegetables that you can wash and peel yourself.

Stay Safe

• Don’t drink and drive.
• Wear a helmet when you ride a bike or motorcycle.
• Wear a seatbelt.
• Be careful when participating in recreational activities, including swimming.
• Be careful crossing the street.
• Be careful and stay alert in crowds.
• Follow local laws and customs and Olympic Games security regulations.
• Avoid political protests and rallies.
• Make a photocopy of your passport to carry with you at all times.
• Develop plans for where to meet if you become separated from the group with whom you are traveling.

More information for travelers

• Disease risks in China
• Preparing for your trip
• Stay healthy and safe