Prevention is the best medicine. Be extra careful of hygiene. Wash your hands before meals. Toilets can be primitive ---- carry your own tissues and moist towels. Toilet in tourist hotels are usually the best and the cleanest.
Local fruits and vegetables should be soaked in a mild bleach solution (2 tablespoons bleach to 1 Gallon water for 20 minutes) or Milton solution and throughly rinsed before eating.
Never drink tap water unless you certain it is safe to do so. Generally, the water is safe in foreign hotels and joint venture residential complexes but check with the management. Flasks of boiled water are indication that water is unsafe. When in doubt choose bottled mineral water which is widely available.

Vaccinations And Immunizations

Whilst no vaccinations are compulsory to enter China, it is advisable to be immunized against poliomyelitis, tetanus, and typhoid. Immunization against Hepatitis A and B is strongly recommended as is stressed below. Most people complete immunization prior to arriving in Shanghai, however immunization is possible upon arrival.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is also a virus and usually causes acute illness, from which it can take 6-12 weeks to recover. It is spread in a similar manner to typhoid and cholera, by contaminated water, food (particularly shell fish) and poor hygiene.

Hepatitis B

This prevalent in Asia as a result of the local population's high incidence of carriers of the virus that causes hepatitis B. It is spread by contact with body fluids including saliva. The virus can live for several days after leaving the body. In the West only certain groups in society are at risk of Hepatitis B (medical workers, drug addicts, the sexually promiscuous, etc.) but the high "carrier rate" in Asia puts everyone at risk. Vaccination against Hepatitis B consists of a series of 3 vaccinations, which gives 5 or more years protection. This is strongly recommended for all people living or traveling in Asia and especially those who are planning to spend more than 12 months in China.

Malaria and Japanese Encephalitis

Although the incidence of Japanese encephalitis in Shanghai has declined in recent years the best precaution is to avoid mosquito bites. Malaria is not a problem in Shanghai although there is some malaria in Southern China. Care should be taken to avoid mosquito bites, especially in rural areas. The risk of mosquito bites is greatest at dusk and at night so it is best to wear a repellent, or cover up well with long sleeves. Perfume, after-shave and dark colored clothing are said to be attractive to mosquitoes. Burning mosquito coils or buying a mosquito net will keep mosquitoes away.

Respiratory Infections

Coughs, colds and sinus trouble are the most common ailments, especially during the winter. Asthmatics and those with chronic chest conditions such as bronchitis may have increased difficulties in China.