Travel Like a Champion in China!
![Collage: China, US Flag, Fans of the US Olymic Team](BeijingOlympics_390px.jpg)
Traveling to China for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games? Here are some tips for staying safe and healthy.
Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy!
![Photo: The Great Wall of China](BeijingOlympics_125px.jpg)
- Eat fully cooked food that is served hot or fruits and vegetables you can wash and peel yourself.
- Eat and drink only dairy products that have been pasteurized.
- Do not eat food from street vendors.
- Drink beverages that have been bottled and sealed (water, carbonated drinks, or sports drinks).
- Do not put ice in drinks.
- Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand gel before you eat or prepare a meal.
Breathe Easy!
- Talk with your doctor before you go to China if you have asthma or another lung problem.
- See a doctor right away if you have coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing while traveling.
- If possible, plan outdoor activities early in the day and avoid areas of heavy traffic.
Play It Safe!
- Use insect repellent (bug spray) with 30%-50% DEET.
- Drink plenty of water and eat regularly to avoid heat-related illness.
- Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
- Do not touch animals, especially dogs and birds.
- Follow local laws and customs.
- Be careful in crowds and when crossing the street.
- Choose a place to meet if you get separated from your group.
For more tips, see CDC's Olympics and Paralympics travel health Web site. Check back for a special feature with top tips for kids.
Download a podcast to learn more about staying healthy while traveling to and around China:
- Attention Sports Fans: Go for the Gold in Travel Health! (
5:30 minutes)
- Gold Medal Travel Health Tips (
9:22 minutes)
If you missed our tips for preparing to travel to the Olympics and Paralympics, read Go for the Gold — in Travel Health!
Know someone else who is going to the Olympics? Send them an e-card and share what you've learned about good travel health!
For travel health information about other international destinations, see CDC.gov/Travel.
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