These and normally less serious respiratory tract infections, such as colds, influenza, sinusitis and bronchitis, which reduce oxygen intake, can be devastating in Tibet, where your body's regenerative processes are occupied coping with climate and altitude. A standard traveler's first-aid kit should include a range of antibiotics and medicine for stomach troubles. Drugs such as Flagyl, Vertex and Tiniba for amoeba, worms and giardia should be used after consulting a doctor. Drinking water should be boiled or treated with iodine tincture or compounds. Chlorined-based treatments do not kill amoebic cysts.
Tibetan dogs are xenophobic.
They roam in packs around monasteries and towns, and seem to have a particular antipathy to foreigners who look and smell different from the locals. While the danger of dog bites is real enough, there is little danger of rabies. While the risk may be greater around Tangmai, Bome, Yadong and the Chumbi Valley than in other places in Tibet,evacuation for a dog bite is generally considered unnecessary and is unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance policy. To prevent infection, bites should be washed at once with whatever clean fluid is available, treated with an antiseptic, and bandaged. Then go to hospital.