It is recommended that people who suffer from colds or other illnesses should wait until they recovery before entering Tibet Autonomous Region. Since sick people have relatively weak immune systems, their illnesses are likely to become more serious in low-oxygen environments.

Other illnesses can easily turn into various types of altitude sickness, such as pneumonia, an extremely dangerous type of altitude sickness in low-oxygen environments.

Sick travelers may not be able to obtain the medical treatment they require while in Tibet.

However, catching a cold in Tibet isn't as serious of a problem as you may think, for one's body has already started to adjust to the higher altitude once you are in it. With timely treatment you should be able to recover soon. Tibetan doctors have rich experience in treating travelers who get sick while in Tibet.

When traveling to Tibet, one should remember to bring along some medicine. Once symptoms begin to arise, the medicine may help you to recover within one or two days.