Comments on: Travel Immunizations

By: Colin Wright

Colin Wright — Wed, 29 Jul 2024 06:31:37 +0000

I’ll be getting the rest of my immunizations and vaccinations in a few days…already got typhoid, a few hepatitises and meningitis. I’ll probably stick to DEET for malaria when I head up to Brazil from Argentina (I hear the same about weird dreams and hallucinations), but it will be good to have yellow fever out of the way.
Colin Wright´s last blog ..Today’s Tragedies = Tomorrow’s Comedies

By: Aracely

Aracely — Sat, 25 Jul 2024 00:36:05 +0000

Yikes! Mark, sorry to hear about the malaria. This is why I was OK with the 50 needles. LOL. Thank you for comment. It’s been interesting to hear the different perspectives and experiences that are out there. I would advise everyone to do their research, see what they are personally comforatable with, and hope for the best.

By: Aracely

Aracely — Sat, 25 Jul 2024 00:30:41 +0000

Thanks for the note Jillian. Good tip on the CIPRO, I did know that from previous trips but only remembered it after you mentioned it. Safe travels to you.

By: Mark H

Mark H — Thu, 23 Jul 2024 00:27:55 +0000

I have actually had malaria from travelling despite being on recommended drugs and being careful (long sleeved light coloured shirts + long pants + shies/socks at dawn/dusk + DEET) which took hold after getting home. It is the worst illness I’ve ever had recurring every two days and screwing up your body temperature like you would’t believe. Once diagnosed, some seriously strong drugs which pounded you around for weeks got rid of malaria and it has never recurred. At the time, it was sleeping in ski jackets and turning pale blue in the middle of an Australian summer before waking up in a lather of sweat around seven hours laterma. While I have mixed feelings about the larial drugs and have travelled to places without them, do respect the covering of yourself and DEET and sleep under a DEET-inpreganted net if you can. It makes a huge difference and in some places the illness is very real and common(several in a village may have it or symptoms of it) – much more so than the yellow fevers and tetanuses and the other illnesses innoculated against. This isn’t too be alarmist – travel to these places is too precious to not go because you may get sick – but take sensible pre cautions as Two Backpackers appear to be.
Mark H´s last blog ..Czech the Castles – Part One (Czech Republic)

By: Jillian

Jillian — Mon, 20 Jul 2024 13:24:12 +0000

Malaria pills are a big debate on the road. We took Chorloquine throughout Central America without any side affects and we’re going to take Mefloquine in South America. Fortunately we don’t have to take any pills for the next several weeks since we’ll be at high altitudes. We met a number of travelers who had the pills with them but weren’t taking them regularly/properly or at all. Sounds like you’ve educated yourselves already about the pros/cons.

We also have CIPRO with us, we’ve used it twice already. Antibiotics are available inexpensively without prescription in Central America, but their selection is different so its good to have something with you.

We had the same shots as you, except for Japanese Encephalitis. It was too expensive at the time and we figured we wouldn’t need it for a while, so we’re hoping to get it in Europe. You can also get yellow fever inexpensively at a lot of public health departments.

Anyway sounds like you guys are off to a great start! Can’t wait to read more.
Jillian´s last blog ..Me Encanta Bogota

By: Jason

Jason — Sun, 19 Jul 2024 23:32:24 +0000

Thanks for the info Gadi; probably useful information in support of this blog. Aracely and I both received our Yellow Fever shots for a previous trip to Brazil. The shots were over $100, but at least they are effective for many years.

By: Jason

Jason — Sun, 19 Jul 2024 23:29:17 +0000

I agree with covering your body up and using DEET as your number one prevention. None of the Malaria drugs are advisable to take long-term. If you plan to be in a jungle or known Malaria infested area you can take the drugs short-term, but again, they aren’t meant for long periods of doses.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Sun, 19 Jul 2024 20:06:36 +0000

I don’t know how I feel about Malaria pills. Really they are just strong antibiotics. I’ve been to Malarial areas both with and without medication. I was on Mefloquine and found that it really had an affect on dreaming — I found that dreams were ultra vivid and often darn scary. I later learned that Mefloquine can be somewhat psychoactive — while I’m not sure about that was the cause, I thought that having myself on high-dose antibiotics for long periods of time wasn’t too good. Because malaria is treatable if detected early, I though that I would just be aware of the symptoms and go get checked out immediately if I was showing any. Combined with prevention — DEET and proper attire at dawn and dusk was enough to ensure that I didn’t get sick. Of course, this isn’t medical advice, just my own experience! So please, take it with a grain of salt!

By: Gadi Glogowski

Gadi Glogowski — Sun, 19 Jul 2024 16:40:43 +0000

I know it is too late for you guys but just wanted to share a piece of information.
If by any chance you go to Buenos Aires, Argentina before you go to a Yellow Fever infested area you can get a shot FREE of charge, no questions asked. You just show your passport and they give you a certificate. If anybody needs the address of the clinic or further info, let me know.
Gadi Glogowski´s last blog ..Plans to Plan