Redhatter2

Hi. My husband and I are planning our first trip to South Africa for this May and are in the starting process. While we have done some research already, we are a little confused/concerned about a few things.

What vaccinations are needed if only going to South Africa? Or can they be avoided?

Also, is it necessary to take anti-malaria drugs?

Any suggestions/help is appreciated.

flgirl0817

No vaccinations are necessary, however, if you plan to go to Kruger then you should take malaria pills. If you are only going to the major cities such as Cape Town, then malaria pills are not necessary.

Happy planning.

sandi

For SA, if staying in cities - CPT or JNB and those game reserves in malaria free areas, technically you don't need anything, not even malaria meds.

However, if going to known malaria areas as Kruger and/or Phinda, meds are a must.

And, for travel anywhere - in your backyard, the town next door, Europe, Caribbean, Mexico, etc., it's a good idea to be current with certain inocs that will serve you well - Tetanus and Hep-A, specifically. Discuss with your physician.

pippa13

just take it easy and consider the time of travel.

krueger: no chemical malaria prophylaxis is needed in the dry season.
even during wet season it's very litttle danger that you catch malaria.
consider the following:
- wear lonh sleeves, pants. protect the rest by using an insect repellent!
carry malaria prophylaxis just as a stand by medication!
and consider:
- only the femal anopheles mosquitoes carry the illness
- by far not every female mosqito carries the illness
- ba far almost every chemical prophylaxis has side effects, even malarone.
- by far most of the mosquitoes are immune against prophylaxis
- if you take prophylasxis the danger is, that if you have got the illness you might not considers this because of the prophylaxis!

just use you common sense and evaluate which duties you expect your body to cope with.

sandi

The one thing you don't want to deal with is even the possibly coming down with malaria. Dry season or wet. It's a nasty disease and often can reside in your body for up to 2/years before you see symptoms. You will have no assurances which mossie chooses to bite you!

And, I believe you'd prefer to return home with pleasant memories than a disease.

While there is no inoculation against malaria, the meds are the best alternative.

Suggest you discuss with a specialist in tropical diseases... a professional.

cjstobbs

I agree with an earlier poster. If you are a world traveller, get all your vaccinations and keep them current. I've had Hep A and B, Tetanus, boosters on all the childhood stuff, Yellow Fever, and Typhoid. I feel good having my little vaccination booklet from the Health Department all filled in and current! I'm ready to go! Where to next?! Somethings like antimalaria you need to get from you doc before you go. I also bring Cipro and Tamiflu. Maybe overkill, but I would hate illness ruining by vacation.