Elena

Considering a family vacation in Cuba this February 2003 with 2 small children. Has anyone experienced a hospital in Cuba? I've also heard that there's not much for medecine there. Obviously I'll bring the usual, Tylenol, Keopectate, Calomine lotion.

Steve

Every hotel and resort in Cuba has a doctor on call or on site to see to the needs of its guests. Most all resort locations also have an International Health Clinic, staffed and equipped to modern international standards. If the hotel doctor recommends it, you will be quickly and efficiently transferred to the international hospital. Yes, it is a cash/credit card type operation, but if you do as most smart travellers do and have travel health insurance, you will have absolutely no problems.<BR>Also, international pharmacy products are available if a prescription is necessary.<BR><BR>You are correct to take with you what you have mentioned for Over-the-counter type remedies as they can be hard to obtain in Cuba.<BR><BR>As a further note, keep any medications you are bringing with you in their original packages/bottles. This is MOST important with pill type products. The Cubans (rightfully so) have zero tolerance to illicit drugs of any type.<BR><BR>Steve

gail

Although not Cuba, when we have been to places with our kids where I was concerned about medical care - either accessing it or making myself understood, the other thing I brought was a broad-spectrum antibiotic. As these are by prescription only, you would have to get it from your own MD. While it is certainly not a good idea to self-diagnose and treat, an exception might be made for travel to a place like Cuba. <BR><BR>The most important item you need to have is travel insurance that will med-evacuate you if you should require hospitalization. Imagine needing surgery or having an extended medical hospitalization in a country with uncertain quality of medical care, possibly a language barrier, and many miles from home.

Tanya

My Doctor has visited Cuba many times and tells me they have a very advanced medical system however have limited access to medications.

steve

Hi,<BR><BR>We're travelling to Cuba in a few weeks with our 3 and 4 year old boys. Where have you decided to stay? You seem to have done quite a bit of research and I would be curious to hear what you've found out. I would be glad to tell you our experiences when we arrive home after our vacation. Thanks.

Doc

I would exercise extreme prudence when travelling to near third-world areas such as Cuba. Although malaria and yellow fever precautions are not indicated by the CDC, various forms of travellers diarrhea (of the particularly nasty variety) are quite common. As an adult physician, I certainly recommend a quinolone (Cipro, Levaquin) for the grown-ups if Montezuma attempts to take his revenge. I can't comment on the kids...talk with your pediatrician. Basically, health care standards are no where near US equivalent and, personally, I would head north if anyone became sick enough to seek professional medical attention.