Malaria Pills and Vaccinations
 

We are visiting Cape Town and Phinda the first week in October. It is suggested by the CDC site that we take anti-malaria pills and also get Hepatitus A and Tetanus shots. On the other hand we have been advised that it is not neccesary for Phinda and that most guests there do not get these shots or take malaria pills if this is their only destination. Any thoughts whether it is strongly suggested as the CDC site implies? Thanks

You don't need malaria prophylaxis for Cape Town. Phinda is said to be in a low risk for malaria area of South Africa and most sites I've looked at say you still should take necessary precautions (without saying whether those precautions include taking prophylaxis). At any rate, I would rely on my doctor or travel health specialist when making a decision on prophylaxis. But, you may wish to look at this document from the South Africa Department of Health, especially p. 40:

http://www.doh.gov.za/docs/factsheet...prevention.pdf

Making sure that your Tetanus shots are up-to-date is smart whether you travel or not. Likewise, at least to my way of thinking, getting a Hep A shot makes sense no matter where you travel.

http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destin...th_africa.html

There is malaria risk in Phinda www.malariahotspots.co.uk

All it takes is just one bite I take Doxycycline there

cheap and 100% effective though many do go against medical

advice. Hep A and Tetanus are always wise worldwide

along with careful food and water precautions..

I, too, will be in Phinda but at the end of this monthg. CDC did show that anti-malaria should be taken. I also asked my doctor. She looked it up and also agreed. We will be staying 1 night in St. Lucia wetlands and most of the sites there say that it is malaria-free. That is surprising to me just because of the estuary and wetlands. You would think it would be a bit of a risk with lots of insects. What do I know?
Our doctor also recommended typhoid vaccine. It's now administerd as 4 pills taken every other day. We just finished our dosing this week.
Have a great trip. Safe travels.

We belong to an HMO whose whole thing is better safe than sorry. We will be taking Malarone while in Phinda in a few weeks; got Hep A shot & tetanus up to date. Seemed a reasonable precaution. Travel nurse asked if we'd be eating street food; when I said no she did not recommend typhoid shot. Husband (medic.) got one anyway. I didn't. We also have Cipro for an emergency. Hope you have a great time.

All adults, regardless where traveling and even if never leaving home, should be current with Tetanus and Hep-A.

And, as far as malaria meds... better safe than sorry; it only takes one bite and that's not the kind of souvenir you want to bring home from your holiday.

But always discuss with the doc.

Safari njema!

Do you know what the prescription is for travelers digestive issues. The quicker fix than immodium? I've read on these forums before to make sure to have as it works quickly and may help keep from missing a game drive. I can't find the original post. Can't remember the name either. Something with an L but then, I'm never good at even remembering that part either.

cristeen, are you thinking Loperamide? If so, that's the common name for the main active ingredient in Immodium (trade name).

cristeen:

The drug you are asking about is called Lomotil

Yes it works "better" than Immodium but you need a doctor's prescription for it.

It's mechanism of action is different from Immodium in several aspects.

It also contains Atropine and that is why it is not over the counter.

Since you have to see a doctor to get this medication, he will tell you all about it.

I would also taking along some Cipro

Great! Thanks. I will call tomorrow.

My husband takes a pepto pill twice a day whenever we travel as prevention. No issues, and he is prone to issues. I don't take them - gives me issues.

Have fun!!!!!

christabir:

Gee you two have a lot of issues :)

But we've learned to prevent those issues. :)