Turkey Trots Etc,
 

Reading the Lonely Planet guidebood in preparation for our trip to Turkey. This guide makes it see, loke we should get shots for any number of things. Hepatitis, Typhoid, Polio, Diphteria and Tetanus. We got some of these as children 40 yrs ago (only now find that they require boosters every 10 yrs - too late) Csn thjose of you who have been to Turkeuy shed any light on this? I know shots are not required but should we get them? We will be in Istanbul, Cappadocia, the Med and Aegean Coasts.<BR><BR>ALSO - Turkey Trots... Sultans Revenge, etc... Is thjis a REAL COMMON problem? Did you all get this? How long does it last? Indelicate perhaps, but... bathrooms? Are they hard to find? We will of course take normal precautions but do want to eat the Turkish food, it looks delishes.

Dear Karen,<BR>My husband and I were in Turkey this past summer (we're 40's-50's) and we also wondered about this. What we found was that no one bothered with these shots-- and in the regions that you're going in, it really isn't necessary. <BR>However, the "trots", as you put it, is a real possibility. My husband and I got sick in Cappadocia, and it really knocked him out for a few days. We ate what others had been served (and who didn't get sick) and we'd been careful as far as drinking bottled water and not eating uncooked foods, so we were both surprised and frustrated that we got sick. My belief is that there is bacteria in the food that many of us don't normally experience, and you should prepare for the possibility that it could happen (but doesn't necessarily) and bring along anti-diarrheal medicine. They do sell products in the drugs stores in Turkey, too (see Frommers' book on Turkey for the name of a good medication). We met others who experienced the same thing, so it's something to be aware of. We met many more who never did get sick, so there's a good possibility that it won't happen to you. Be prudent about what you eat and drink bottled water, and hopefully it won't be a problem.

Don't overlook the Yogurt Trick. As soon as you get there, order some yogurt (not Danish import but locally made). It will probably be thicker, sweeter and more delicious than what you are used to, but that's beside the point. The cultures in the yogurt are very helpful in getting your innards used to local bacteria, because the local yogurt cultures have already adapted.

Karen, I'm so envious! Turkey is a wonderful country. We only saw one small area along the Mediterranean, but definitely plan to go back. We spent a week there in September 2000 and I have to say we didn't have any problems health wise. We pretty much eat anything and the food was pretty good. We didn't have any shots before we went. <BR><BR>Bathrooms were not hard to find, and generally were ok. In Kalkan, we stayed at an inexpensive little pension in town, but took the water taxi to a luxury place across the bay where we used the pool and hung out. I made a trip to the women's washroom and I notice that they had 2 types of 'stalls' - one was the usual type that we see, the other I hadn't seen since my first trip to Greece in the mid-70's - it was the 'squat' kind. This was definitely an upscale place, so it kind of threw me. That was the only place where I saw that kind of facility, so maybe they were going for a traditional look!

Karen-we were over in Turkey last spring break and did not have any problems. However,there are a couple things that I would do before you go. Our doctor prescribed CIPRO(before it was the fashionable drug after 9/11) to take just in case and he was adament ONLY if we were very very sick.I also packed packed tums,pepto bismol,etc.<BR>I would make sure that no matter where you travel-have an up to date tetanus shot.Our pediatrician several years ago insisted that not only should our kids get all the Hepatitis shots-but my husband and I. His comments then were that my husband and I travel alot for work and even eating out these days at a fast food place in the states warrants wondering whether the workers are"just in the country",etc.<BR>We only drank bottled water while in Turkey(make sure you see them open it in front of you-some places just refilled bottle)and make sure you brush your teeth with it-plumbing system is hundreds of years old,never ate any fruit(unless you could peel it) and made sure that everything else like veggies,etc. was cooked.I think that I would think twice about the yoghurt unless you trust where you buy it from?<BR>The food is very inexpensive and wonderful-flaming steak dinners with veggies and bread in Istanbul....about $7.00 USD.Our family loved the opportunity to travel there! <BR>In regard to bathrooms-they still have alot of "stand and pee" in the floor toilets but most places usually have regular type toilets.(My daughter and I found that sometimes you had to wait to see what was behind the stall door and whether you wanted that one or a more modern one at public places.Ah fond memories!!!)Have a great time and enjoy the journey-

The only vaccination my husband and I received before our trip to Turkey was Hepatitis A. I had a small bought with diarrhea, it may have been due to all of the dried apricots I was eating. My husband never got sick.

Hi,<BR>I agree with most of the people above.<BR>I want to put a few tiny bit of info as well.<BR><BR>Drink bottled water!<BR>No need for a shot unless you are going to the east.<BR><BR>Watch out the food in capadocia and pamukkale. both places are poor in food because they do poor water feed. and the water in paumakkale ahs alot of calcium in it.<BR><BR>eat where the locals eat. You will do fine. and you will like it. <BR><BR>one more,<BR>do not take lomital or imodium while in turkey . they dont cure you they onlny squeeze your intestines to help you survive the flight.<BR>instead try a local doctor if you get sick ( I dotn want to give medicine names here )<BR><BR>Eat barbeque stuff with lots of yoghurt and take lots of water.<BR><BR>www.apricothotel.com<BR><BR><BR>

Went to Turkey in October and boy did I get "Attaturk's revenge!" I had terrible stomach cramps--other people on my tour were sick as well. We always drank bottled water, but we ate the fruits and vegetables. Don't do it!<BR>That was our big mistake. Once I stopped doing that, I was fine. Although my "plumbing" didn't recover until 2 weeks after that trip. The food was so great, I kept eating everything in sight--very dumb on my part. I would buy some CIPRO at a pharmacy in Turkey. Works great! :)

tp

Turkey took us by surprise as it offered much more than we anticipated.....in other words we did not expect it to be as fascinating as it actually was. So much history to be found there and the different regions contrasted each other in terms of climate and terrain.<BR><BR>Ankara, the more modern city, reminded us of a modern European city with all the "hustle bustle." Istanbul, on the other hand, was exotic......if you have the time take a ferry from there to another part of the city and explore the streets where the locals live.<BR><BR>In terms of the "trots" get yourself a script for limotal and take at first sign of trouble. Also try not to punish yourself by going after Memorial Day......the heat is offensive. We went in April and it starting getting hot then in some regions.<BR><BR>

Tetanus is the most important. Check it !<BR>Drink bottle water and pay attention to the meat : it must be well cooked and fresh otherwise you will have bad surprises.<BR><BR><BR><BR>

I have beento Turkey twice and am going this April again. My in-laws live there. They live in Istanbul and even they bring in fresh water to drink from a bottling station. Remember not to swallow water in the shower or brush you teeth with it. I did not get sick jet (knock on wood) and I ate everything even fruit fesh off the tree. I did drink bottled water. Do get a tetanus shot. I got a Hep A shot the first time but have not since, nor did I do it for my children. You will come a across the squat toilet the most, remeber to carry toilet paper with you because they can charge extra for it and it usually is just like paper. They wash with water and use paper only for drying. Most public toilets also charge a small fee.<BR>Have a good trip it is a wonderful place.

You will love Turkey. Take the usual water precautions.<BR><BR>We took a box of Immodium for a three week trip to Greece and Turkey and used it all. We were not really sick, but had a couple of bouts of diarhea, one notably 1/2 hour after a breakfast. If you have to go really bad, there is a washroom at every mosque, although they are incredibly filthy compared to those in restaurants, hotels, etc. I found it rare to see a hole in the floor toilet, though that is what there was at the mosque.<BR><BR>Carry a pack of tissues with you as Turks use water to clean themselves and public toilets may not have paper... the mosque I used had a bucket of water. You can buy the packs of tissues there if you run out. Small boys on the street try to sell them to you.

I forgot to say... check out the CDC web site for immunizations. Lonely Planet copies the same blurb in the front of each book, so a lot of it may not apply to every country. I got a Hep A&B but it really wasn't necessary. The Hep B was in case of a transfusion.

Well I could say if you are a healthy person you need no shuts at all. There is no epidemics or anything such in the country. If you would need medical assistance there are doctors, hospitals and medical clinics and pharmacies all around. Why does people get problems with the food or other effects for diarrhea... Yes try to drink bottled water, wash the fruits you wont be find fresh vegetables and fruits elswhere so eat and enjoy, one slight problem might be with salads with lettue if they are not washed well. So avoid eating at places you are not feeling comfortable. The cuisine in Turkey is just fantastic and variety is endless. Turkish kithen is one of the biggest and well known kitchen and one should not miss the opportunity when travelling in Turkey. Especially during hot summer months, if you are not used to the weather try to keep yourself from direct sun exposure and drink enough water. This is another effect. If someone is not used to oil in the food mind you olive oil is main ingredient for the kitchen in Turkey, his could be another reason. So try to eat decent but not suffer to avoid from eating. If you eat a lot of figs dried or fresh and berry type of fruits do not drink a lot of water afterwords.<BR>Do not mix a lot of different type of alcoholic drinks at the same time.<BR>Dress code : you will be surprised how Turkish people are dressed up. It varies depending on the places you visit. If you are in the neighbourhood of a small village not touristy place respect the customs ( they will have a great tolorence but still ) like no hot pants or such, entereing a mosque just to covering your head ( for woman ) is not enough. For both man and woman you should be dressed respectfully. man with shorts accepted but ladies better have a skirt or long pants. Just how one would go to the church or sinagog. At the end of the day its the house of God. One is respecting God not a nation or religion as a start. Some man could stare but not all man do the same. Woman is very important in our culture too. Remember where Kybele the mother goddess is coming from. <BR><BR>for last but not least Enjoy yourself in Turkey...