Travel shots and Malaria pills - are you taking them?

[DEH83]

I am heading to Punta Cana in April for my wedding, and I was wondering about fellow brides - are you taking any medication before you go? If so, what are you taking?

 

I'm going to make an appointment with a travel nurse soon, but I was curious what other people's thoughts were as well, especially if you've been to the region before. I know Malaria can be an issue in Punta Cana, but I've had friends who have had some disturbing side effects from the pills.

 

So what are you doing?

[Sapphire723]

Punta Cana may be different, but when I went to La Romana, my doctor said I didn't need anything.

[Tam]

We just got back from Punta Cana last week. We did take the malaria pills but I have been to DR twice before and never took anything. Others in our group took Dukerol, twin/rx and malaria stuff and they were the ones who got sick... not sure why or what it was, but ironic anyway.

Honestly, if you are careful with what you're eating, you will be fine. Try avoiding anything you can't peel or that isn't fully cooked... lots of times when people get sick, it's from alcohol too!

Hope this helps, and remember Immodium is your friend!

[Tam]

Oh, I forgot too, we took down cipro (antibiotic) which we ended up giving out to those who got sick. Apparently it kills the ecoli that makes you sick, so maybe ask for that too...

[cogswellgray]

i went to punta cana last year and didnt take anything and was fine. even traveled the island a lil bit after. i am dominican so maybe im a lil immune hahaha, but we were with other "gringo's" and noone got sick

:-)

[bholthof]

Honestly, the Carribean is not going to kill you. We're going to Cuba, and malaria is recommended for thier too, but if you're worried you do have the option. I was on malaria pills when I went to Africa, and they CAN really mess you up - but for the Carribean, I would bring bug spray. If the mosquitos don't bite you, you'll be fine.

 

Otherwise I am probably getting the Dukerol vaccine - just cause it would suck majorly to get travellers diareeha (sp?) during your wedding... Also would get the hepatitis shots, but I think I already have them.

[bholthof]

Double post, my bad!!

[echo2_62]

Last time I went to Mexico i was unfortunate enough to get travelers diarrhea - El Diablo to us - about halfway through (sorry to tell ya!) and when I got home to go into my family doctor, I was told that because I have an existing stomach condition that I was definitely more susceptible and it would've been highly unlikely that I *didn't* get sick.

 

That being said, I was told to take Dukerol (which isn't actually a vaccine I don't think, but a drink that you've got to take a couple times before leaving) and the then Cipro which is a pill form that you have to get prescribed at the clinic.

 

So needless to say, I will be dosing up on both of those this time around because I definitely do NOT want to go through that again! We've also suggested it to some family members who have other health problems as a consideration for their own comfort, but we have plenty of friends who won't be taking anything. I've also had the twinrix vaccinations but it was in part due to other travel, not just to the Caribbean.

 

And another food to avoid is dairy that doesn't come in a sealed container. So a yogurt in a sealed cup is okay, but out in an unmarked big bowl maybe not so okay. Their rules for pasteurizing are different than ours so it can cause our bodies problems.

 

One site you can use to find out more specifics for your area is: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which was recommended by the doctor at my travel clinic.

[Dmitri_Markine]

You'll be fine without malaria pills. Common stomach medicine won't hurt to bring with you though. Since what we eat in N.A. is a bit different, your body may disagree with some of the ingredients of your meals

[NaM]

I agree, it's just the DR. When I went to Santa Domingo...I didn't take anything and was completely healthy, there and after we got home.