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doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 1476
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 2:55 pm: | 
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Am going to Thailand in just over 3 weeks (Bangkok & Chiang Mai - not jungle-intensive) - nothing is mandatory, vaccine-wise (except tetanus, I suppose, which I've had in the last few years)...am considering malaria pills & possibly hep-A vaccine...what have y'all done?
Thanks! |
Projects Dude
Citizen
Username: Quakes
Post Number: 147
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 3:14 pm: |
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For me, it's a complete waste of time and money for a trip to Bangkok and Chiang-Mai. Only medication I might think of bringing would be something for heartburn from all the good eats and maybe something for the small chance of diahrrhea in case the spiciness of the local cuisine is not something you're used to.
You can never be too safe I suppose but for me any of the shots you listed is really unnecessary - I almost feel insulted for the Thais! I've been there many times and have eaten in lots of places in Thailand, including street food and fried bug snacks, and have been ok! 8)
All that aside, enjoy Thailand! You'll have a blast! |
doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 1477
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 3:23 pm: |
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That's sort of the direction I was/am leaning, Projects (though I did order a cool travel homeopathy kit, but it's just an addition to my other kits of same)...just came from the doc (poison ivy - maybe global warning is to blame - I've never gotten it before!) & he was really suggesting talking at least the malaria stuff...I took the perscription, but have not filled it |
Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 9661
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 3:26 pm: |
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Definitely do the malaria pills and start now (like really... TODAY), as it needs time to build up to be effective. And keep taking it a week or two after you return. It only takes one infected mosquito to make you miserable for a long time. I know people who had to be on IV drips for quite some time after getting malaria in Thailand. Why not do the HepA while you're at it?
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Projects Dude
Citizen
Username: Quakes
Post Number: 148
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 3:32 pm: |
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It's not quite the wet season when malaria tends to occur - and even then the risks only kick in if you're going to be drinking around contaminated streams, stagnant water, etc. which even the locals don't do.
In fact, it'll be quite hot so I would be more worried about staying hydrated than anything else - no worries there... bottled water / drinks for sale everywhere.
Check out the CDC advisory:
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/regionalmalaria/seasia.htm#malariarisk
For Bangkok and Chiangmai, there's "No Risk" of malaria. If you change your plans and are thinking of checking out the remote jungles near bordering countries then that's when you should be more careful. |
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1488
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 4:13 pm: |
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First of all I agree with Projects Dude about the lack of risk for malaria in Thailand. However if you do decide to take an anti-malarial you DO NOT have to start now. Ask your doctor for Malarone which you only need to take 2 days before your trip. I (and many people I know) have experienced extreme side effects from Larium (the drug Dave is refering to) and I would really recommend against taking it. Do get yourself some mosquito repellent with 50% DEET (you can get it in Thailand). Even without malaria the mosquito bites are not fun. If you sit outside even in Bangkok at dusk without repellent you will get bitten.
One thing I never leave this continent without is
a few days supply of Cipro 500mg - while it is safe to eat pretty much anywhere/anyting in Thailand there are lots of nasty microbes wandering the globe and you can pick one up anywhere and it can really ruin your trip. It's simply a 'just in case' scenario.
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doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 1478
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 5:04 pm: |
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Just noticed that the script I was given for malaria meds (which I would start one week before leaving & continue for 4 weeks after returning - yikes) is for the drug no longer suggested for Thailand - doxycycline is now suggested...
My only concern is an elephant trek near Chiang Mai (arranged through the hotel - am contacting them to better consider risk)...aside from that we will stay in the "no risk" areas. |
doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 1479
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 5:07 pm: |
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my last post was sent before reading Eliz's info - good to know...will check into Cipro
Thanks all! |
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1490
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 6:11 pm: |
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I think the recommended drug for Thailand is either atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone) or doxycycline. I took doxycycline for an 8 week period and had no problems. I guess the doc gave you Larium (mefloquine). |
Alleygater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 2158
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 1, 2006 - 9:10 am: |
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TS and I didn't take anti-malarial meds, but we only left Bangkok for 2 days. Neither of us got sick. I'm inclined to say you don't need it. I just did some research for my mother, who is in Africa now for an extended time, about malaria meds. Malarone is the most expensive and best because it has (supposedly) no side effects, can be used pretty much anywhere in the world (most can't) and doesn't need a long time to ramp up being effective. Supposedly every other anti-malarial medication has side effects. Not everyone feels these side effects. But many do. It's a crapshoot. But let it be known (just do a google search, there's lots of info out there) that the side effects for people who are susceptible are pretty bad. For some there is constant nausea and NO LIE hallucinations caused BY the meds. Some people feel so terrible that they would prefer to get Malaria and start taking the anti-malarial meds WHEN then begin to feel sick rather than be sick all the time. Having said that what I've read is that Malaria truly is worse then hell so who am I to say...? But it does explain why everyone is raving about Malarone and are willing to pay the quite steep price for it. |
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1492
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 1, 2006 - 9:28 am: |
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I have always been able to get Malarone with the same co-pay as other any other drugs so if you have a prescription plan the cost shouldn't be a factor.
I would like to say that most doctors have very limited knowledge of travel medicine and if you are planning a trip where you are spending a lot time outside of major urban areas in third world countries it is really worth it to seek out a travel doc. There is a good one in Summit (although I can't remember his name right now).
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soresident
Citizen
Username: Soresident
Post Number: 390
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 1, 2006 - 10:27 am: |
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We were referred to and happy with service of: Travel MD 973 971 7291---- 95 Madison Ave Suite 106 Morristown (across from Morristown Memorial) |
mjh
Supporter
Username: Mjh
Post Number: 571
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 1, 2006 - 1:04 pm: |
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There are professionals in the field of medicine and travel. Your own health care provider can easily obtain up-to-date professional advice from the CDC (as can all of us, as mentioned above)while ensuring the recommended medications are not contraindicated given any individual ongoing health issues or medications you are taking. If your provider does not have required vaccinations on hand, they can be ordered, or he/she can refer you to the appropriate source.
I really don't get why people ask for this type of medical advice on MOL.
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Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 9676
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Thursday, June 1, 2006 - 1:10 pm: |
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How else would she have learned about Travel MD? |
doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 1483
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 1, 2006 - 1:25 pm: |
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mjh,
Thanks for your super helpful input...
I'm not asking for medical advice - I'm gathering info on what others have done & found helpful. I had already consulted the CDC website, my own doctor and done lots of reading etc. (by the way, apparently there is also a travel health clinic at the Continental terminal at Newark). I also have my own tendancies as re. vaccinations in general, but am an information gather at heart.
Not sure why this is different than any number of questions...obviously one calls an electrician or an landscaper to get certain types of info/jobs done, but people also ask around |
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1494
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 1, 2006 - 2:10 pm: |
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I don't think the clinic at Newark airport is open anymore. |
newjackfam
Citizen
Username: Newjackfam
Post Number: 33
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 1, 2006 - 2:41 pm: |
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My husband and I took Larium for a trip to India/Nepal, and both had REALLY bad nightmares, so bad we stopped taking it. Be sure you ask about side affects so you're prepared. BTW have a a good trip - Thailand is great! |
Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 1586
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 1, 2006 - 2:47 pm: |
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http://www.cdc.gov/travel/seasia.htm |
Alleygater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 2170
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 1, 2006 - 6:57 pm: |
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eliz, my mother didn't have insurance. Cost was an issue. This stuff isn't cheap. Not everyone has insurance btw. I also wouldn't assume that just because your insurance covers anti-malarial meds necessarily means that all do. |
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1497
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 1, 2006 - 7:21 pm: |
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I fully realize that not everyone has insurance - I said "if you have....". Another option (for people without insurance) is that most of these meds are available in-country usually for much cheaper than they are available here. |
mjc
Citizen
Username: Mjc
Post Number: 1160
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 2, 2006 - 11:13 am: |
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Malarone seems to be *much* less expensive at Costco than at CVS or Rite Aid. |
connied76
Citizen
Username: Connied76
Post Number: 28
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 2, 2006 - 3:49 pm: |
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Traveled to Thailand- stayed in Bangkok, Phuket and a few day trips. Never took anything or got any special vaccinations nor was I advised to by my doctor. I agree that it is a waste of time and $ and I'd be more concerned about the side effoects from these very strong medications. Unless you are deep in the jungles for significant periods of time, I don't see a need. |
MW Newbie
Citizen
Username: Mwoodnewbie
Post Number: 3
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2006 - 6:18 pm: |
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I went to both a few years ago, including working with elephants. They were fabulous! Unless you'll really be in the jungles or a wet area, I don't think the malaria tx is necessary, though if you decide to do it, I'd definately recommend Larium. From what I've read, Hep A vaccine seems like a good idea for anybody, whether or not traveling.... |
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