Re: anti malaria meds
#76757
11/30/03 01:15 PM
11/30/03 01:15 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,055 Rockport, Maine
klcman
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unless you are spending LOTS of time in the jungle, no need to be concerned. That said, the anti-malarial recommended by the CDC is chloroquine. Other types are not appropriate.
Having been to BZ numerous times, it's never been an issue for me. Rarely have I met anyone who has spent the $$ for this med. IMHO it's not worth the concern nor $$. But, if you do opt to move forward, prescription must be obtained from your Dr. and you must start at least a week before travelling and continue for a month after return.
Here's some info from CDC website to consider:
Chloroquine (brand name Aralen®) Directions for use: The adult dosage is 500 mg chloroquine phosphate once a week. Take the first dose of chloroquine 1 week before arrival in the malaria-risk area. Take chloroquine once a week, on the same day of the week, while in the malaria-risk area. Take chloroquine once a week for 4 weeks after leaving the malaria-risk area. Chloroquine should be taken on a full stomach to minimize nausea. Chloroquine side effects Although side effects are rare, nausea and vomiting, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and itching can occur. Chloroquine may worsen the symptoms of psoriasis.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _________________ _ _ _ _ _ _ But then what do I know, I am but a mere caveman
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Re: anti malaria meds
#76759
12/01/03 08:31 AM
12/01/03 08:31 AM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,429 MD
dogmatic prevaricator
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There should be some concern about malaria, but the bigger concern should be for dengue fever, see CDC.GOV for info......
If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.
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Re: anti malaria meds
#76761
12/01/03 08:29 PM
12/01/03 08:29 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,479
SimonB

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DO IT! For the minor cost and inconvenience it's worth the effort, your health is not worth playing with.
When my wife and I first moved down here she ended up, based on the incubation period, with malaria within 2 days of arriving the country.
True, we were living in a remote area, the village had, and still has, no power. But it still remains a reminder that it can happen at anytime and do you really want to spend your vacation with the symptoms of Malaria?
Sure you're on vacation but take all the precautions you can to make sure it's something you treasure for life not a life long bad memory.
By the way, take your Typhoid precautions as well, I didn't get Malaria but I did end up with Typhoid Fever a while back.
Cheers,
Simon...
P.S. Chloroquine can have one other side effect which can be a plus or minus depending on how you look at it; very vivid and wild dreams (on the night of ingestion).
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Re: anti malaria meds
#76762
12/01/03 09:18 PM
12/01/03 09:18 PM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 8,880 Canada
seashell
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Simon, come on now. These people are going to be in San Pedro for one week. Do you really think that they need to be taking anti-malaria meds?
Wouldn't it make much more sense for them just to use a very good bugspray and stay away from the bad mosquito areas, especially at sunrise and sunset?
A fish and a bird can fall in love, but where will they build their nest?
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