Advice on vaccinations/malaria meds??

[kmonkey]

Hi all, I am visitng Costa Rica In April for just over two weeks. Will be staying at a retreat -southern Caribbean side. I've read that this section is malaria ridden, and that I should take the pills..But a couple people I know got very sick from them. The government websites are also saying to get more than a few vaccinations. But people are telling me that they go there and do and take nothing! I am a little confused! And I feel like my relaxing vacation is becoming stressful! Any advice?

[d360]

My advice go see a travel medical doctor and ask them. You don't want malaria! or any other tropical disease. I've taken Methoquine for anti malaria and would get lot of wierd dreams. Now i think Doxycycline is on the market and is suppose to be better.

CDC is a good source: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationCostaRica.aspx

[travelchic]

Do ask your trusty physician on what's best. This is also for your worry free vacation.. peace of mind..

[Dina]

I wasn't very careful when I visited malaria's areas (mostly in India) as the pills really gave me headaches ans stomachaches but I've also heard that the Doxycycline is much better, so since it is only two weeks I'm sure you'll have no problem to take the med, I stopped after two months.

[travelchic]

I've consulted a nurse friend of mine, and she thinks Doxycycline is better though you would feel a bit wierd

[tamarindo]

Consulting a physician is absolutely the best advice. But I agree that sometimes all the warnings and recommendations can be stressful before traveling to some countries. I find it interesting that the warnings are the same for Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Do most people even look up the warnings if they are traveling to Cancun or a Caribbean Island. Most do not. When I travel to El Salvador, for instance, I will take along some bug spray with deet, but I don't personally take the malaria medicines when I am traveling during the dry season. During the rainy season, I think you have to be a bit more cautious. But I agree, the newer meds do not cause the side effects that the older ones did. Good luck and don't get too stressed out. The chances are greater that you will have more negative affects from the stress than your chances of contracting malaria!

[lukas]

Thanks for the useful advice .
It will be very helpfull.