Malaria / Yellow Fever
Leaving on Tour 8/2 end of Winter, no medical or pre-existing conditions, Tauck does not require any Meds, any recommendations for this time of year?
0
Leaving on Tour 8/2 end of Winter, no medical or pre-existing conditions, Tauck does not require any Meds, any recommendations for this time of year?
Comments
Ask your Travel doctor
GaryS1 I am on the same tour. Friday I went to the travel clinic at Patient First. I found by calling the VCU med school travel clinic - couldn't see me until 8/7 so I asked for other suggestions. If you have a Med school nearby you might start there. Anyway, I got Hep A and typhoid shots and prescription for melarone. See you in Cape Town,
Costco had a good program that I used when we went to Africa. I think it was $40/person.
If you the original poster has a travel clinic within a decent driving range I would advise they call. Malaria is a year round issue in African countries. It is also advisable to be immunized for typhoid and Hepatitis A at least. I have found that buying permethrin spray for clothes and socks is very effective and reduces the nasty chemicals applied to the skin. Night time is the high risk time for malaria so make sure the mosquito netting is pristine(no holes). Do remember that there are other mosquito borne diseases such as Dengue and Chickangunya.etc so a 24/7 plan is a good idea.
Yellow fever is not an issue on this trip. Malaria is a concern. For the latest information visit the Traveler's Health portion of the Center for Disease Control website:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/
I agree with Ken. I got the Hep A and B shots just because we do a lot of travel. It's a low risk vaccine, but you need two shots some months apart (if I recall correctly).
Three shots for Hep A/B. I just had my first one today. Another a month from now and the third in 6 months.
For a tour in early August with Tauck, you won't need any specific medications according to their policy. Since it's the end of winter transitioning to spring in many places, pack lightweight, breathable clothes for warmer days and layers for cooler evenings. Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Bring along a small first aid kit with basics like band-aids and pain relievers, just in case. Have a fantastic trip!
It can be almost freezing in August in the early morning at that time of year. Our group wore hats and gloves and the safari vehicle had blankets.
Sounds cozy British! I love that early morning chill in the air! Very excited!
Just for medical accuracy - there is an accelerated (4 shot) vaccine protocol for Hep A/B that is for those travelers that will not be able to complete the standard 6 month (3 shot) protocol before their travel.
4-Dose Combination Hepatitis A and B Vaccine Series (Adults >18 Only)
Twinrix (GlaxoSmithKline) is a 4-dose vaccine that can be given on an accelerated schedule to provide protection against hepatitis A and B. Three doses are administered within 1 month, followed by a booster shot at 1 year. This is a common choice of vaccine for those traveling on short-notice outside the U.S. It is important to complete the booster dose at 1 year, to ensure long-term protection.
We just returned from South Africa.....mid-June. No specific medications needed since it's the start of their Winter. Cool mornings and warm days, absolutely perfect! No mosquitoes the entire trip!
No medications ‘needed’ which is different form ‘suggested’ or even required. I’ve quickly learned here that many Americans have not had vaccines that anyone with any sense ought to get to protect themselves in the US. Just my opinion. I feel sorry for all the scientists over the years who worked tirelessly to rid the world of many common diseases.