Immunizations

[bundy_138]

In preparation for my 10 day Cali trip, I just made an appointment to have my immunizations updated because I have not had any since high school  (15 years).  I was told that they recommend immunizations for Hep-A, Yellow Fever, Typhoid, and an updated Tetnus.  They also said I would need a prescription for Malaria and Travelers Diarrhea.  Not sure if I actually need all of them, but better safe than sorry.

Just thought I would pass this information along.

Bundy

[Ctg Bound]

Yellow fever is not needed unless you plan on taking a trip to the jungle or possibly East of Santa Marta.

Malaria tablets are also not needed, unless you are doing the above.

I would get a HEP B shot if you are going with girls.

Polio shot as well, if you have´t already got one.

I never take any injections or take tablets that are not needed as some can make you mildly sick etc.

[doombug]

They also said I would need a prescription for Malaria and Travelers Diarrhea.  Not sure if I actually need all of them, but better safe than sorry.

I've had "Rectal Tsunamis" (Traveller's Diarrhea) hit my shores on quite a few occassions. Not a pleasant experience; on my last trip it was absolutely horrible--while I was still in country!

Although antibiotics may be taken prophylactically [administered as a vaccine] to prevent travelers' diarrhea (i.e. taken on a daily basis before symptoms have a chance to occur), this isn't generally recommended because starting antibiotics after diarrhea begins works well and because increased antibiotic use might lead to a greater incidence of side-effects and the selection of resistant organisms. Prophylactic antibiotics might be appropriate for situations in which diarrhea might prove unusually troublesome (i.e. business trip, diplomatic mission, athletic event) or for travelers who are immunocompromised or who have a history of intestinal disorders, such as those with inflammatory bowel disease. Appropriate regimens include ciprofloxacin (Cipro)(PDF) or levofloxacin (Levaquin)(PDF) 500 mg once daily or (less effectively) trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim; Septra) one double-strength tablet daily. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) (two tablets or two ounces four times daily) will reduce the likelihood of travelers' diarrhea, but few take this because it is inconvenient. Side-effects may include black tongue, black stools, nausea, constipation, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Bismuth subsalicylate should not be taken by those with aspirin allergy, kidney disease, or gout, and should not be taken for more than three weeks. Quinolone antibiotics may bind to metallic cations such as bismuth; they should not be taken concurrently.

The standard recommendation is for travelers at risk to bring along an antibiotic and an antidiarrheal drug to be started promptly if significant diarrhea occurs, defined as three or more loose stools in an 8-hour period or five or more loose stools in a 24-hour period, especially if associated with nausea, vomiting, cramps, fever or blood in the stool. A quinolone antibiotic is usually prescribed: either ciprofloxacin (Cipro)(PDF) 500 mg twice daily or levofloxacin (Levaquin)(PDF) 500 mg once daily for a total of three days. Quinolones should not be given to children, pregnant women, or anyone with a history of quinolone allergy. Alternative regimens include a three day course of rifaximin (Xifaxan) 200 mg three times daily or azithromycin (Zithromax) 500 mg once daily. 

[...]

Most cases of travelers' diarrhea are mild and do not require either antibiotics or antidiarrheal drugs.

Adequate fluid intake is essential. Oral rehydration solutions, which are rich in salt and sugar, are widely available and highly effective. If fluids that do not contain salt are used, plain salted foods, such as crackers, are recommended. Dairy products should be avoided until diarrhea has subsided, as these are often difficult to digest while the intestine is inflamed.

If diarrhea is severe or bloody, or if fever occurs with shaking chills, or if abdominal pain becomes marked or if diarrhea persists for more than 72 hours, medical attention should be obtained, if possible.

http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/infectious/travelers_diarrhea.html

I've used ciprofloxacin on two occassions, and the stuff is extremely effective, and quick acting.

[fathertime]

"Rectal Tsunamis!" I gotta remember that one!
Definately bring the Cipro man. Fecal disasters are no fun when you are preparing to bone down with a hot babe!

Bundy I sent you a PM.

Fathertime!

[bundy_138]

Yeah, rectal tsunamis don't sound fun!   How embarrassing would it be to have the Schlitz on a date?!!  Man, I'm praying I don't get it!  Not sure what the Dr is prescribing me for the butt mud, but I will let ya know.  If needed, I'll just stop by the local Cali pharmacy and pick up some Cipro!  Anybody want me to pick them up anyhing while I'm there?     Thanks for looking out!

Bundy

I PM'd you Fathertime!

[bundy_138]

OK, now I'm at a crossroad.  My Dr. called and told me that the immunizations and script's would cost me about $400.00!  Wow!! 

How about a little help?!  Which shots are actually needed???  I do not want to pay for something that I do not need to be worried about!  Any suggestions will be appreciated!

Bundy

[Gringo Joe]

In my opinion you should not need any shots. The cities in Colombia are like American cities in that there are slum sections that you would not venture because of safety issues.
The one issue I had was the lack of safe food handling in Colombia. What works for me to prevent the [snip]z is I start taking Pepto Bismol tablets 3 days before I leave for Colombia and continue taking them while there.   

[soltero]

OK, now I'm at a crossroad.  My Dr. called and told me that the immunizations and script's would cost me about $400.00!  Wow!! 

How about a little help?!  Which shots are actually needed???  I do not want to pay for something that I do not need to be worried about!  Any suggestions will be appreciated!

Bundy

I have never taken a shot before going to Colombia. Staying in the cities, that's like saying you need a shot to move around wherever you are now. Luckily, I have a steel stomach, so I haven't had to worry about what I ate there.

[bundy_138]

Soltero....do you suggest that I skip the shots?  Like I said, I have not had ANY immunizations that I can recall except the mandatory ones for school.  I have always heard that you should get updated if you ever leave the USA, especially a third world country.  I will take the shat medicine regardless!  I definitely don't want the runs!

Bundy

[soltero]

Soltero....do you suggest that I skip the shots?  Like I said, I have not had ANY immunizations that I can recall except the mandatory ones for school.  I have always heard that you should get updated if you ever leave the USA, especially a third world country.  I will take the shat medicine regardless!  I definitely don't want the runs!

Bundy

Bundy, I would take whatever is normal (that you would need here or anywhere) if you haven't had any in a long time, but the cities in Colombia are pretty much the same as those here as far as living and breathing. You should first and foremost feel safe if you are going, but to be honest, I have been at least 5 times without even thinking about taking a shot and I am still here no worse for wear. If you are going outside the main cities, then I would be more concerned about the shots.

[Ctg Bound]

You should get the shots below:

Tetnus, is a killer in the first world or devolping world, you should have this injection every 10 years where ever you live.

Hep-A, developing Countries or first world Countries, also last 10 years.

Typhoid, only in at risk Countries, only lasts 3 years.

Hep-B, developing Countries or first world Countries if you like differant partners, need a blood check after 5 years to see if you need a update.

Polio, only in at risk Countries, also last 10 years.

You would be foolish not to get the injections.

[bundy_138]

Yeah, your right Ctg Bound....  I was a little "shell shocked" by the price, but I guess in the end my life is worth $400.00    I guess it is better to be safe than sorry!  Thanks all!

Bundy

[Ctg Bound]

I have taken a few of the things off the list, but also added two, presuming you don´t have them (maybe you have Polio), hopefully the price will go down.

Fortunately I hail from the UK, where it is all free, once and a while I go to the UK, any injections I need I top up then.

[papi]

Bundy, I have gotten Yel fever which I thought was mandatory. It is a bigger problem on the coast. I also got the tetanus, Hep A/B. Don't bother with malaria. i got the typhoid but I am due for another shot.  I don't know about polio

[Cali-vet]

Absolutely get the shots and as othes have said malaria isn´t an issue. In Cali drink bottled water not water from the tap and never buy food from street venders. If you like medium rare beef as many of us gringos do only order it that way at the best restaurants and even then you are taking a chance. Colombians always order beef well done because beef processing is not done the the same standards as in the US. It appears to be consistently safe however at Leños Y Carbon, a chain found at Chipichape, Carrefour and all the other malls. No one on these boards has ever reported a problem at any of their restaurants.

I suggest you exchange $40 or $50 for Colombian pesos at one of the money changing booths at the Miami airport so you´ll have cab fare from the airport and as mentioned above try to get the smallest bills you can. The rate will be very poor so don´t exchange more than that there. I also suggest two debit cards or one debit and one credit so you´ll have backup in case of any problem.

The counter mentioned by Papi just past the immigration windows is called "Excension De Impuestos".

[papi]

you can tell the taxi to wait and go upstairs to the second floor. There are a couple ATM's - to your far left. I have also paid taxi's in dollars. On the taxes (impuestos), you can get that done when you leave but it would be better to do so on arrival. Just look for the window to your right directly behind customs. They will give you a little piece of paper that they stamp; otherwise, as mentioned you will need to get it done before departure (on the second floor) and before you get in the line to check your bag, etc. So here is your arrival checklist.

1. exit plane
2. go to customs
3. go to taxes - get paper
4. get bags
5. exit customs again at baggage
6. exit airport - go to second floor at stairs from outside the airport (get pesos)
7. welcome to Disneyland

[Cali-vet]

Be sure not to loose the checked baggage stubs pasted to your ticket envelope. Unlike at US airports they will be checked against your bags before they are allowed out of the terminal. Also there is a good chance your luggage will be searched.

[Fuzzyone]

I've had "Rectal Tsunamis" (Traveller's Diarrhea) hit my shores on quite a few occassions. Not a pleasant experience; on my last trip it was absolutely horrible--while I was still in country!
http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/infectious/travelers_diarrhea.html

I've used ciprofloxacin on two occassions, and the stuff is extremely effective, and quick acting.

The first trip to Peru my doc gave me the same I took the pills and had no problem. The second trip I got sick as a dog when I got home. The moral to the story don't forget your pills you will be alot better after wards.

[Tapeguy]

Bundy,

GET THE SHOTS. I have been traveling internationally for years, I always keep my shots up to date. I get mine at the County Health Department (CHEAPER). They will have a travel guide that tells the nurse what shots you need for the area you are traveling to.

Have fun in Cali, the ladies are sizzling HOT 

Tapeguy

[valleydude]

I'm suprised to see how many responses there are for the shots.

It was never a big deal to me. I just checked for entrance requirements and when there weren't any I didn't argue with that. I didn't get any shots, I eat from the street vendors and I drink the water.

Hmmmm, maybe I have been lucky? I don't know, but I hope I don't jinx myself now.

VD

[Cali-vet]

You wont always get sick from street food but there´s considerable risk in Cali. Last year prompted by complaints sent by readers to El Pais the city sent out food inspecters to a couple hundred street venders. The results were a scandle. All kinds of hygenic horrors. I do occaisionaly eat it though like mazorca in front of the zoo.

[papi]

last trip one of my cali street vendors accidentally dropped a spoon on the ground where the vagrants sleep and pee and put it in my food...

I am a big fan of Chontaduro, but would try and buy it off the cart in the mall. Double the street price but much safer handling. The ladies even use plastic gloves when handling the money. I also like the mango.

Cart eating is the quintessential way to go on a budget. There is a saying in Costa Rico among gringos in the know that if you live like a Tico (a Costa Rican), you can live an expat life on the cheap. I am just amazed that condos are going here for $300-$400k and up. Those gringos i assume don't eat off the carts and the contributing factor behind the hyper inflation of the airport taxi services