Vaccinations and such

[polliwog22]

I have read posts on the ASAWA forum, as well as in travel books, and decided to check into getting vaccinations before heading to the Philippines.  There are so many that are suggested (Hepatitis A, Malaria Pills, Typhoid, etc).  Which of these are crucial?  I'm spending a few days in Manila, and then am going to Ormoc.  I know the risks increase for more rural areas?  Has anyone ever come down with Malaria while in the Philippines?  Or how about Hepatitis A?  It's getting very close to the date I enter the country (May 7th) so if I'm going to do something before I go, I need to decide quickly.  And I've been told by some not to worry, and by others (including the material in the travel book and from my health care facility that I should be terrified of traveling there without any vaccinations).  What do I believe?  Are the risks that great?  I really need to know!    And does anyone know about the B12 shot?  What does that do?  

paul

[HaroldC]

... in response to Vaccinations and such, posted by polliwog22 on Apr 23, 2004

[This message has been edited by HaroldC]

"Has anyone ever come down with Malaria while in the Philippines?"

Thousands? Millions?

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=philippines+malaria+infection+rate

"Sixty-six of the seventy-nine provinces in the Philippines are considered endemic for malaria, with malaria infection rates of 40%-60% widespread in rural areas"

There's not much practical you can do to prevent the mosquito-borne diseases (malaria, Dengue, Japanese Encephalitis) except not get bit- use DEET, as Ron said.

"Or how about Hepatitis A?"

http://asawa.org/asawa/viewtopic.php?p=25781&highlight=oyster#25781

Don't eat drink anything not bottled or boiled (ice cubes!) or eat anything not cooked or freshly peeled.

You should have Tetanus-Diptheria and Hep A and B immunizations whether you are going to the Philippines or not. There are some really nasty antibiotic resistant strains of everything running around now. It's a little late to build up much immunity, but why not.

I had Typhoid and Polio immunizations, too- and no reactions.

Sure, the chances are slim of getting sick- but it could ruin (or end) your life.

Take Immodium AD with you.

[Humabdos]

... in response to Like most things in life, it's a crap sh..., posted by HaroldC on Apr 24, 2004

A few days in Manila and Ormoc hardly warrants getting every shot known to man. Theres no Malaria in manila or Ormoc. If you plan on living in the jungle it would be a good idea other wise totally unnecessary for a shot trip to Manila.
Hum

[HaroldC]

... in response to Re: Like most things in life, it's a cra..., posted by Humabdos on Apr 25, 2004

nt

[DanAndChed]

... in response to Vaccinations and such, posted by polliwog22 on Apr 23, 2004

Check www.cdc.gov.  It will give you the correct information.  Doctors don't seem to know what is needed.  We've gotten incorrect information on vaccinations and precautions from our peditrician.

Hepatits A is good to get period, even if you live here.  They even innoculate children with it now, so if you've never been innoculated for Hep A and B, you should.  Typhoid was recommended when I went last time.  I'll never get it again.  I was so sick after that shot, it almost ruined the trip.  My problem was mainly it got my shots, a week before going.  If you do get shots, get them early.  

As for Malaria, the misqutos love my white skin, but I never got the pills, because of what the cdc reccomended and what my wife told me.

Good luck!

Dan and Mares

[Howard]

... in response to Vaccinations and such, posted by polliwog22 on Apr 23, 2004

P~

Do whatever makes you feel more confident.  I went twice--once in a valley surrounded by jungle and once to the FINE city of Davao --I didn't get vaccinated either time and have had no problems.  I was gonna get vaccinated the first time, but it was only a month or so before my trip and--if I remember correctly--it wouldn't have made a difference because it was too close to my departure for the vaccine to be effective.

I didn't bother the second time.

DON'T DRINK THE WATER!!!  and if you try jackfruit... heed your honey's advice... don't drink ANY water right after or you'll be sorry oiiiiiiiiiiiii

Keep the Faith!

H

[Humabdos]

... in response to Vaccinations and such, posted by polliwog22 on Apr 23, 2004

Twelve trips never had any shots. Just a bunch of ASAWA forum and gov hype. Though I wouldn't drink out of any mud puddles if I where you.
Hum

[NOX1967]

... in response to Vaccinations and such, posted by polliwog22 on Apr 23, 2004

Personally I never got any vaccinations, but then I already had many from the military and my current employment. But I would not reccomend one way or the other on vaccinations.

The number one thing you can do to stay healthy in the Philippines is do not drink the water. Bottle water is cheap and plentiful.

The number two thing is avoid the mosquitoes. Malaria is a real threat and Dwende is becoming very common. Take plenty of repellent that contains "DEET" Put it on when you get up every day and put it before you go to sleep.

[Ray]

... in response to Re: Vaccinations and such, posted by NOX1967 on Apr 23, 2004

I don't think DEET will protect you from the Dwende (ROFLMAO!)

http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Shire/3951/dwende.html

Ray :-)

[NOX1967]

... in response to Dwende is becoming very common?, posted by Ray on Apr 24, 2004

How did I mix that up, I don't know. Obviously I'm not quite ready for my Tagalog exams!

[senior citizen]

... in response to Vaccinations and such, posted by polliwog22 on Apr 23, 2004

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/seasia.htm

Go to that web page, take their advice seriously.