Shots! Eeek! Shots!

SHOTS NEEDED

Please let Skip know what shots you will be needing as soon as you know.

Twinrix - $50 - Hep A and B

Tetnus - $8 - Only need if you have not had a booster in the last 5 years

Polio - $37 - Unless have had a booster since turned 18

Typhoid - $58 - every two years

Malaria - Doxycyline and Melarone - Do not take Lariam or Metholoquim - Please see your Physician for this.

Doxycyline
Upside - intestinal antibiotic as well
Downside - if your skin is sensitive to the sun you will sunburn more easily. Around $20.00
Doxycyline operates well against Malaria, but also doubles as an intestinal deterrent against parasites while in India. No one who has traveled with GCC and has been taking Doxy has contracted Malaria (though that's not, of course, to say that it's not possible) so far, and the side effects of Doxy are significantly less than the potential side effects of other meds such as Larium or other commonly prescribed anti-Malarials. You will need to have your physician prescribe Doxy for you as the Health Dept will not be able to do so.

Melarone
Upside - Skin won't be sensitive to the sun
Downside - More expensive and isn't an intestinal antibacterial

Welcome to the healthy traveler page.
The following information will help you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy while traveling in India. Remember, there is more information available then can be discussed at this site. Please visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/indianrg.htm for complete information, or contact the St Joseph County Health Department at 245-6656.

When traveling, we often think about the exciting new experiences we may have in a foreign country. At the same time, we have to remember that there will be some health risks that we do not face in our normal daily lives. Becoming knowledgeable about these risks give us a better chance of avoiding them.

Points to Ponder:

• Begin preparing for travel far in advance of when you actually leave. Two to three months is a general estimate to give you ample time to receive vaccines and necessary medications.
• Food and waterborne diseases are the number one cause of illness in travelers. Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes, along with unpasteurized dairy products.
• Expanding on the above point, it is a good idea to bring an over the counter antidiarrheal in case of stomach illness (i.e. Imodium).
• Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.
• Take with you enough of the medications you take daily to last throughout the entire trip. These should be in their original bottles, and you should bring a letter from your physician stating which medications are prescribed to you.
• Be cautious with ground transportation. Motor vehicle accidents constitute the greatest threat to traveler’s health. Travel only when necessary, and try to avoid travel at night when a greater number of drivers are impaired. Walk and drive defensively and always use seat belts.
• Protect yourself from insect bites.
• Don’t swim in fresh water. Salt water is usually safer
• Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.
• Don’t handle animals (especially monkeys, dogs, and cats), to avoid bites and serious diseases.