Originally Posted by Roughstuff
Let me continue with the malaria issue only because I think you should be aware of the zillions of problems that people have reported from using Mefloquine, which has its generic name, and brand name Lariam. I never took it; when I got malaria on my tour it went misdiagnosed for months, and wasn't properly treated until I got back to the US and finally received Primaquine. Before you take primaquine they'll do a test for "G6PD deficiency," or else you may in turn have problems with anemia from bursted blood cells. Most doctors use Doxycycline (above letter) as their Malaria killer.
For a malaria blood test to show 'positive,' i.e. that you actually have the disease, it is necessary that you have the blood drawn during an active attack. Don't go on the 'off days' when ya feel better,because then the parasites are hiding in your liver for their next episode.
roughstuff
Lariam is some weird stuff. It gave me the most vivid, lucid, colorful dreams. I had the positive end of the side effect spectrum. So people have reported serious mental problems from the stuff.
Here are some links about immunizations and such. Some countries will not let you in without a Yellow Fever shot. Hepatitis A and B is a must. Havrix is much better than Glamma Globium, but you need to plan and get your shots well in advance.
After you get all your shots you will be given a small book, like a passport with a record of all the shots you've been given. Take it with you as some bored border guard might give you a hard time without it.
When I travel to less developed countries I also take a few hypodermic syringes with me. If for some reason you need a shot it's nice to know that a clean needle is available, which is not always the case in remote areas.
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/tropsam.htm
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20040701/89.html
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articl...70/ai_n6159406
http://www.bchealthguide.org/healthfiles/hfile41c.stm
http://www.flatheadhealth.org/commhe...unizations.cfm