Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Staying Healthy on the Road
Staying Healthy on the Road Medical info, e.g. malaria, vaccinations, travel medical tips, medical insurance, where to find a doctor.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Sep 2000
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 22
Japanese Encephalites - Rabies - Malaria

greetings travellers,

I will be travelling across SE ASIA and India and Jap E vacinne is recommended however as it is still quite rare I was wondering if it was worth taking these - It is also quite expensive.

As for rabies, I really doubt that I will be bitten so have chosen to ignore this.

After ruining a 4 week backpacking trip with malaria pills, I have decided to take a miss on that as well.

Any recomendations or advice - As much as it tempts me to see how much of my $16 Million emergency medical insurance I can use up, I do not want to return in a body bag

cheers
Ceasar
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Oct 2000
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Dunedin, New Zealand
Posts: 34
At Nakon Sawan (Thailand) in 1990 I received 184 mosquito bites one night; in Malaysia saw some interesting multi coloured mosquitoes which turned out to be dengue (better learn about those before you go) and was bitten by a dog in Lahore. If you are going to stick to the tourist routes you should be right but if you want to visit the high ways and by ways I wouldn't take the risk. Surely there is some palatable malaria pills out by now?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Oct 2000
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
Larium is the recommended preventative for malaria but lots of people react very badly to it. I took it while travelling in India for a month and had absolutely no problems at all - basically take a big pill once a week.

Apparently some people have incredibly harsh reactions, including psychotic episodes and nightmares, and a lot of doctors have stopped recommending Larium.

Some travel experts recommend that it is wiser to concentrate on preventions such as bug spray, mosquito netting, etc.


------------------
Bruce Clarke
brclarke@islandnet.com
www.islandnet.com/~brclarke

__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Oct 2000
Ian Ian is offline
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 443
No nasty side effects were apparent when I took Larium. Whatever you use you should still take every precaution against getting bitten in the first place.

------------------
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Jan 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 10
If you stay in places where there are a lot of pigs, for a period of 1 month or more, I'd say go ahead and get the Jap E shots. As for Malaria, you can get by with Doxycycline, it's a low-grade anti-biotic. It's a (small) pill per day and cheaper than Mefloquine (Lariam). As well, realize the malaria carriers are only the female bugs and only bite at sundown. You can make the best bug repellent in the world by mixing 3 part baby oil (cheap Johnson & Johnson stuff) and 1 part Dettol (old hospital disinfectant). Both are for sale in 3rd world countries. Mix the 3 and 1 part and shake well for a minute or two. The solution turns white. it's oily, but doesn't stick. You won't see a bug in miles and it doesn't smell bad. Positive side effect is that you disinfect your hands continuosly when you touch your skin. Keeps you from getting sick.

------------------
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 29 Jan 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: SYDNEY NSW AUSTRALIA
Posts: 6
Re the Japanese Encephalitis, we're leaving in 2 weeks to go from B'desh to the UK and were advised that JE is seasonal, starting basically with the monsoon in June (there are some good websites offering advice - just do a search). Fortunately we will avoid the risk and the cost of vaccinations (AUS$250!). My friend had the vaccine in Australia and reacted extremely violently to it, having to be flown to hospital where he fell into a coma...fortunately he made a full recovery. As for the rabies, there doesn't seem to be any harm in being vaccinated so why risk getting a horrible illness? They are pretty painless too if you get them in your own country whereas if you wait till you're bitten, some countries still use the old painful injections in the stomach. Everyone will offer different advice re malaria, but it seems that if you're going to be going to a number of different areas, it's very difficult to choose a single drug that the mozzies haven't become resistant to somewhere on your route. The advice about prevention makes the best sense. Good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 29 Jan 2001
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,299
Re Malaria drugs, a traveller recently had a bad reaction to chloroquine, paranoia and bad depression etc, switched to Lariam and he's fine.

It's very much dependent on the person, so if you've used one and had a problem, try the other. And ALWAYS use all the preventatives possible, don't just trust to the drugs.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com



[This message has been edited by Susan (edited 28 August 2002).]
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 23 Mar 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Cuernavaca, Mexico
Posts: 2
My travel doc prescribed Hydroxychloroquine for areas north of the Panama Canal because it works, few people have side affects and it's relatively cheap. But, south of the Canal he recommends Lariam (aka Mefloquine) because the bugs are resistant to the cheap stuff. Lariam costs about $10 a weekly pill. Does anyone know if it's generally available in South America and, if so, how prices there compare?
__________________
<A HREF=\"http://www.geocities.com/marickpayton

\"Live\" TARGET=_blank>http://www.geocities.com/marickpayton

\"Live</A> simply that others may simply live.\"--Mahatma Gandhi
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 23 Mar 2001
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 71
Having toured through Bangladesh, I was advised to go to a Travellers Clinic (Australia) before going, anyway this organisation is throughout Australia and deal specifically for "adventure" travellers, anyway getting to the point I was advised/counselled by the Doctor on what to have as precautions. So armed with my "Needle" book I was given: Jap A, Rabies, Polio. I declined any Malaria precautions, having had it (7 times) from Papua New Guinea, there is a school of thought that dont take any precautions for Malaria as the drugs (Doxy) can mask Malaria and your getting a "hit" from Malaria but don't know it. I personally seen some one expouse the virtues of taking precautions only to get malaria (?).
There are Two types of malaria: one is in your liver called Vivax (garden-type variety malaria) the other the "killer" is Falciprum (sp?) and believe me that one is the nasty one.
Anyway, enough of the depressing stuff, have a true adventure.
__________________
Macca & Lynda
Tiger955i
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 25 Mar 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: London, UK
Posts: 270
I have travelled with a friend who had a reaction to Larium. She had dizzy spells which lasted for about a month after she stopped taking the tablets.

They still recommended for high risk areas but did speak to a missionary in Kenya who contrated malaria even though he was taking larium.

I have found Palludrin makes me very ill, have found Nivaquine ok but it needs to be taken in conjunction with an additional tablet, I had no reactions taking this combination in Africa. I will try to find out what the additional tablets were called.

PS excuse the spelling

Julio
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 2 May 2001
Susan Johnson's Avatar
Administrator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,008
Following is some useful info I picked up from Health Canada's website, which deals with the mefloquine (Lariam) debate.

" For travellers to high risk areas, the risk of acquiring malaria and dying is significantly greater than the risk of experiencing a serious side-effect from
mefloquine. Over 11 million travellers have used mefloquine prophylaxis and severe reactions (seizure, psychosis) to this drug are rare (reported in 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 13,000 users). The great majority of mefloquine users (95-98%) have either no side effects or only mild or temporary ones. Occasionally a traveller will develop a less severe but still troublesome neuropsychological reaction (e.g., anxiety, mood change) to mefloquine (1 in 250 to 500 users) requiring a change to an alternate drug. These reactions are almost always reversible. However, death from malaria is not.

At the present time, for high risk regions of the world, mefloquine is the most effective drug to prevent malaria. Alternatives typically offered to travellers to Africa to prevent malaria are significantly less effective and often more toxic than mefloquine, i.e., chloroquine, proguanil (Paludrine), amodiaquine, pyrimethamine plus sulfadoxine (Fansidar), pyrimethamine plus dapsone (Maloprim). Doxycycline is an effective alternative but may occasionally have troublesome side effects and must be taken each and every day in order to prevent malaria."

Public Health Information Statement
Endorsed by the Canadian Infectious Diseases Society, Canadian Society for International Health, and the Canadian Public Health Association

They don't say, but I do remember, that if you are going to have a reaction to Larium you will have it within the first two weeks, which should be before you enter the affected area, and will give you enough time to change prophylaxis if need be.

And, as many have noted on this thread, prevention is absolutely required, from mosquito repellent to long sleeves and pants after sunset.

Since most of our travellers are not staying in 'resort hotels', we all need to be concerned with this topic.

------------------
Susan Johnson
Share the Dream at <A HREF="http://www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
" TARGET=_blank>www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
</A>
__________________
Susan Johnson

Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 3 May 2001
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Wirral,UK
Posts: 172
I read in the paper the other day that taking Vitamin B1 or Thiamin helps keep mosquitos at bay. Apparently the skin secretes some compound or other that is odourless to humans but repellant to insects. I'm not suggesting to use it instead of anti-malaria drugs, but anything to stop the buggers biting can only help. Anyone else heard of this?


------------------
Sean
__________________
Sean
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 4 May 2001
Fritz's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 224
By coincidence I have just be been given two newspaper articles on Rabies and Malaria.
For rabies they are recommending the jab as apparently there is a world shortage of the blood product used to treat rabies. I can pass the articles on (scans if anyone interested - don't think I can post them here ?).
On Malaria. The article quotes 1 in 140 suffer side effects with Larium (enough to cause temp' problems carrying out of day to day duties). Goes on to state the alts of chloroquine and paladrine are not too effective and only 30% use in many regions.
You need advice to get the right medication for the region. Malaria is on the up though in travellers returning home!
Personally I've had the rabies jab - and never had a dog go near me (except europe) - I assume its not personal.
And I've always taken the chloroquine and paladrine for India / Nepal, though again I think its as much peace of mind as anything.
But space and storage is an issue on overland trips.
Its down to the individuals I guess.
Articles where from Telegraph (maybe under travel.telegraph.co.uk - don't know). Can scan and forward if anyone greatly concerned / interested.

[This message has been edited by Fritz (edited 04 May 2001).]
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 5 May 2001
Susan Johnson's Avatar
Administrator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,008
I found one of Fritz's articles from the Telegraph. The very good news from the article is that there is a new alternative to mefloquine for chloroquine-resistant malaria:

"Glaxo's Malarone is a highly effective prophylactic for chloroquine-resistant malaria and ideal for most people for whom mefloquine is inappropriate. Currently it is licensed for treatment only in Britain, but is expected to get its licence for malaria prevention next month."

The other very interesting comment, which may explain the 1 in 140 with side effects from Lariam, was: "In a double-blind study of the new anti-malarial Malarone, where the control group was taking Lariam, some people suffered crippling Lariam-like side effects - just from the belief that they were in the Lariam group." In other words, FEAR of Lariam created the exact side effects that Lariam has been tarred with! Kind of the reverse effect of my faith in Vitamin C for warding off colds.

Link is below for the full article, which came out 1 May/01.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=004926792754031&rtmo=pslpBBBe&atmo=rr rrrrrq&pg=/et/01/5/1/thpill01.html


------------------
Susan Johnson
Share the Dream at <A HREF="http://www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
" TARGET=_blank>www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
</A>


[This message has been edited by Susan (edited 04 May 2001).]
__________________
Susan Johnson

Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 15 May 2001
Susan Johnson's Avatar
Administrator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,008
Good news - From the Fleet Street Travel Medical Clinic, London:

" Malarone approved in the USA: FDA drug regulators in the United States have just given their approval to the new anti-malarial drug, Malarone, for use in travellers; the drug will now become available in the US from late August. As reported previously in the Daily Telegraph, traditional treatment with chloroquine and Paludrine offers decreasing protection from malaria, while more effective drugs -- Lariam and to a lesser degree, doxycycline -- have been associated with unpleasant side effects; extensive trials have shown Malarone to be a well-tolerated and highly effective alternative.

Prior to this announcement, the only other country to license Malarone for prevention had been Denmark, where Malarone has now been in use since 1997. The US move comes as a particular surprise, since the FDA has previously had a reputation for acting more slowly and cautiously than its counterparts in Europe. Approval in the US now means that licensing in the rest of the world is almost inevitable, and just a matter of time.

In the UK, Malarone (a British drug) continues to be available only on an unlicensed basis at specialist centres, with formal licensing not expected until the second quarter of next year. "

Dr Richard Dawood is the medical director of the Fleet Street Travel Clinic, London.
http://www.whitbyonline.com/fleetstreet/news.html#6


------------------
Susan Johnson
Share the Dream at <A HREF="http://www.HorizonsUnlimited.com/index.shtml" TARGET=_blank>www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
</A>
__________________
Susan Johnson

Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:34.