Health

Recommendations on vaccinations change continually as epidemics come and go. Don't listen to friends and family who may scare you with unfounded horror stories. Your physician may not have the latest information either. Talk to the experts listed below.

Recommended vaccines


See your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect.

• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG).
• Hepatitis B, if you might have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment.
• Rabies - you will generally not be exposed to wild or domestic animals during your visit.
• Typhoid.
• Yellow fever – required in Tanzania when arriving from an airport in a Malaria zone.
• As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles, and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults.


Malaria Protection

• Pay special attention to mosquito protection between dusk and dawn. This is when the type of mosquito whose bite transmits malaria is active. You are generally safe from malaria above 9000 ft.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use insect repellents that contain DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide) or REPEL Lemon Eucalyptus spray.
• Read and follow the directions and precautions on the product label.
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin.
• Do not put repellent on wounds or broken skin.
• Do not breathe in, swallow, or get into the eyes (DEET is toxic if swallowed). If using a spray product, apply DEET to your face by spraying your hands and rubbing the product carefully over the face, avoiding eyes and mouth.
• See your doctor for a preventative prescription –some of the available drugs are:
 atovaquone/proguanil (brand name: Malarone™ ) - popular with our staff (not an endorsement!)
 Doxycycline (many brand names)
 Mefloquine (brand name: Lariam™)


To avoid getting sick…

• Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.
• Don’t drink beverages with ice.
• Don’t eat dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurized.
• Don’t share needles with anyone.
• Don’t handle animals (especially monkeys, dogs, and cats), to avoid bites and serious diseases.
• Don’t swim in fresh water (except hotel pools). Salt water is usually safer.


Medications…

• For basic aches and pains – get a prescription for anti-inflammatories such as Celebrex (about 200mg per day) or ibuprofen (Advil 400mg 2-3 times per day).
• For altitude sickness – get a prescription for acetazolamide (Diamox), 125 to 250 mg orally two times a day. Some climbers get prescriptions for Procardia (nifedipine) but so far it has been unnecessary. If you are sulfa-allergic, then try Dexamethasone instead of Diamox.
• For Gastrointestinal symptoms – bring Cipro for diarrhea and Lomotil for loose bowels.
 

Best sources for general health information
We recommend you contact the following organizations (or the equivalent in your country) at least a few months before you leave:

Sources for altitude illness information (also read our section on "safety"

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