Health Question

[Wazoo2]

I've been hearing that visitors to Punta Cana should pre-treat for malaria (one week prior, 8 weeks after visiting). Any truth to that?

[Caren M.]

It depends who you listen to. We have been coming to DR for many years and in fact live there now for part of the year. Only once did we take anti malaria meds because the CDC in the US advised it after a bad hurricane season. I didn't like the side effects at all although my husband and son were fine. All the major hotels spray so there is little mosquito activity. I personally don't bother anymore.

[Audra]

been there 3 times this year, once with 70 people, no one took the meds - no need.

[ahogachivo]

be smart what the damage nothing to lose plenty to gain,the old saying goes better safe than sorry.

[Audra]

I think the course of treatment is long and I believe you are not allowed to drink alcohol while on treatment.

[danceaway]

The course of treatment is not long, and the perticular drugs that would be the recommendation for Malaria are : 1) Quinine ( inexpensive, but risky side effects ) 2) Plaquenil ( Hydroxychloroquine, expensive ) relatively little if any side effects, and no long term treatment, 3) Prednisone ( expensive and derivitive of sythetic hormone similar to hyrocortisone, a true steriod, but under proper care and short term treatment, not lasting detrimental side effects. ) . Drinking is never recommnded under medically prescribed care. But it is not a long term treatment for this illiness, so a short abstinance from drinking is a mild trade off. And Please remember under no circumstances do I recommend any medical treatment unless diagnoised and treated directly by your attending physician. These are only the facts.....not a medical course of treatment, or a diagnosis followed by a medical course of treatment.
Malaria can ruin a great vacation, and cause other medical issues if not addressed. See a Dr. if you are concerned.

[Wazoo2]

Thank you all -- I'll check with our local MD too. Just can't imagine that I'd want to spend a week at an AI and not drink though!

[dchenriquez]

Don't do it, not worth it. I'm Canadian and was just down there for the past 6 months and wouldn't recommend it. I've seen many guests at the resorts taking it and it was making them sick. There is no threat of Malaria there right now. There was last year but it's long gone now. No worries!!!

[Wazoo2]

Thanks - I was kind of leaning in that direction!!

[La Mariposa]

Originally Posted by Wazoo2

Thanks - I was kind of leaning in that direction!!

Which direction?? ask your doctor or no worries????