Which Vaccinations if any?

[gearguy]

I would visit a travel clinic and they can advise you of the best vaccinations to get. Many hospitals (at least in the US)
have a clinic dedicated for travel medicine.

Here's a list I found on the CDC web site.

Measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine (unless HIV+)

Pneumoccol (esp if HIV+)

Meningoccol (recommended, esp if living in close quarters with others, eg dormitory, barracks.)

Hep A and B (every one should have these)

Tetnus-diptheria

Typhus (there are two vaccines: one live attenuated virus, the other killed virus. The live one is better but if you
are HIV+, not recommended.)

Polio Boost

Rabies but only if you expect to travel to very rural parts of SE Asia.

Maleria. Would not bother unless you plan to travel to more remote parts. there is little maleria risk in the major cities and tourist areas of Thailand.

I would also ask you doc for a script for a medication called XiFaxin for traveler's diarreha and one for Cipro (tho you can buy Cipro easily enough in Thailand.)

You can get more advice and information off the US CDC site at:

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationList.aspx

do I need any vaccinations before travelling? I have read that nothing is required for Thailand but have heard differently from friends etc.

Nothing is "required", but depending on where you intend to go some are advisable (consult a specialist, ignore the uninformed rubbish often posted here).


I am thinking of picking up some Garlic sweets as they are meant to help with the prevention of mosquito bites???

Rubbish. Mosquitoes are attracted by CO2/ exhaled breath so although there is a very tenuous link smelling of garlic will have no effect (at least on the mosquitoes!). If mosquitoes are a problem, do a search for posts I have made on malaria.

A doctor's prescription "for a medication called XiFaxin for traveler's diarreha and one for Cipro" would be pointless and unnecessary. Ample medications of all sorts for this problem are available here without prescription.

[gearguy]

XiFaxan is probably not available in Thailand. It is unique antibiotic in that it stays in the gut only. Treatment is typically
1 pill three times a day for three days, tho I have had significant improvement after only two doses. Since it is not a systemic antibiotic potential side effects are minimized.

As I mentioned, Cipro is readily available in thailand pharmacies; I should have mentioned no script required.

But I get a 10 day supply for $4 in the US, so it's actually cheaper for me to buy here in US.

I also take a supply of zithromax which is good if you get a sinus infection, or bronchitis, or strep throat. Again, I think
this is available in Thailand without a script, but my drug plan here in the US makes it cost effective and I am somewhat more confident on the quality of the medication.

Brand name medication is available in Thailand but at very high prices.

The rest of the information I got from my own discussions with my doctor and from the CDC website which I think
is a pretty informative organization.

[TrongpaiExpat]

Taking medical advise from a message board on gay Thailand is nuts. Giving medical advise on a message board for gay Thailand is even more nuts.

XiFaxan is probably not available in Thailand. It is unique antibiotic in that it stays in the gut only. Treatment is typically 1 pill three times a day for three days, tho I have had significant improvement after only two doses. Since it is not a systemic antibiotic potential side effects are minimized.

Xifaxan (rifaximin) is used to treat e-coli only, not as a general treatment for "travellers diarrhea". Estimates of e-coli as the cause of diarrhea in Thailand, based on clinical trials, are between 10 and 12.5% - in other words, if you take Xifaxan to treat your diarrhea there is a 90% probability you will be taking the wrong medicine. There are few long-term side effects, but short-term side effects can be to make the diarrhea appear worse - hardly a pleasant result, particularly if you are not treating your diarrhea correctly.

It has not yet been approved for use in Thailand, so importing it would be illegal (as would a doctor giving you a prescription for a drug you do not require).

As I said: "consult a specialist, ignore the uninformed rubbish often posted here", no matter how well-intentioned that advice may be (and I include my own in both categories!).

[krobbie]

Given that it is a bad idea to ask any of us what YOU may need - there is no requirement at all for arrival in Thailand.

Before my first trip a few years back I had vaccination for Hepatitus. This is it:

Combination Vaccine

Twinrix* is a vaccine for both hepatitis A and hepatitis B. It combines two FDA-approved vaccinesтАФHavrix, for hepatitis A, and Engerix-B, for hepatitis B. It protects individuals 18 years of age or older against diseases caused by hepatitis A and hepatitis B viruses. The vaccine is recommended for travelers whose occupation or behavior puts them at high risk for exposure to hepatitis B virus, or who are visiting countries with a high or intermediate rate of both hepatitis viruses, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

I also always carry Imodium (Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg) in case I get the shits. It provides fast and effective relief from the symptoms of diarrhoea, loose stool or tummy cramps. Invaluable in my estimation.

I also always have either Tiger Balm or Monkey Balm (not quite as intense) on me for mozzie bites, cuts. bumps, bruises and headache. This is available at any 7/11 and is cheap as chips.

That's it ... and I am a real panic merchant so there's not much to worry about. being that I am still alive after some 5 visits.

Cheers
krobbie

URL Text (http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/travel/asia/thailand.shtml)

Geez!

Unless you plan an extended stay up country that is outside of the major metropolitan areas, a lot of the above recommendations are utter crap.

If your visit is primarily to places like Bangkok and Pattaya, no vacations are necessary. Unless you plan to spend extended times out-of-doors in areas peripheral to urban areas, mosquitoes are not much of a concern.

Rather than carrying Imodium, take Cirpo with you or buy in country to prevent or treat the trots. Imodium has a tendency to keep the offensive organisms inside of you. Diarrhea is actually a positive cleansing adaptation of your GI tract. The blocking effect of Imodium is counterproductive, while Cipro and its analogs actually kill the offending beasties. You can purchase quality generic Cipro in Thailand at the local chemist without a prescription.

Bottom line, no special vaccinations are needed; expect the possibility of tummy upsets*; and above all have fun.

Definitely take a good supply of condoms from home, they fit better than most Thai equivalents.

My script:

Don't worry, be happy.

Dr. Joe


---------
* For me, 2 upsets in last 15 years, i.e. a 15 % occurrence rate.

[krobbie]

Far be it from me to contradict Doctor Joe BUT ... Imodium is specifically for the Tratment of Diarrhea and Cipro is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones. It fights bacteria in the body. It works by stopping the production of essential proteins needed by the bacteria to survive.

Cipro is used to treat different types of bacterial infections. It may also be used to prevent or slow anthrax after exposure.
Before taking Cipro If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take Cipro, tell your doctor if you have:

a history of allergic reaction to an antibiotic;
joint problems;
myasthenia gravis;
kidney or liver disease;
epilepsy or seizures;
diabetes;
low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia); or
a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."


I suspect that buying this over the counter without a doctors advise may be unwise. Perhaps a little over the top for stopping the squirts. Stick to the drug that is formatted expressly for the purpose.

Cheers
krobbie

No jabs for me in 50 plus trips.

I have a deep fear of needles...




..... but not of pricks.

[francois]

Krobbie's advice on Hep A & Hep B is excellent. I am not familiar with Twinrix however vaccination for Hep B usually takes two shots spaced a month or two apart. This is a must for anyone visiting Thailand or other Asian countries or for any gay man.

[RichLB]

I am not a doctor, but if you are considering taking Cipro, do a goodle search for "cipro warning". The FDA has ordered the manufacturer to include it's highest warning on the dangers of taking the drug. It seems it has been found to contribute to serious ligament damage.

And, as to mosquitoes, I have found a repellent that works for me 100% of the time - Avon bath oil. It smells good, isn't harmful to the skin, and I've yet to have a mosquito bite when i remember to apply it. It is available at the Avon Shop here in Pattaya and most probably other places, as well.

Krobbie's advice on Hep A & Hep B is excellent. I am not familiar with Twinrix however vaccination for Hep B usually takes two shots spaced a month or two apart. This is a must for anyone visiting Thailand or other Asian countries or for any gay man.

From what I read on various respectable health sites, this is very good advice.

[ceejay]

Krobbie's advice on Hep A & Hep B is excellent. I am not familiar with Twinrix however vaccination for Hep B usually takes two shots spaced a month or two apart. This is a must for anyone visiting Thailand or other Asian countries or for any gay man.

From what I read on various respectable health sites, this is very good advice.

Thats for sure.

The advice I had from my doctor was that everyone should have HEP A and B vaccination, regardless of sexual orientation or where you go on holiday for that matter.