Medications

[Queensland Girl]

Can someoneplease tell me if you need to take any medications for Hep A & Typhoid before travelleing on a cruise to the Eastern Carribean. Thanks Judy

[maureencruiser]

Sorry for not knowing, but, where exactly is the Gold Coast? That would help with your question.

[Rusti]

As long as you are not going further south than St. Thomas you don't need any extra medication or vaccines.

[Queensland Girl]

I am from the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. The ports we are doing on our Eastern Carribean cruise are Nassau - Bahamas and St. Maarten & St. Thomas. Thanks for any advice re medications to take on this cruise.

[Ashland]

Generally speaking no...However you should always check with your own health care professional who can assess your personal medical needs based on your history.

[HaraldOslo]

Can someoneplease tell me if you need to take any medications for Hep A & Typhoid before travelleing on a cruise to the Eastern Carribean. Thanks Judy

 

You are not required, but you may want to.

 

Tyfoid is rare, but Hep A is recommended by some countries.

 

Before my upcoming trip I've also taken a booster dose of the "child vaccines", ie diphtheria+tetanus+pertussis+polio.

 

Hep A can be taken twice/thrice and then you should have more or less lifelong protection.

[kbfromaus]

Can someoneplease tell me if you need to take any medications for Hep A & Typhoid before travelleing on a cruise to the Eastern Carribean. Thanks Judy

 

I am from QLD and have done the Eastern Caribbean several times and vaccinations are not required. Have a great time ! :)

[HaraldOslo]

I am from QLD and have done the Eastern Caribbean several times and vaccinations are not required. Have a great time ! :)

 

It is not required, but it IS recommended!

 

From http://www.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/Handbook-hepatitisa

 

Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for:

• all travellers to, and all expatriates living in, moderately to highly endemic areas (including all developing countries)
  

The same advice is also given by:

http://www.traveldoctor.com.au/TravelHealthPlanner/St-Thomas-Trip-Health-Advisory-Report

 

Hepatitis A

 

Hepatitis A is recommended for this trip. This viral disease is transmitted through eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Most adults in less developed countries have already acquired the disease in childhood and are immune for life.

 

 

So my advice is that you should indeed vaccinate against hepatitis A when going to the Caribbean.

[songster2]

Hep A is not required to travel in the Caribbean, but I would highly recommend being vaccinated. Doctors have told me that if one eats in a restaurant, they should be vaccinated. Hep A infections are most often contracted by eating in restaurants where food handlers' personal hygiene (hand washing) is not the greatest.