According to my notes, Clay mentioned getting the Hep. A vaccination. A colleague of mine was recently diagnosed with Hep. A and missed a week and a half of school. His doctor told him primarily it is contracted when visiting foreign countries, but that it can be contracted by eating food that wasn't prepared in a clean environment or by hands that were carrying germs, etc. Anyway, it struck me when he came back today and told me why he had been out for so long. He thought he just had an upset stomach and it turned out to be much worse. I know that I don't want my trip tarnished by any sort of illness so I am definately asking my doctor about preparing against this one!

Hi Darlene and everyone,

I contacted my doctor's office today and was told they do not have the vaccines available. They referred me to the county health clinic but said patients have complained of long lines. They also recommended a place called Passport Health that happens to be in Tustin where I live. Their voice mail indicated that they were closed until Monday so I don't have the specifics yet. I will post it when I receive more info.

Darlene, I'm curious to know why you chose to get only the Hepatitis shot. Did you find out something or is it based on cost?

Curious,

Ana

My doctor's office said he would order the Malayria, Typhoid and Hep A even if I decide I don't want them because it takes a while to get them and they rarely have them on hand. He was concerned about an updated Hep B and Tetanus (which I'm sure I spelled wrong but don't care to fix right now). So I updated those. I think I will go with the Hep A just because, as I said before, a friend got it right here in LA. But I'm going to bring the itinerary in on my next visit and he'll advise me on the others. I haven't had to pay anything other than my regular co-pay so maybe I'll luck out? (wouldn't that be nice

Knowing good health for you all -

Peace and Blessings.

-Kyle

Courtney thanks for sharing your info. After much thought, I have decided to get only the Hapatitus A shot. My doctor's office advised against the Hepatitus B. I already have the Tetanus shot from an earlier injury.

Ana

I recall hearing 2 weeks of B-12. The latest Consumer Reports tested and rated insect repellents. Repellents with the most deet were the most effective. Off Deep Woods has the highest deet with 98% but the report indicated a negative odor and texture (probably greasy). It was the highest rated brand. Brands rated "good" had approximately 30% deet including 3M, Off Deep Woods (IV), Cutter, Ben's 30.

I had heard good things about Avon's Skin-So-Soft, but it was rated only as "fair". Looks like it doesn't contain deet and had zero effectiveness on one type of mosquito. The only non-deet product that rated "good" was Repel. It is a plant-based lemon Eucalyptus but testers disliked its odor. Botanical products were rated "poor".

It looks like deet is the way to go but it cannot be applied under clothing, in an open cut or with sunscreen.

Nice to write to you all again. I went back in for another doctor's visit (I'm a little paranoid about getting the health stuff straightened out) and opted to have the Typhoid shot. Courtney you said something about pills, but my doctor gave me the shot. He said I didn't need anything else based on the itinerary (which he researched like a thorough doctor I didn't really think about it, just did it. I guess it's better safe than sorry.

I am also going to do the B-12 thing and the yogurt biz. I'm doing acupuncture right now to help with some back/foot pain that recently developed that I do not want to take with me; it's working out well. He is also working on my digestive system to insure that I am in the best health possible before I leave. After all that talk about bathroom rankings I've decided worrying about that is not something I want to deal with!

Hi. Thanks for all of the advice on medical preparations. The people I spoke with say that the vaccine for encephalytis isn't needed unless you will be in rural areas for longer than 4 weeks. Did you all receive the same advice?

Also, the nurse said that anything with too much Deet is toxic for your skin. Has anyone else read anything that confirms her advice?