What precautions can I take to protect myself from Malaria while...

pieceodirt · 12-01-2007, 01:16 AM

...vacationing in Panama? Is there a shot or a vaccine I need to take?

Matt D · 12-01-2007, 01:17 AM

I spent a year travelling through malaria risk areas (including Panama) and didn't take a single pill - I'd heard too many horror stories of the side effects. Besides the drugs don't stop you getting it, they can either supress it (so it emerges once you stop taking the drugs) or just make the effects less severe.
I think the key is just being careful - wear long sleeved/legged light coloured clothing, make sure your net has no holes, ensure you're properly coated in jungle formula - and if you can fit it in your pack, get an incense burner and some citronella, I found this especially good at keeping the little blighters at bay. :-)

12-01-2007, 01:16 AM	#1 (permalink)
pieceodirt Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2	What precautions can I take to protect myself from Malaria while... ...vacationing in Panama? Is there a shot or a vaccine I need to take?

12-01-2007, 01:17 AM	#2 (permalink)
Matt D Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1	I spent a year travelling through malaria risk areas (including Panama) and didn't take a single pill - I'd heard too many horror stories of the side effects. Besides the drugs don't stop you getting it, they can either supress it (so it emerges once you stop taking the drugs) or just make the effects less severe. I think the key is just being careful - wear long sleeved/legged light coloured clothing, make sure your net has no holes, ensure you're properly coated in jungle formula - and if you can fit it in your pack, get an incense burner and some citronella, I found this especially good at keeping the little blighters at bay. :-)