RE: [at-l] New Trails ...

["Stephen P. Champion, MD" <champion@iquest.net>]

[[[Delurking]]]

RE: The Medical aspects of your trip

Jamaica is fairly safe from an "international travel" aspect, but you should
consider the following:

General Considerations:

The Water - I sure don't have to dwell on this on this list.  Either drink
bottled water or treat / filter like you would here on the trail.

Travelers' Diarrhea is the most common travel ailment, and being careful
about your water, fresh veggies/fruits, raw foods, milk/dairy etc. is very
important for prevention, but is not, unfortunately, failsafe.  I tell
people to take Pepto Bismol with them (it's cheap and it works).  In
addition, check with your doctor - he / she may write you a prescription for
Cipro (Septra is not quite as good but is cheaper) to take IF you get the
trots on your trip (3 to 5 day course of meds).  It is not to be used as
prevention, only if you get sick.

Make sure your diphtheria-tetanus immunization (dT) is up to date (within
the last 5 years, in some cases every 10 years is OK).  Your doctor may want
to give you a measles booster as well; this is not specific to travel,
though.

Other Immunizations to CONSIDER: (Not absolutely necessary)

	Hepatitis A+IG  (personally, I would get this)
	Typhoid         (depends on how "far out" you will be, probably not)

That's my two cents.  Remember (ideally) you need about a 4 week lead time
on the immunizations before you leave, so check with your doctor.  His / her
opinions may vary on the immunizations.

You can also check out the CDC web page (www.cdc.gov).  They keep track of
recommendations for travel and keep track of bugs and "outbreaks" in the
various areas of the world.

Have Fun!

Steve

[[[Lurking]]]



-----Original Message-----
From: owner-at-l@backcountry.net [mailto:owner-at-l@backcountry.net]On
Behalf Of Jennifer Delia Sawyer
Sent: Friday, November 12, 1999 9:38 PM