Nicaragua2017
12/19/2016 16:12 EST
My husband & I are visiting Nicaragua in February & have seen some articles suggesting getting shots for Hepatitis A & B & typhoid. Is that necessary?
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cedelune
12/19/2016 17:09 EST
Unless you plan to be living in the jungle far from civilization, I can't
think why you would need them. I live here and haven't had them and don't encounter many situations in which there is high risk of contracting either (at least, no more than in the U.S.)
I'm sure others may have other opinions, of course.
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KeyWestPirate
12/19/2016 19:10 EST
There is a lot of Hep A,, generally mis-diagnosed unless it turns you yellow.
Hep B has always been an "at risk" disease.
There is a HepA-B combined vaccine available. The shot and a booster 6 months later as I remember.
If you're a health care professional generally available at no cost.
Why Not????
I got it, as did my wife,, no reaction. I saw a bad Hep A infection in a 6 YO child. Was diagnosed as flu, he ran a high fever several days,, then when he turned yellow. finally got treatment.
He's lucky he still has his kidneys.
Never heard of typhoid here.
I would make sure my tetanus vaccination is up to date.
I'd also look into the newer pneumonia vaccines,,, these are generally free and encouraged by most health plans. Lots of pneumonia here,, especially in younger children.
Where I am the kids are constantly sick with something which is invariably described as "gripe". Dirt floors, the constant moisture,, hard to stay warm at night,,
I recommend highly to anyone moving here to bring an electrical mattress pad. Less about the heat (although it's nice to get into a warm bed),, than it is about keeping bed clothes dry.
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iguanalover
12/19/2016 19:41 EST
Tetanus and pneumonia shots are available for free at the Nica health centers. So is hep B. We got ours from a nice nurse and have cards to prove it.
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elduendegrande
12/20/2016 10:02 EST
For a short visit I wouldn't worry. Washing your hands will do you more good, as will preparing your own food. Wearing clothes and using repellent should keep the mosquitoes away.
For living here hep A is a good ideal, as Nic is generally a criminal assault on your digestive system. Hep B for high risk behavior or an unforeseen injury.
When I inquired about typhoid shots 11 years ago I was told they weren't worth the risks of side effects and ineffective vaccines. It may have changed.
Tetanus is a good idea every 10 years.
Your local Health Department in the US will fill you in on any boosters you may need. I would suggest getting them well in advance of travel or skipping them.
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novato1953
12/20/2016 11:31 EST
Most folks who read up on those diseases will get all the shots, I think, and it seems to make sense to cross out at least one thing on your worry list. But, sadly, it seems the maladies you can't do much about are the ones you need to fear the most. Viral and parasitical, generally mosquito-borne diseases sometimes endemic in parts of Nicaragua include dengue, zika and chikungunya fevers as well as occasional exotics. Check for outbreaks before your intended arrival. No vaccines yet for these bad boys, nor much in the way of effective prophylactics, and little hope of repelling 100% of the mosquitoes 100% of the time. Now, serious and painful as they may be, when properly treated few first-exposure cases turn fatal. But those re-infected with any of the four strains of dengue run a high risk of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be. Que le vaya bien.
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KeyWestPirate
12/22/2016 13:03 EST
Yeah,, there is much here, but less chance of getting robbed and shot.
Who talked about hand washing? Crucial before putting anything into your mouth that touches your hands.
Polite to wash YOUR hands after using the bathroom,,, but that doesn't really help YOU.
Get in the habit of washing YOUR hands before sitting down for a meal,,, coffee,,
I've lost 20+ pounds this trip,, the wife too,, she is ecstatic.
We're not going to take the treatment (two pills daily,, three days) until we lose another ten pounds!
Seriously, you have to be more aware here, mas conocido, and take reasonable precautions. But,,, you don't have to go off the deep end. It's a good life here.
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