Travel Innoculations

[msmarykw]

I have RA. Currently on Humira shots and Arava -- controlling RA very well. Want to go to Costa Rica. They advise Hepititis A & B, Typhoid, etc. My rheumatologist says I can have any innoculations as long as it's not live virus. I've been told Hepititis A & B and Typhoid are not live, so I can get them. Has anyone gotten them? Even though doctor says it's okay, I don't really want to get them. What do you think?

[SOPHIABELLA]

Dear msmarykw, I was a Travel Agent for 17 wonderful years. It has been my experience that whatever kind of "shots" are reccommended to travel to a certain country, you should have them. Have you ever travelled to a 3rd world country before? Believe me, it is way better safe than sorry. Costa Rica has gotten more caught up in being more modern these days, and has attracted a lot of americans to retire there. It is truely beautiful, but dont forget your immune system is not used to everything there. You need to check with the local health dept to see what the current reccommendations are just get it overwith. Give yourself enough time to heal. Hep. shots can hurt and make you soar! I had to have one years ago for a trip to Thailand, and they gave me a shot on my hip and that hurt for about a week, and I was glad that I had given myself enough time to heal from it because that would have been miserable to sit on for 16 hours! Also, remember to eat fruits that have a peal, like banana, oranges etc, get bottled water, and if you order a drink of any kind, hold the ice. If you drink beer, make sure that you get it in the bottle WITH the cap on, same with the colas if they serve it in a bottle. (otherwize they may be filling the bottle from a tap that could be contaminated) Remember to wash your hands as much as possible. Just remember that when you travel, and you are in the airports, you are with people from all over the world. If you do end up with montezumas revenge, try to let it run its course. (it should only last for about 24 to 48 hours) A lot of people reach for the pepto, or immodium right off, but what you are doing is ignoring what your body is trying to get rid of for a good reason. My sister did this and actually (we think ,as well as all her doc's) ended up with ulcerative colitus (sic?) Her body held on to the bacteria instead of letting it take care of itself by getting rid of it. If you are staying at a good reputable hotel and they say that their water is save, as is thier food because they have it shipped from the usa, you should be okay, but still be a little careful and dont go overboard. If you are unfortunate enough to get the runs on the day of your flight, there is a perscription that your doc can give you that temperarily freezes your colon so you wont have to run to the bathroom or have an accident on the plane, but be sure to stop taking it as soon as you get home. I dont mean to scare you, but these are the things I have learned over the years and it is always better to be safe than sorry! You want to have a great time right! Be sure to call the health dept and find out when you should be getting the shots. Sometimes there is timing involved, like you dont want to get a shot months in advance when you should have gotten it weeks in advance. I hope I have been helpful, and not scared you too death, my intention is that I would rather see you be more safe than sorry. Have a wonderful trip! I wish I were going right now too!!! Trips are all days in your life that are not lost, you will always remember them. Treasure it all! ........Kindly yours , Sophiabella

[msmarykw]

Thank you for the feedback. Appreciate it!!!!