Travelling to Guatemala for 3 weeks. Staying with a family
for one or two then on my own to Tikal, maybe to a village
around Lake Atitlan. Are hepatitis shots necessary ? Is
malaria a serious threat ? Do you know any websites that
deal with these kinds of medical issues ? Thanks to all.
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The 3 major types of hepatitis are A, B and C. Hepatitis A
is the most commonly acquired by travelers and is spread
through fecal-oral contamination, mostly through food or
water. There is an effective vaccine which should be
obtained at least 2 weeks prior to possible exposure. I
HIGHLY recommend it. A booster can be given at least a
couple of months after the first shot . Hepatitis B is
spread through bodily secretions and can be transmitted
sexually. If you consider yourself at potential risk (e.g.
medical work, sexual relations) then you should get this as
well. It is a series of three shots given over 6 months
(accidentally posted the note before I was finished)
Hepatitis C is transmitted mainly through blood (e.g.
shared needles when using IV drugs, tainted transfusions)
and it is not clear if it is also transmitted sexually.
There is no vaccine and most people who get hepatitis C
become chronic carriers. For travel health recommendations
check out the Centers for Disease Control site at
www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm. It is the best resource and
very user friendly.
If you are going to Tikal take malaria pills. Be sure to get
them in advance as you have to begin taking them before
exposure. Most important of all is to take them for the
specified length of time after leaving the area.
I agree with Dr; J on hepatitis, except that I would be
more clear on the booster topic of hep A saying you need at
least six months between the first shot and the booster.
As for malaria, Guaremala is area A of the WHO, so take
Chloroquine 300 mg/week.
Check out my site on medical matters for travellers
www.1000traveltips.org