was wondering if it was a good idea to get any vacs. before going to c.r. next month. or not needed. thanks
I would probably get a malaria shot at the very least. Ive heard there are some giant buggers down there. Id also ask a doc and look up stuff on costa rica as well. have fun! wish i could go down there.
was on both sides of the country, Caribbean and Pacific and didn't receive any shots before heading there. I went in December in 05. Not that what i did was right though...you can check cdc.gov for more information.
Been lots also, never got shots. If your a small child, elderly, or prone to get sick . Talk to a doc. Of course docs these days are gonna tell you "get the shot" as it might help pay for a future golf game. I know of one person who got the shots prior and threw up the whole plane ride there, and half the next day. (sometimes the shots make you sick). But she didn't get malaria or dengue! of course the other 6 of us didn't either... nope we surfed and drank rum .
I've been down to Costa Rica 8 -10 times never had to get any shots, you'll be fine in CR BTW There is no Malaria "shot"
I've been travelling to Costa Rica for 8 years...my wife and I have a condo in Jaco. I have NEVER had any shots and you don't need them. The water is safe to drink in most places, food is good, and vibe is great. If you need any advice on where to go or what to do let me know. This is my second home and is the best place on the planet! Pura Vida Amigo! Oh yea...surf ain't too bad either
Don't think any shots are a must but they have some nasty insects there. My friend was bit on the stomach by some type of spyder while sitting on the beach. Within 24 hrs it got seriously infected and in 48 it looked like the flesh was rotting off. He was treated but was unable to surf due to the open wound and pain. Took almost 3 months before it totally cleared up. Nasty !
Yea...we got them is South and North Carolina too.....they suck....brown recluse...happend to me twice...not fun.
Have never had shots for CR. Believe it or not, CR is not that buggy (mosquitoes that is). It is the small genus Anopheles that you need to worry about spreading malaria not the larger ones. The profalaxysis is Lariam (melfloquine) and trust me you do NOT want to take it, it is literally a nightmare. Almost wrecked a trip to Indo. Treatment if to do contract the disease is the same as prevention. Have fun and no worries. Bring lots of sun block!!!
Yeah man....no shots. You wont need it in CR. Lariam is some bad stuff. Stay away. You never know how it will affect you. Plus, there are alternatives like Doxycycline, and Malarone. Which have less psychiatric side effects than Lariam. Still though, I wouldn't be taking anything like this. Here's a read about it. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/01/27/60II/main538144.shtml
just sayin.. spent a decent amount of time in CR. the first time I went I got dengue fever. fortunately I got in the last week or so i was there I didn't know it until I was back in the states and was immediately hospitalized. Doctors say i could have died if I was treated any later but i don't know about all that. All i know is that I got some of the best waves of my life. have a blast and if you're sleeping in a hostel that doesn't have all four walls make sure you got a bug net. pura vida
