I am going to the Dominican republic soon. Is it necessary to take malaria tablets?

Show all answers

Constant_Traveler

No, they have it in Haiti not Dominican. Some people take it just in case but I don't think it is worth it. I took them for a bit when I was living in Central Asia but my friend who is a doctor in Africa said not to bother because the side effects are more annoying then it is worth. If it is a high risk area then fine but Dominican is very low and beside if you get it they just give you Diocyclian anyway and it goes away. I have known people who got it and they were fine in a couple days. they have docs so it isn't a big deal. Trust me you don't want to be taking Diocyclian on holidays because it makes you sensitive to sunlight and Mithliquin gives you freaky dreams.

Saudi Geoff

No you don't. But it would be a good idea for you to take a look at this link so that you know something about the place before you go.

Bet you find this useful!

resortcaroline, hedonistic, 18 +

Don't need anything except common sense. Spray you room before going out, never leave your room doors open at night, or at anytime. Wear long trousers and long sleeves at night, spray your ankles and exposed parts with Jungle formula. Be vigilant whilst eating out at night. Don't read the British governments guides, they will make you not want to go anywhere. Good hotels will spray their gardens every few days. I have been all over the Caribbean and I never got bitten once. I now live in Indo-China, i have never taken any malaria precautions. If you are hyper sensitive, ignore everything i've said.

In The Rat Race

go see the doc, he will giv u a jab! Cost a few pounds but its peace of mind! Have fun in the DR!

mole

take them if u know u've been bitten, if not just keep them with u just in case

RSWN

Yes you do need to take them, but check with your doctor. There were some quite a few years ago that made people ill, but I think these were for Africa.

Gerry

When my wife and I went we took them a week before,during and a few days after returning with no side affects at all. If you plan on going out of the resort I would take them, as the resorts only spray their area.

paulrb8

you should goto your doctor for all the ness'' innoculations... and make sure your tetnus is upto date......

gail_hurd

If you are ever travelling anywhere and you need to know about the place go to http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel for all the advice you will ever need about that country - including Travel Health, Visas and passports etc.

Have a nice time!

broncosnumber30

no the only way u need them is if u go to haiti or get close to the borded. i never took them but i did make shur my tent. shot was up to date tho. that was the only thing that worried all of us. I went down in about two times in different weather. one was hot and the other will it was the ranny time of the year(there rain hurts it felt like needles lol). did not see or got bit by one. so just have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chrisey

Hi.. i'm same as Emma D.. been to puerto plata.. absolutely fabulous.. best hol ever. Took all but didn't need it. Your tour operator should know. Or nurse or doc.. most places out there are ok but if you are travelling around the country then take them..

traveler

This is from the CDC Travel Section as of 8/1/ 06

All travelers to malaria-risk areas in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Great Exuma, Bahamas, including infants, children, and former residents of these countries, should take chloroquine as their antimalarial drug.
Dominican Republic: Rural, with highest risk in provinces bordering Haiti. In addition, risk in all areas of La Altagracia Province, including Punta Cana and Bavaro Beach (Updated October 21, 2005). The Bahamas: Risk on Great Exuma, no risk on other islands (Updated June 16, 2006). There is no risk for malaria on other Caribbean islands listed.
I have taken anti-malarials (doxcycline) before and usually as long as you take and anti-malarial and sometime if you take it with food it should help to not make you feel ill..also do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking it. Anti-malairals are usually an antibiotic, therefore it may also make you a little more susceptible to the sun (use a good sunscreen) and if you are prone to yeast infections eat a cup of yougurt a day and you should be fine. I suggest strongly that you stick with what the CDC recommends as certain anti-malarials are better for the type of malaria that is common to the area you are visiting. Trust me, taking the med is MUCH better than getting the disease. FYI, if you are a blood donor you most likely will not be able to give blood for a period of time after visiting a malaria prone area. If you can't take chloroquine talk to your doc as there are other options. Don't fret it, better safe than sorry and have a great time.

emma d

ive bin to dominican republic puerto plata, best holiday yet.
....but anyway i didnt take tablets or have injections, that was two years ago and i was fine. must say i do keep twitching, probably nothing to worry about.?? Ha

have a lovely time.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: