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itsjustme - 1-16-2007 at 03:36 PM

We have been advised by our Doctor that we should get Hepatitis A & B shots before heading to Mexico. Evidently we've been lucky so far. What do you think?

Al G - 1-16-2007 at 04:09 PM

OOPS....Forgot mine the last 5 trips in a row...hmmm...come to think of it, all the fishing trips to the mainland...never got on then either.
Guess I will never get one...I am sure someone has more info on the subject :biggrin:

[Edited on 1-16-2007 by Al G]

mtgoat666 - 1-16-2007 at 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by itsjustme
We have been advised by our Doctor that we should get Hepatitis A & B shots before heading to Mexico. Evidently we've been lucky so far. What do you think?

Good idea for any international travel. Some think a good idea for living in the US, esp. if you work in health care). But Mexico Baja is probably low risk, so leave it up to each to evaluate their own risk.

My wife and I got em long ago.

Barry A. - 1-16-2007 at 04:22 PM

Good Idea

DianaT - 1-16-2007 at 04:38 PM

I think both are a good idea---had ours several years ago. However, several months after you have the Hep B shot, be sure to have a blood test to see if the shot worked.

John had to have his twice before it worked.

Good Luck. ---- It is just one of those better be safe things.

Diane

Oso - 1-16-2007 at 04:44 PM

Thought this thread was going to be about tequila... :?:

Taco de Baja - 1-16-2007 at 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oso
Thought this thread was going to be about tequila... :?:

Doesn't tequila have anti-Hepatitis properties.....

Shots...

Cameron - 1-16-2007 at 06:11 PM

If you have a chance to get them, it wouldn't be a bad idea at all. Many folks get the Hep A/B shots when getting ready to go on a trip to Asia or Africa, but don't think twice about it otherwise.
IMHO, I'd put a booster shot for Teatnus right at the top of the list, followed by one for Dengue. The Hep A/B shots would be great "insurance", but if you're like most folks, you probably haven't had Teatnus shots since you were a kid. While cruising around Baja, getting cut and/or punctured by something nasty is probably more likely than being exposed to Hepatitis.
Just my 2 Peso's worth... Suerte!
Cameron

AmoPescar - 1-16-2007 at 08:32 PM

Probably a good idea...

to get the shots. It's always possible you could contract Hepatitis in Baja OR...even in the U.S.A.!!!!

I had "A" about 4 years ago and it was not a pleasant experience. At the time I was traveling to Baja on a very regular basis. I may have contracted it in Baja, but, I could just as easily have gotten it from eating at any fast food restaurant here at home.

I've eaten hundreds of meals in Baja and have not had many problems. I don't have a problem with eating from a roadside cart or stand. I think most of them are fairly clean. After all, if they had a reputation for people getting sick from eating their food, they'd probably be out of business very quickly!

Also...I think Cameron's suggestion to get Tetanus boosters is an excellent idea. You never know what you might happen.

Hope ya have a great trip!!! :bounce:

Amo Pescar :saint:

[Edited on 1-17-2007 by AmoPescar]

Marie-Rose - 1-16-2007 at 08:44 PM

Got mine today!! My Dr. was amazed that after testing for antibodies I had "zip, none, nada" !! Amazing as I have been in the health field for over 25 years. One would think I would have acquired a few antibodies from contact alone. It is REALLY a good idea to get the imunization. Name of the vacine is Twinrix and after a series of 3 shots one is usually 100% covered. (Covers Hep A and B) I got my first one here for $57.00(cnd) and will buy the next 2 series in Mexico (probably for 1/3 of the price). Second shot one month after the first and third shot 6 months after that. I do have to say my arm is a bit sore... next time I'll get a nurse to give the shot :lol:

Dave - 1-16-2007 at 08:46 PM

Unless you're the "sporting" type you only need Hep A 'cause B is only spread by blood to blood contact.

A Hep A shot is good for about six years.

Paula - 1-16-2007 at 08:49 PM

I had the twinrix series in 2003. How long is it good for? Life, I hope! :biggrin:

FARASHA - 1-17-2007 at 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
Unless you're the "sporting" type you only need Hep A 'cause B is only spread by blood to blood contact.

A Hep A shot is good for about six years.

Basically correct what David is saying - BUT Imagine this: you have an accident, end up in an Hospital, you get treatment via IV or even blood tranfusion - who knows if ALL is CLEAN and sterilized in that place? And who knows if the blood donator has been tested prior to donation ??
So you can pick up Hep.B without to be a sporting type!

SO - IF you want to know when another shot is due - first check Antibodies - maybe you are still in the protected status.
Wouldn't take a risk - not worth it. It is better to be safe then SORRY! AND get checked for Antibodies after vaccination!! (3 month is a rule)

Worked for the last 35 years in Hospital - fortunately never got infected, sheer luck as it turned out (and strict Standard Hospital Hygienic procederes)
I was a NON responder to the simple Hep B vaccination for all my Life ( Law requires it we get it FREE at work),when I was checked for antibodies (10 years ago) - I didn't have ANY!!!!
Statistics tell that around 30% of population is a NON responder or LOW responder. After getting the Twinrix shot (for A and B) - I did build up an titer (score) high enough to be protected.

Please Correct me if this is misinformation

DianaT - 1-17-2007 at 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by FARASHA

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
Unless you're the "sporting" type you only need Hep A 'cause B is only spread by blood to blood contact.

A Hep A shot is good for about six years.

Correct me if I am wrong, but when we were required to have the Hep B shot (taught school in a prison), they told us that the Hep B virus was quite capable of living ouside the body for quite a while. Example, person infected cuts finger, bleeds a little on the hand rail, the virus might still be alive and well a week later. (unlike HIV which can't survive) . ??????

Guess we need new Hep A shots----also, I now remember that it took me two Hep B shots and John had his three times and was still a non-responder.

Also, when we moved to Central America we took the oral typhoid meds---I wonder if that is still good.

Someone mentioned Dengue? Is there protection against it?

Thanks
Diane

[Edited on 1-17-2007 by jdtrotter]

FARASHA - 1-17-2007 at 10:26 AM

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/dengue/
According to WHO and cdc -(see the link) no vaccination for Dengue.
Typhoid - depends WHAT type of vaccination you got (oral or by shot) but would say - not longer as 3 to 5 years.
Hepatitis Virus - if contaminated tools (syringes, needles, etc..) not properly sterilized, or otherwise cleaned ( specific desinfectants) the virus does indeed survive quite long - but weeks??? I daubt it.
But the link from the WHO provides you also with this info!
>f<
http://www.who.int/topics/dengue/en/

[Edited on 17-1-2007 by FARASHA]

Farasha

DianaT - 1-17-2007 at 10:31 AM

Thanks!

Cypress - 1-17-2007 at 10:37 AM

Refuse to take a shot unless absolutely necessary and only if it's a sure kill.

Have never had to factor in paranoia or desperation.

FARASHA - 1-17-2007 at 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
Refuse to take a shot unless absolutely necessary and only if it's a sure kill.

Have never had to factor in paranoia or desperation.

>f<