Discussions

My wife and I decided to book a trip to Roatan and we leave in a couple weeks. We're not sure we can get in to the travel clinic before leaving, but will call to see. We've read we should take anti malaria medication. We're interested if anyone else has been there, which medication they used and if the travel clinic or family doctor prescribes the medication.

I went to Utila / Roatan for three weeks on a diving trip. I went in february and did not see one mosquito. Didn't take any anti-malarials. If you do, stay away from mefloquine (if they even prescribe this anymnore?) it has some serious side affects. Also be aware with some anti malarials preclude you from scuba diving as their side effects mimic many symptoms from decompression sickness ("the bends"). Hope this helps and enjoy Roatan it is BEAUTIFUL!

I'm Honduran and I've been to Roatan several times and In a nutshell those who choose not to take medication say that the odds of getting malaria are very low... there is malaria on the island, but not every mosquito is carrying it. They say they will reduce the odds even more by being good about using repellant. They feel safe enough.  
 
Those who take the medication agree that the odds are low of getting malaria, but that the results of winning that lottery are so bad that they would rather take the pills for the added protection.  
 
A few people on the island do get malaria and Tourists do occasionally report getting malaria as well but the numbers are very low.  
 
Just to be sure take the meds and enjoy the most beautiful paradise in the Honduran Carribbean!!!  
 
 
 
 
Edited by LeoHdz, 2016-01-20 11:41:53

I've never been to Honduras so I can't add any advice regarding malaria. But I travel a lot and I've been to third world countries without having my shots. One thing I'd advise is getting Grapefruit Oil from Two Farm Kids. They should be able to tell you more about it (or look it up yourself). Adding a drop into your drinks will protect you from Hep and bacterias.  
 
Have fun on your trip!

Is this something my family doctor can prescribe or do I have to get the prescription from the travel clinic?

The point of the travel clinic is to determine what you need for each part of the world since physicians really don't receive that kind of training at med school in depth.  
 
They not only prescribe it, they actually give the shots there at the clinic.

I do not know if you are listening to news or not but due to Zika virus, traveling to most South American countries and Central American are not recommended at this time. Virus coming from mosquito bites and it is spreading fast over those countries causing babies to be born with smaller head and brain problems. There is no vaccine for it.  
I do not want to discourage you of going, but do your research and find out what is your chance of getting it in Honduras and spreading it.  
If your wife is pregnant, I would not go at this time for sure. Even if your wife is young and might be pregnant later I would not recommend going, as sign of disease are not very obvious and you might not know that you got the virus in your body until later.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Edited by Deb1, 2016-01-23 10:46:01

My wife went for the consultation. We had researched most of the precautions, but the clinic added a couple. She has her prescription and I'll make a copy and see my dr to get mine.  
 
If my wife gets pregnant, I'll be going alone. We're both in our 50's and I've had a vasectomy. The are other viruses that we need to take precautions for, but all are transferred by mosquitoes. Use a bug spray with 20% deet applied often.  
 
Some 0f the info clinic showed that most Caribbean locations have malaria and dengue fever. Including Mexico and Cuba. So anyone worried about a virus should check with the travel clinic. All it takes is one bite. We've been to Mexico many times and never thought of bug spray.