The number of medications required for a trip to Haiti caught me off guard. I knew I’d have to update my regular shots like tetanus (as everyone should do since you only need it every 10 years). But the addition of pills for malaria and a fancy cocktail to prevent cholera, those weren’t entirely expected. So now that it’s exactly three weeks from my travel date, I had to take my first dose of Dukoral this morning. The number of medications required for a trip to Haiti caught me off guard. I knew I’d have to update my regular shots like tetanus (as everyone should do since you only need it every 10 years). But the addition of pills for malaria and a fancy cocktail to prevent cholera, those weren’t entirely expected. So now that it’s exactly three weeks from my travel date, I had to take my first dose of Dukoral this morning. You have to add a sachet of powder to a glass of cold water, stir it up, then add in the vial of medicine. Didn’t taste disgusting so I managed to get it down in two gulps. I’ll have to do the same next week.
Also starting next week I’ll have to take two of the malaria pills followed up by two pills every week until four weeks after my return. This is in case any nasty little bugs decide to have a bite.
I want to say a special thanks to Mary Judge, a friend of mine who sent me some patches that do the job of bug spray and last 36 hours. Not sure if they’ll work against the tropical bugs, but a very cool concept indeed and a most welcome gift!
