Vanuatu Travel Forum

I am going on a P&O Cruise in May that docks for the day in Wala and then at Mystery Island.

I was told by my doctor that antimalarial tablets are required however on a website I believe to be linked with P&O regarding these ports it states that they do not dock at areas where malaria is found so repellent and protective clothing will be sufficient.

What have others experienced and who's advice would you follow?

Thanks

Hi, I would always follow a medical doctors advice because they are usually informed of the areas around the world which may be potential trouble spots for malaria and or other known health issues.

Your health is to important to be over looked and even though P&O tell you that you will be safe. I would'nt be taking the risk and at least you will be free of mind.
Malaria tablets are easy to take before you leave and when you return.

What ever you decide have a wonderful cruise.

Regards Dorrise

Mosquitoes, Malaria and Dengue Fever.

This is a question that appears quite a lot here on VT.
You will hear from people who never take any kind of medication.
You will hear from those who do.

May I suggest that you contact your own doctor or practice nurse and ask for their advice?
If they recommend that you use some form of medication, get them to recommend the treatment.
You may find that some treatments you make you ill, if so, ask the doctor for an alternative.

“I will only be there 3 or 4 days, do I really need to take the medicine”
I does not matter, if it is an infected area, 3 or 4 minutes is all it takes to get Malaria.

True fact: - Malaria has killed more than half the people who have EVER lived.

I totally agree with Ricky--you don't have to take the risk, this is your life not P&O's.

Good luck Dorrise

Follow your doctors advice! Taking the tablets is short term 2 days before and 2 weeks upon return usually), so any side effects of the medication will be short lived (if you have any). Malria dosent always show up straight away, and once you have it the virus will be with you forever and you will need to control it with medication anyway.

Play it safe. And you can enjoy your holiday stress free:) Have a good one:)

For what it's worth as loads of people have different opinions as to yes or no of using prophylactics. Think of it as using birth control. You could say ofter an unwanted pregnancy that you only did it once. Well getting bit by the right mozzie is the same. Watching someone go threw a malaria attack is not pretty and you hope after watching that you never get it. In the end check with what drugs are working in that area. Larium can make you a kooky, I have seen the effects. So make you choice wisely. Also remember most Malaria carrying mozzies are out at dust and dawn. Enjoy your cruise.

If your doctor is just a general GP, I would recommend going to see a travel doctor if you are concerned about malaria. Travel doctors are very knowledgeable in these areas and will be able to give you exact and precise information about the places you are travelling to. They will also be able to give you other travel information that you might find handy for your holiday.

Also if you require any vaccinations etc, they will be able to give you the shots and medication on the spot so no need for multiple visits.