Special Medical Needs
Marie Heys will be our medic. Please send a list of your medications, and any allergies or special health needs to her:mlheys@med.umich.eduAnti-malaria drugs must be taken, as malaria is very common in this area of Zimbabwe.
We recommend that you discuss with your doctor which drug might be best for you. They will all need prescriptions and you need to bring enough to last you while there.
Malarone – a relatively new drug
Doxycycline – an antibiotic (this is what we take, as it is partially paid for if you have prescription coverage. We have had no side effects. The disadvantage is that you have to take it every day rather than the once a week of other drugs.)
Lariam – Can have psychological side effects, but many people take it with no problems.
Doxycycline – an antibiotic (this is what we take, as it is partially paid for if you have prescription coverage. We have had no side effects. The disadvantage is that you have to take it every day rather than the once a week of other drugs.)
Lariam – Can have psychological side effects, but many people take it with no problems.
Protect against mosquito bites – wear long sleeves and trousers, use insect repellent at night when the malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out.
The following vaccinations are recommended for Southern Africa:
- Tetanus-diptheria, measles, polio shots up-to-date
- Shots for Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid vaccine (pills or injections)
You will need two shots at intervals for some of the above, so get started on this soon.
Also: have your Doctor prescribe Cipro, an antibiotic for severe diarrhea and carry it with you. Don’t take it unless you need it.
