Malaria Tablets for Amber Cove, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic?

[parson33]

Should we be taking Malaria Tablets before going to Amber Cove and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic?

[chrislo]

I never have but my mother's doctor recommended that she take them.

[blue_water]

Should we be taking Malaria Tablets before going to Amber Cove and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic?

 

Are you planning some deep jungle excursions in the rainy season? If so not a bad idea...

[wassup4565]

Don't bother. First, consider whether you are going to a damp swampy place on an excursion at all. The malaria mosquitoes don't hang around civilization in the bright sun, they hang around in the moist, shady, swampy places, mostly at dawn and dusk. Are you going there? Probably not.

 

If you think you could end up in such a place, bring some OFF mosquito repellent, and spray it on yourself. Much less invasive for your body than taking pills for a threat you will probably not encounter at all.

[blue_water]

Parson,

There are jungle excursions in the DR and this is probably the one port in your itinerary that you would ask that question about and that makes sense. But as noted earlier unless you're planning to hike into the jungle and really experience it a good insect repellent is probably sufficient.

The bottom line is if you have to ask here then the answer is a No. However if you have an immune deficiency or other condition, or your doctor strongly suggests you protect yourself for another reason, then the answer is Absolutely - YES!

[Blue Mudshark]

... if ... your doctor strongly suggests you protect yourself ...

 

Absolutely, ask your doctor. I can't imagine why anyone would ask for medical advice on a cruise forum.

[blue_water]

Absolutely, ask your doctor. I can't imagine why anyone would ask for medical advice on a cruise forum.

 

After thinking about it I can see this question being posed here and in similar port forums like Belize just because those destinations are noted for the rainforest and jungle. Actually not very different from the same question constantly posed in the Mexican forums regarding probiotics. But yes, your physician is a good source for advice...:)