posted
Was about to hit the purchase button on flights for April, thinking that I need to stay feeling halfway decent so I can go and then I remembered the zika virus.
Who knows what this could do to a chronic lyme patient!
The island we want to visit has had no cases so my husband is not concerned but I am hesitant.
Thoughts? I am probably over reacting. Travelers illnesses can happen anywhere I suppose...
-------------------- unsure445 Posts: 824 | From northeast | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
I don't think I would personally be worried unless I was of child-bearing age or would be around loved ones who might be pregnant (were I to bring it home.)
I think there is very little illness associated with the virus?? That's what I've heard. The big risk is for pregnant women.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Zika is just one of many vector borne infections that it's just good to consider. A good all-round protection plan is a good idea. Here at home, too. It's good to just make some of this part of life style.
I would go, most certainly. However, I'd start taking Hepapro Allicin tablets a week or two prior and take one every 6-8 hours during the trip and for the rest of spring and summer.
I suggest Hepapro Allicin as it's the best I've ever used. Others like BioPure. I would not take just any vitamin store brand, though.
There are other antimicrobial herbs (and some that won't smell like garlic - admittedly that could be a bit off-putting but just tell everyone you ate it for lunch!).
You might consult an experienced LL naturopathic doctor for all the options regarding herbal medicine.
I'd also get a non-toxic bug repellent and make sure that I'd be sleeping with a mosquito net where you go.
There are many things we can do to protect ourselves and these will still allow you to enjoy a fabulous opportunity.
Somehow, protect yourself from the likely chemical sprays they will use in the airplane. A tiny bottle of Young Living LEMON essential oil to sniff can help your brain not react to chemical assaults. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- You might search the work of "Leslie Taylor, ND" as she is a brilliant naturopathic doctor / herbalist who has focused her career on herbal medicine of the Amazon region. She has certainly learned what to do to take care of herself regarding avoiding vector borne matters.
. . . Since that first trip, Ms. Taylor has returned to the Amazon numerous times, continuing to research and document more medicinal plants from the South American rainforests.
In these endeavors, she has worked hands on with Indigenous Indian shamans and healers, learning directly about their ancient empirical plant knowledge, as well as with Indigenous tribal communities and other rainforest communities.
In addition, Ms. Taylor works directly with phytochemists, botanists, ethnobotanists, researchers, and herbal medicine practitioners to document, research, test and validate rainforest medicinal plants. . . .
posted
Have a friend who's an endomologist. Here's what he says:
Carbon dioxide, heat and some scents attract mosquitoes, but colors do not have any affect on attracting mosquitoes.
Also it's been proven in a number of studies that nothing you eat really affects mosquitoes all that much.
Sweat and other skin secretions that are genetically linked can make one person more attractive to mosquitoes than another.
Also an interesting tidbit he told me was that bug zappers actually kill more beneficial insects than they do mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes use the ultraviolet light from bug zappers to help them find standing water in which to lay their eggs. The light acts like a polarizer so they can see the water more easily. Apparently those with bug zappers were found to have like 10% more mosquitoes in their yard.
Bug repellents are still the best way to deter mosquitoes, but unfortunately with over 3,000 species, not all mosquitoes respond to same repellents. Mosquito netting is important at night since most mosquitoes tend to feed at night.
Posts: 114 | From California | Registered: Jan 2016
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posted
If traveling in general, protect and strengthen your immune system in ways that work for you. Particularly that much more important dealing with Lyme.
And instead of using run-of-the-mill antibacterial lotions, there are Lavender-based products (EO brand has travel wipes & sprays) that are naturally antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial & antifungal (without killing the 'good' stuff).
Posts: 114 | From California | Registered: Jan 2016
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posted
Thanks for your input everyone! We don't have many mosquitos up here in the oftentimes chilly northeast (we make up for it with ticks though )so I appreciate the helpful information and input.
Keebler, I will check out Leslie Taylor's work, sounds so interesting, and consider taking high dose garlic. Thank you for the rain tree links!
Lymetoo, my babies are teenagers so I am past childbearing age. Colors…yes, I have heard that can make a difference. Thank you so much for the greenmedinfo link!
Blymey919, good mosquito information from your friend, thank you. Yes, it is amazing how some people are magnets for mosquitos and flying, biting bugs. In our family its my husband. Bumping up immune support is a great idea too.
You are all amazing! Thank you again. Looking forward to reading these links. Have a great Saturday.
-------------------- unsure445 Posts: 824 | From northeast | Registered: Jun 2008
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
I had a trip planned to bahamas but cancelled. I'm a big coward. if something happens it will be me.
jus ain't taking any chances.
husband has a trip planned to chile and argentina.
I told him I would take out insurance.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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WPinVA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33581
posted
I'm not sure I would go. Chances are you wouldn't get it but would you spend your whole vacation worrying about it? I know I would, but maybe that's just me.
It seems to be spreading so the island could get it by April.
Posts: 1737 | From Virginia | Registered: Aug 2011
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-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
I wouldn't be concerned, because I live in the Deep South and we have west Nile which is considered to be way more serious than zika. Its been around since the 40's and now they are saying the deformities in the babies are possibly being caused by something added to the drinking water.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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posted
WPinVA, if I am not having any anxiety, usually from Bartonella, I will be good to go and not worried.
If I am having anxiety, I will be a mess. I am feeling pretty good these days so hoping I stay this way.
The last time we went which was 2 years ago, I was having severe anxiety and I was worried about all kinds of things. We went snorkeling one day and I was convinced I caught a horrific illness
from using the mouthpiece which the resort had assured me had been cleaned. No fun!
For the most part I agree that it won't be an issue but I might wait a few weeks to book the whole thing, see what plays out.
Lymetoo, crazy isn't it that Monsanto could be the culprit behind birth defects? Wouldn't surprise me one bit.
randibear, I totally understand your reluctance to go on your trip. Its hard enough when you don't feel 100% to get excited, then throw in a potential for illness. Its a drag. People don't understand how difficult traveling with Lyme can be.
southerngirl, we all forget about West Nile, which is apparently a much bigger issue than Lyme!
Thanks for the input everyone. It will be interesting to see what happens and how this virus gets handled by public health authorities in the coming weeks and months.
-------------------- unsure445 Posts: 824 | From northeast | Registered: Jun 2008
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)so I appreciate the helpful information and input.
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