Traveling to Egypt & France - any advice?

[RBmumsie]

I'm taking a long desired, eagerly anticipated vacation to Egypt and France in September.

I'm a 51 year old type II with good control. My last A1C (just received) was 5.8.

I've already gotten my innoculations for Hepatitis A & Tetanus/Diptheria. I'm also considering the innoculation for Typhoid as I'll be spending a week on a riverboat on the Nile.

Any suggestions from any travelers out there?

[MamaCat]

Do you take insulin? Any meds for diabetes or other conditions?

If so, be sure to visit this site so you won't have trouble with travel restrictions:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1059.shtm

[RBmumsie]

Hi MamaCat,

No insulin. I take 1000 MG Metformin twice a day.

[notme]

RB if you are going to be on the River make sure you check the CDC website for advisories for malaria. I just got back from Botswana and Zambia and took Malarone for malaria. It is a pill you take five days before and for a week after you return home. Other than that, go and have fun!! We will be looking forward to your reports from Egypt.

[shanda]

Wow RB sounds like the trip of a lifetime! Hope you have a blast :)

I take Metformin also and my doc gives me a prescription for 3 months at a time, so you should be ok taking that along with you. I would probably try to figure out the carbs in local food and just enjoy :)

Let us know how your trip goes eh ...... it sounds wonderful!

shanda

[HelenM]

Make sure you have enough testing strips for your meter. You may not be able to buy the strips for your model in France (shouldn't think Egypts any better) and to have to buy a new monitor and strips would be expensive.
Have a lovely time.

[jen_slc]

RB, I am so jealous, I would love to go to Egypt!

The only other vaccination that CDC recommends for North African countries is Hep B - it's usually a blood-borne disease and although it's recommended that all kids get it now, in the past it's been known as a "health-care worker" vaccine, so I'd go with your doc's recommendation on it. Plus, it's a vaccine series so I don't know how feasible that is given your timeline. Typhoid could be a good idea, it depends on whether you plan on being adventurous with your food and water! Personally, I would just be careful with what you eat and drink and be wary of where they come from/how it's prepared. I don't think antimalarial drugs are recommended for Egypt because it's such a low risk destination and the side effects outweigh the risk of contracting it. Given that you're going to be taking a river trip down the Nile, I would recommend against hopping in the water if they let you - parasites!

Besides that, just use your common sense. Try to stick with bottled water. Might be a good idea to take some anti-diarrheals & baby wipes with you! (no, I'm not joking, those baby wipe things can be lifesavers! :D) I don't want to sound pessimistic, but if you're going to get sick, you'll most likely get diarrhea. I hope you don't, but you might as well be prepared for it!! Oh and try to avoid insect bites, use DEET, blah blah blah, I'm sure you know all that. And bring plenty of diabetic supplies. You just never know.

And have fun!!! :wavey: