Traveling risk (costa rica)?

Question

Going to Costa Rica and am wondering if there are any medical shots that are recommeded?

Answer 1

If you are up to date with your standard USA shots, you will be fine. Tetenus should definately be up-to-date.

Bottom line is as long as all your standard shots are up-to-date, you are fine.

If you are going in the rainy season, and/or plan on going to a melaria-prone area (specifically the northern and eastern parts of Costa Rica) then Maleria pills might be considered... but still not a necessity.

Answer 2

I'm blessed to have a wonderful Dr. that has done extensive travel counting C.R. and most of the rest of the world.   before going to C.R. the first time I was in for a general physical and mentioned my upcoming vacation there. He pointed out that since I was healthy as a horse to begin with that all would be fine as long as I used bug repellents to guard against Dengue Fever.  Of course I missed a spot on my leg that the mosquito didn't and got it anyway. It's not fun at all but won't kill you and after getting it I found the Dr.s there to be every bit as competent as those in the USA.  { Besides mine was super attractive.}

Answer 3

It's not Africa, you just need the common shots, same as US.

The risk is that of Dengue, it's a real problem and there are no shots for it, you wont die though, it's a horrible fever (the worst) and at worst you go to the hospital if it gets bad. People DO die from it, but that generally after getting it twice and from a specific mosquito "dengue hemorragico".

Put on repellent and you'll be fine.

Answer 4

Only a small percentage of tourists even think of this issue.  A typical tourist experience requires no special 'shot's as you say in Costa Rica.  I assume you have whatever vaccination routines here in the USA up to date and that's all you need.  Now, if you're gonna hike through the rain forest for some time, better check with a local Tico doctor.

Answer 5

If you walk too close to the red like districts, you may get strangled from behind. The doctor can advise you on med. shots.

Answer 6

So long as you are up to par with your health immunizations here in the states..travel to beautiful Costa Rica requires little else...I do suggest good insect repellent & of course your high risk of catching something will be traveling by air, both breathing the same cabin air (take some AirBorne Tabs for help in avoiding the germs from passengers)! Costa Rica is very similar to the states in many ways, just a poorer country with simplistic ways & wonderful Tico people...simplicity is beautiful in CR...as well as all the country has to offer...if you LOVE Nature you will LOVE CR (expecially the Pacific coast!)! Enjoy your travels...PURA~VIDA!