Travel to Peru

I plan to visit Peru, including Lake Titicaca, in March.  What immunizations should I have before traveling and what medications should I have with me when in the area?

Thank you,  Maggie

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Dear Maggie,

Before I respond to your inquiry regarding recommended vaccinations, I have a couple of questions for you.

1. How long will you be in Peru?
2. Where else will you be traveling to, besides Lake Titicaca?
3. How old are you and do you have any other medical problems?
4. What will you be doing in Peru?
5. What kind of accomodations to you expect to have?


~*~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

[suzzieq]

Re:Travel to Peru

1. I will be in Peru for 14 days.
2. I will be staying in Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Pichu, Cuzco and Puno.
3. I am 68 years old, in good health but taking meds for high blood pressure which is well controlled.
4. I will in in Peru on a vacation/tour.
5. I hope to have good accommodations.


Thank you, Suzzieq

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Dear Maggie:

In order to allow for enough time to bring your vaccinations up-to-date, it is generally recommended that you see a travel medicine/health provider about 6-8 weeks prior to your departure.

Recommended vaccinations: if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, influenza ("flu"), etc.

Typhoid and Hepatitis A are recommended for all travelers to Peru.

Prophylaxis against malaria is recommended for all areas below 2000 m (6561 ft) except Lima and its metropolitan area, the coastal areas south of Lima, the highland tourist areas (Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca), and the departments of Arequipa, Moquegua, Puno, and Tacna.

So, malaria prophylaxis is likely not recommended for you.

The links below touch on some other important topics regarding your destination: altitude sickness, food and water precautions, traveler's diarrhea, and travel medical kits (rei.com or adventuremedicalkits.com).

Please let me know if you have additional questions.

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationPeru.aspx

http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/samerica/peru.html

~*~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.