Red Sea Liveaboard: Worth taking DUKORAL?

[MattDuke]

Hi!
I just had my "optional" Jabs for a July trip to Egypt on a liveaboard.
The doc also gave me a drug called "Dukoral" as he said that they have had lots of cases of divers getting hit with the trotts when diving abroad, and that for one specific type of illness caused by ETEC (enterotoxinogenic E. Coli) this oral vaccine can offer 70% protection.
So I believed him, and paid my 40 quid. (This is Norway...)

I haven't taken the drugs yet, but just wondered what peoples thoughts were. The drug is actually a cholera vaccine, but the ETEC protection sounds like a side effect!

The Doc was clear to stress that this did not remove the need for care when abroad. Only bottled/boiled water, no salad, no peeled fruit, good hygiene & use of clean water for teeth washing.
Her take on the issue was, it's a very low risk medication, and ETEC exists in Egypt. You have paid £1000 for a weeks holiday, so take it.
I'd never heard of this drug before, and wondered if anyone would care to comment?

It's not that I don't trust the Norgey system, just be interested to hear a voice from back home.
(Before I mix the brew of granules and phial.....)

Matt

Red Sea Virgin.

[Paul Watts]

Never heard of it !

After saying that the searches on the net suggest that it's good prevention for Travellers Diorreha... this includes a number of Government Sites (is that good??)


Anyway, we've been using the same liveaboard for the last 8-10trips and so far rarely (but not always!) get problems. Mainly because all the food is washed in bottled water before preparing!!

Good luck, enjoy your trip...

[maz]

Hi Matt,

I was on a live aboard with you and Ottla (spelt wrong) in Norway a few years ago. I saw your posting and thought I would reply.

The net price for Dukoral is £16.00 for a 2 dose pack and this is according to the BNF(British National Formulary March 2006).

As to whether you take it or not it is up to you at the end of the day, but the doctor had a good point in that you have paid all that money for the holiday.

The BNF also says "There is no requirement for cholera vaccination (Dukoral) as a condition fro enty into ay country, but oral cholera vaccine may be considered for backpackers and those travelling to sitautions where the risk is greatest (eg refugee camps).Regardless of vacination travellers to areas where cholera is endemic should take special care with food hygiene".

There is also a section Cautions and side effects but this should be included in the leaflet you get with the drugs.

Enjoy your holiday.

Marion

[MattDuke]

Hi Matt,

I was on a live aboard with you and Ottla (spelt wrong) in Norway a few years ago. I saw your posting and thought I would reply.

The net price for Dukoral is £16.00 for a 2 dose pack and this is according to the BNF(British National Formulary March 2006).

As to whether you take it or not it is up to you at the end of the day, but the doctor had a good point in that you have paid all that money for the holiday.

The BNF also says "There is no requirement for cholera vaccination (Dukoral) as a condition fro enty into ay country, but oral cholera vaccine may be considered for backpackers and those travelling to sitautions where the risk is greatest (eg refugee camps).Regardless of vacination travellers to areas where cholera is endemic should take special care with food hygiene".

There is also a section Cautions and side effects but this should be included in the leaflet you get with the drugs.

Enjoy your holiday.

Marion

Hi Marion! Thanks for replying. I've kept in touch with a few guys from that Trip. The two Chris's have popped over a few times for more wreck action :)

assuming I hear no horror stories about Dukoral & diving, I'll give it a go. I also sent a mail to a medical referee over here. Can't see any reason why it would be bad for divers, so like the doc said, I'll give it a go. If I'm the only one who doesn't get the ****s, maybe it will have been money well spent. :rolleyes:

Atle has sadly given up diving, but in his 1200 wreck dives, he covered more than many do in a whole career. He now is on his second ROV, and enjoys his time at 120m looking for things that have been "Misplaced".

Cheers

Matt