Holiday Travel and RA

[Fuzzywig]

Does anyone know whether there are restrictions on places one can visit as an RA sufferer? I know you can't have live vaccines, but does that mean you can't travel to some countries? Thank you for your help.

[helixhelix]

The main one you can't have if on immunosuppressant drugs (eg MTX or steroids) is the yellow fever vaccine which is live. There are some countries that require a certificate of vaccination, so it follows that you can't visit these. Can't remember them off hand, but easy to look up on FCO website.

Other countries recommend, but don't require, certificates so it's at your own risk.

[earthwitch in reply to helixhelix]

If vaccinations are recommended but not compulsory, then its worth looking into the risks a bit more and seeing how bad the risk is, whether it is everywhere in that country or just small parts of it, and if there is anything else you can do to prevent it. For example, although not quite the same, - I travelled to a country that had malaria treatment recommended. when I looked closer at it, the malaria risk was only in one small area that was no-where near where I was going, so I quite happily went without getting the treatment.

[Bookworm55 in reply to earthwitch]

I'm sure I read somewhere that even for countries that require a yellow fever certificate you can get an exemption letter from your doctor if you are unable to have the vaccine. I'm not sure but I think the certificate is more to stop the disease entering the country . Worth checking I guess.

[TytoAlba in reply to helixhelix]

Some countries will need a yellow fever certificate but only if you are from or have travelled there from a yellow fever zone so it's worth further investigation. There are non-live versions of some of the other vaccines available if you ask for them.

[oldtimer]

I would just add - think about the hygiene levels in the countries that you would like to visit. E.g. Being immunosuppressed, I just don't fancy going anywhere where it is recommended only to eat freshly cooked food because of the risks of food poisoning.

[TytoAlba in reply to oldtimer]

I'd definitely agree with that. Don't be tempted by "street food" however wonderful it smells. Also be cautious of the origin of the water used for ice in drinks, salad washing, etc. and always peel fruit if you can't wash it yourself using bottled water.

[Alison-NRAS]

Here is a link to a site that gives you information on immunisations you might need in particular countries: travelhealthpro.org.uk/coun... .

[Fuzzywig]

Very many thanks to you all, for all the very helpful advice. We have a big anniversary next year, and my husband has ambitious plans. Ethiopia and Papua New Guinea have both been mentioned........

I'm just a bit more wary than I used to be before MTX etc.. It's good to know we may not be restricted to the Western world!

Fuzzywig

[Joya_banerjee1 in reply to Fuzzywig]

I have been taken MTX for the past 12 years . I visited India Burma and south Asian countries practically every year.Nothng happened so far but you have to take very careful about hygiene and consumption of water.Enjoy your trip and take vaccination if you are recommended

[AgedCrone]

As long as you have GOOD travel insurance you are 'allowed' to go anywhere...read the small print twice! I am 70+ & have annual world wide - inc USA - travel insurance for under £200pa. I think because I have been with the same company for years & built up a sort of no claims bonus...so it's well worth finding a good policy & sticking with it.

As you you say, you mustn't have any live vaccines....but have you seen where those places are that require it? Bet you wouldn't want to go there anyway!

But do take anti malarial pills...discuss with your GP or if he/ she is a bit vague contact a Travel Clinic. It really is important that you start taking them before you visit a malarial area....the last thing you want is Malaria on top of RA!

I travel all over the world & the best advice I can give you is...keep your mouth shut in the shower !! So many people get bugs from swallowing shower water. They clean their teeth in bottled water...then glug down water in their shower! Not a good idea!

Bon voyage wherever you go!