Immunizations
There are a slew of diseases that we don’t face here in America that we could encounter while in Zambia. Hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and polio are all still present in Africa, and some immunizations will be required for our travels.
The most common immunizations are:
• Hepatitis A
• Meningococcal meningitis
• Rabies
• Typhoid
Malaria
Since we will be spending some time away from the city in the bush, malaria is also a potential problem. There is no vaccine for malaria, however common sense and minimal medication is very effective. Of 2 common anti-malarial medications, it is recommended to us to take Malarone, not Lariam. Malarone is a daily pill, thus is in lower doses. Lariam is a once a week pill, and has side effects including nightmares and hallucinations. We will be avoiding the latter!
Besides medication, long sleeves and pants are a great deterrent considering that Malaria is transmitted via the Anopheles mosquito. Our trip will be in the Zambian winter, so mosquito nets will be sufficient during the dry season.
Water
According to the CDC, the water is safe to drink in Zambia, but bottled water will always be available for us.
FLMI in Zambia
Family Legacy has communicated with us that they have had very few situations regarding health and safety over the last 9 years. With the exception of sinus infections and allergies, the precautions that have been advised to us will be sufficient for our safety.
For all intents and purposes though, our health and safety ultimately lie in God's hands, so we have nothing to fear!
