A Few More Check Marks On My To-Do List

Have you ever tried to photograph your own Band-aids in the mirror in an attempt to capture a somewhat flattering image? Don't bother. It's too hard.

Yesterday I got my travel immunizations. I assumed I'd need only one, which was the second Hepatitis A of the two-part series I started last year. I was only partially right.

When you get travel shots, it's not quite a simple and quick process as it might seem. It's not like they say, oh, you're going to Nepal? Ok, you need X, Y, and Z shots. Now lift your sleeve...this may pinch a little.

The doctor must ask a barrage of very specific questions to determine the exact cocktail that must be formulated. A small sample of the conversation:

Where will you be working? In the city.
Who will you be working on? Children.
Will you be working on any adults? Maybe.
Who will you be working with? I don't know.
Where will you be sleeping? In a hotel.
Will you be handling any farm animals? No.
Do you plan to get pregnant while there? No.
Will you be sexually active while there? No.
Do you know the top two causes of death of young healthy people traveling in third world countries? (I didn't) It's car accidents and swimming while drunk.
Are you aware of any animals you will be in close proximity with? I know there are a lot of Monkeys running around Kathmandu, and there will be yaks on the trekking trails.
You're going trekking? Yes.
To what altitude? 13,500 ft.
Tell me what you know about Altitude Sickness. Know the symptoms and not ignore them if you have them.
Where will you be staying while trekking? In the villages, in tea houses.

At this point the doctor turns from her computer screen and faces me. "I'm so jealous right now," she says.

Ultimately she decided I need that second Hep A shot, and that boosters for MMR and polio were necessary. I don't have to get a new Rx for antibiotics since last year's dose doesn't expire for another year and I never had to use them. That's in case a bug throws a party in my stomach.

While I'll bring a medicine called Diamox to help my body adjust to less oxygen at altitude, I will only have to take it if I need it. In addition, I am happy to report I will not have to take Malarone (for malaria) this time. You have to take it daily, starting a week before your adventure begins. To summarize this expensive burden:

28 days @ $6 per day = YIKES!