Dear Frankie,
USA summer schools, Stooge at UK private schools are about the safest bet. You will require a few vaccinations!
Regards,
Pete

Dear Casey,
Should not fly in first 24 hours of life and best to wait 2 weeks. Any respiratory or cardiac problem should not fly at all due to oxygen decompensation in aircraft which could be critical.
Regards,
Pete

Dear Casey,
Each airline has its own policies and you will have to liaise with
them as you are close to term esp with history of prematurity. In general Domestic flights are permited up to 36 weeks and International flights may be permitted until weeks 32-35!
Regards,
Pete

Dear Lydia,
Std YF Tetanus Hep A. i would add Typhoid vaccine. Doxycycline for Malaria, With DEET Spray a big must both day and night and Fabric insectacide spray for clothing. Add antiseptic ointment, antifungal and cortisone creams to first aid kit!
Enjoy!
Pete

Dear Shane that is quite an adventure. A lot depends on your interaction with locals and your sleeping accommodation. Rabies is rife in Mongolia and my patients that have visited there have had bad diarrhoea and respiratory infections. So best be well prepared. Essential is 4 in one Adacel Quadra, covering Tetanus. Diphtheria, Polio and Whooping cough, Typhoid, Hep A and Flu shot. Consider Pneumonia vaccination, Meningitis if competitors all sleeping together and Rabies as well as MMR. [Measles mumps and German measles ]Hep B depending on age should have been covered in your EPI vaccinations. This you get from blood products and having risky behaviour with locals!
Medical Aids generally cover but ensure you have documented proof of Top up payment before leaving. Essential to ensure Medical evacuation is fully covered from where ever. Organizers usually have their own insurance which they advise
First aid kit should cover diarrhoeal diseases, Respiratory infections, Antiseptics skin creams for cuts, Antifungal and Broad based Cortisone cream for rashes. Azithromycin is a good antibiotic to take as it covers both dairhoeal and Respiratory bacterial infections. Remember to drink bottled water, sparkling is best and clean your teeth with it. Keep mouth shut while showering!
Good luck,
Pete

Dear Marsha,
You will require it if you enter Zambia and are returning to SA.
Kind regards,
Pete

Dear Susan,
As far as I can make out Guinjata is north of Maputo, if this is so malaria has been rife with increased rains so I would definatly say all precautions plus prophylactic medications should be taken. Your son could take Malanil and come off the Purbac for duration of treatment. You should also consider Malanil as this may compatable with your lamicten. Confirmation with your neurologist is required.
Regards,
Pete

Dear Delph,
10-14 days after cardiac surgery is the usual yard stick before flying. If you are on warfarin that should protect you from DVT''S. wear your surgical stockings while flying!
If you can walk 100 meters or 2 flight of steps the drop in Oxygen Saturation while flying should not effect you
Regards regards,
Pete

Dear Anon,
No vaccines are needed. Always worth while ensuring Tetanus is up to date and Hep A vaccination.
Remember Malaria and use Tabard to stop mossies biting!
Regards,
Pete

Dear Mandy,
You are quite right! Book a seat in the middle row of the aircraft as turbulence will be less. Don''t drink any fizzy drinks as gas expands the higher the altitude. Taking Cinnazarine 25 mgs the night before the flight then again an hour before take off.and 8 hours later may help. Hypnosis can also be used successfully prior to your flight.
Hope this helps,
Pete

Dear Rikkie,

Malanil would be a good option. It is not contraindicated with your your son''s medication and is safe for children from 11kgs!
You do not specify where you are going but anywhere North of Maputo Malaria is rife!
Regards,
Pete

Dear Gilla,

Its the Std..Tetanus, Hep A.and Typhoid. Flu vaccination is worth while. Beware mozzies in day time for transmission of Dengue fever.
Regards,
Pete

Dear S

Alzam tad Aterax will need a letter stating length of stay, for what purpose, and that they are for personal use and not for resale!. List all meds you are taking is the safest and no pain meds with codeine
Regards,
Pete

Dear Richard,
What Kidney Problem?
Flying doesn''t effect the kidneys!
Regards,
Pete

Dear Natasha,
Leave with Granny! There has been a huge increase in Malaria with the rains they have had. You must take necessary medication and precautions.
Regards,
Pete

Dear Craig,
This is a possible case of Tick Bite fever, Seek medical attention immediately.
Kind regards,
Pete

Dear Luane,
The operation has rendered your moms ear very rigid so with cabin air pressure she cannot equate the outer air pressure to her inner pressure felt hence the pain.
She may find short acting nasal decongestant sprays may help. Taking anti histamine night before and on day of flight could be considered as well as pain medication. She should practice the Valsalva manoeuvre, pinching the nose closing the mouthand blowing short and spharp 10 times a day5 days prior to flight.
Hope that helps.
Pete .