Shots?

jaramillo says on Feb 15, 2005, 19:06:

just my opinion... The most common source of diarrhea is water contaminated with feces. Also, water that might seem pristine (mountain streams) is naturally populated by amoeba and giardia, but we Colombians are resistant. The best precaution, especially in Cartagena, is to avoid salads, unless you (or trusted friends) have washed the greens with safe (bottled or boiled) water. It is a pity, but that’s the deal. If you want tropical fruit, how could you not, buy it fresh, and peel it yourself (avoid fruit salads in restaurants).

For seafood, fried/grilled fish/seafood is safe, but avoid chilled seafood salads, especially if they have mayo (eggs) or cream.

I don’t think you need any shots (although aguardiente shots help), unless you visit malaria regions (Cartagena and Santa Marta are basically safe).

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kernow62 says on Feb 15, 2005, 20:31:

I didn't have problems in Bogotá, but I think I picked something up in San Andres. Jaramillo's advice is sound and I should have been more careful.

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Roncita says on Feb 16, 2005, 08:04:

I agree - stick to bottled water in those places and avoid eating fruit bought on the street. Use lots of mosquito repellant in San Andres - it´s not malarial, but mosquitoes can be a pain (esp in Providencia, if you go there). I have a feeling a yellow fever jab may be adviseable for Parque Tairona near Sta Marta, if you go there, which you probably will, but I´m not 100% sure on this. Otherwise you don´t need anything.

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