Speaking of malaria pills... [My doctor] said he didn't take them when he went but that isn't saying much either.
Any advice?
Err... What better advice do you want?
Your doctor is saying he doesn't think the risk of malaria is worth the risks associated with the medication so
he didn't bother. But he covered his ass in case you get unlucky, you can't sue him!
For the north coast, malaria is almost unheard of. Bavaro area there are sporadic outbreaks. Personally, I don't take anti-malarial meds when I go to Cabarete, I did when I went to a high risk area of Vietnam. For me, it's a case of doing a personal risk assessment. Malaria can kill or at least be very debilitating. Meds can cause nausea & vomiting (frequently) through to hallucinations and suicidal ideation (very rare). If the chances of catching it are very low, then precautions to reduce bites in the first place is probably better than the risk of damage from meds. If chance of catching it is high, you'd be dumb not to take them, side effects and all.
Simple risk assessment
[degree of risk x likelihood of risk=level of risk avoidance required]
thus, high risk x high likelihood of death or serious injury=LOTS of risk avoidance/safety measures
[climbing a mountain x 'you die if you fall'=ropes, helmets, good insurance cover etc]
very low risk x high likelihood of death etc='forget it'
[being hit by a meteor while walking down the road x 'yup, that'll kill you'=ignore the risk, get on with life, if it happens... you're stuffed.
Think all your different risks through like that and you get to your own answer for your own personal risk management. My personal risk assessment suggests that I'm WAY more at risk from a road traffic accident in the Dom Rep than I am from malaria. I won't get on a moto-concho [reducing risk] but still travel by gua-gua etc.
hope that makes sense rather than sounding like I'm disappearing up my own arse... again!
