Travel Health To prepare this page we consulted with Pan American Health Organization consultant, immunologist Amiro Pérez Mera, British-trained gastroenterologist Alberto Santana, French-trained pediatrician Felipe Perdomo and U.S.-trained pathologist Dr. Yazmin Redondo, and documents produced by the World Health Organization and the US Government Center for Disease Control. 

We consulted with a panel of physicians to ensure that our advice was as thorough as possible, responding to questions asked on the DR1 Message Board. Note that these answers are provided as general guidelines for the traveler to discuss with their individual physician or reach their own conclusions. They are in no way absolute and should not be construed to apply to all travelers. 

Things to remember:

• Bring lots of sunscreen/sun block with a high sun protection factor, or SPF. Dab it on all over, especially shoulders, noses and the tops of your feet, several times a day.
• No vaccinations required to visit DR.
• Do not overindulge in food and drink.
• Drink lots of bottled water or other nonalcoholic liquids.
• If you get diarrhea, let it pass. If it gets serious, see the resort doctor.

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The Sun:

• Recommendations for taking sun?

Preventing Stomach Upsets:

• What is traveler's diarrhea? What are the symptoms?
• When should I see a doctor if I suspect traveler's diarrhea?
• Should I bring Pepto Bismol, Lomotil, Imodium or any antibiotics?
• What should I do if the diarrhea persists, is violent or there is blood in my stools?
• Do the same medicine recommendations apply if my child gets diarrhea?
• What should I know to avoid getting traveler's diarrhea?
• Are there medicines or vaccines that can be taken beforehand to avoid being affected by diarrhea?
• What special precautions should those who have sensitive stomachs take?
• What foods should we avoid?
• I like my meat medium-rare. Is that safe?
• Special recommendations for babies and children?
• I have been recommended to only drink bottled water. Why?
• What measures do Dominican hotels take to avoid food poisoning?

Vaccinations:

• What vaccinations should I get?
• Should I take malaria tablets or shots?

Other illnesses and health hazards:

• What is ciguatera and what is the likelihood of getting it?
• What is dengue, the symptoms and is it prevalent among tourists?

Misc health questions:

• What is swimmer's ear?
• How can I avoid being stung by a sea creature?
• What about coral?
• What if I am stung by a bee or a wasp?
• Why do mosquitoes bite humans?
• What can I do to avoid mosquito bites?
• Can I get my prescription drugs in the DR?
• Where should one go for the best medical treatment in the DR?
• Are there reliable air or ground ambulance services available?
• Any web sites for further travel health information?