Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. The protocol listed below has not been evaluated by a medical doctor or natropath. This is simply the regimen I came up with after doing some research on my own.
For starters, let's discuss Yellow Fever. In retrospect, and after more research, I do not think it is required. Per the CDC, a Yellow Fever Vaccine is only required for entry into Uganda if you are coming from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever. The US is not on this list and I was traveling directly from the States.
What about re-entry? Again, per the CDC, the US has no vaccine requirements for entry.
I obtained a Yellow Fever card and exemption letter from a local travel doctor but, in the end, I don't think it was necessary. I was never asked for mine.
Other recommended vaccines include Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Rabies, and Meningitis. Mefloquine or doxycycline are also recommended for malaria prophylaxis. To see the full list of CDC recommended travel vaccines, click here. For help finding a travel doctor, click here.
I personally looked at the 3 biggest threats (Malaria, Typhoid, Yellow Fever) and took steps to prevent those illnesses. I started this regimen about a week before I left and continued them a week after I returned home.
Immune Boosters - Echinacea, Astragalus, Goldenroot. I took 1 dropper full each morning and evening. I use Herbs for Kids because the taste is so much more pleasant. Probiotic. I took 1 capsule morning and evening. I specifically chose this one because it did not need to be refrigerated. Lavender. I placed this on my pillow every night not only to help with sleep but to fight bacteria. Elderberry. I took 1 lozenge morning and evening. Lemon. I put 2 drops in my water bottle each day. These are all for overall wellness to boost my immune system to fight off bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Typoid Prevention - Coloidal Silver. I took 1 dropper full every morning and evening. This was mainly to protect against Typhoid or any other bacteria. I also made sure to consume only bottled water, no ice, and well cooked foods. I used boiled water for brushing my teeth.
Malaria Prevention - Black Walnut and Wormwood. I took 1 dropper full morning and evening. This tastes terrible (no Herbs for Kids available in this blend) but these are some of the best herbs available for fighting parasites.
Yellow Fever Prevention - Vitamin C. I took 2 tablets once a day. Great for fighting viruses.
Mosquito Bite Prevention - Mosquitos are carriers for both Yellow Fever and Malaria. I used my nYn Bug Spray which contains Lemon Eucalyptus (different from Lemon and Eucalyptus) throughout the day and made sure to sleep under a mosquito net each evening. I was also taking MSM, 1 capsule twice a day. It contains sulphur and repels mosquitos.
I didn't get 1 mosquito bite. Another member of my team had more than 50 bites. Poor girl. :( Granted, something was biting me but it wasn't a mosquito. We think it was some sort of ant. I simply put a little tea tree oil on the few bites and they healed right up.
Treatment - I also carried several things with me to treat disease should I become ill. Activated Charcoal, for stomach upset. Capsicum, to control internal bleeding, particularly with Yellow Fever and Malaria. Homeopathic phosphorus, treats Typhoid, Yellow Fever & Malaria. Quinine is also a known treatment for Malaria. My travel doctor also sent me with a prescription for an antibiotic and an antifungal, just as a precaution, but I didn't need either.
I also carried a wide variety of essential oils with me in addition to the ones mentioned above including peppermint, grapefruit, ginger, frankincense, rosemary, bergamont and eucalyptus. Just in case.
I am very pleased to report that I did not have any issues on the trip. Some others on my team experienced nausea, vomiting and diarrhea that, thankfully, either resolved on its own or was treated with antibiotics.
I hope that this guide may help someone else who is preparing to go to Uganda (or another country) but is unsure about the standard medical protocol for international travel.
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