For TTC ladies planning a Caribbean/central/south america travel

SweetiePateetie

Well I'm super bummed. We leave in 2 days for Mexico and when I asked the travel doc about Zika this morning, she said to absolutely TTA for the next 2-3 months. We'll be in the desert in what's basically Southern California (and for only a week), but she said there was so much that we don't know about the virus and that in the last few days they've realized it's much more similar to Malaria in that it stays in your body longer than a initially thought (I think that's what she was describing. I was spiraling at the moment). Just like @MRSCORKER , we'll be travelling during my FW. And I was thinking that I could just lather myself in DEET. But the doc shut down that idea, too. I get that this is my first month TTC, so what's a few more months, right? IT'S EVERYTHING! At least that's how it feels today. But I'm with @MrsDho11 , if I did end up getting pregnant during this cycle, I would be even more worried and anxious about the baby's health. What a mind-f^ck!

ETA: Clarification

NordyMN89

@SweetiePateetie - sorry about the bad news from your doctor. DH and I have been discussing our options today and are going to call our travel agent to find out if we cancel what the refund policy is. If I'm not KU then we'll probably still go, but we just entered the TWW and I'm feeling optimistic (but also super sad at the idea of canceling our trip). Like PPs have said, the risks (if KU) are just too big to chance it. Off to look for warm places in the US to visit...

virginiaham

This is likely a duplicate of info that @jolydan posted, but here is another update.

https://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN0UX2FI

I hadn't even thought about the travel draw to Brazil for the Olympics this summer. I am extremely grateful to be TTC where we are, and cannot even imagine the stress for women in those countries.

So sorry so many are having to make tough decisions. This crap is scary.

lmnome

Hi all. TTC and have a trip to Turks and Caicos planned for the end of Feb. I consulted my dr and she said she would advise against traveling If I were indeed pregnant by that point. I am so conflicted what I should do. We didn't take the insurance so there will be a penalty either way. 

The virus isn't on the island yet - am I just being paranoid ???

MRSCORKER

Here is the message from my doc:

Here are a few facts about Zika: 
1. You can access the CDC website or the most up to date transmission rates/travel advisories to specifically look into your destinations, but we know that many of the locations you are planning to visit do have documented cases. 
2. Zika in pregnant women is associated with risk to the fetus; I would advise you skip this month trying to conceive and resume on your return and take a pregnancy test prior to leaving and certainly while on the trip. The CDC website has more about this specifically if you search for Zika in pregnancy. Otherwise, you may consider postponing your vacation if you are pregnant. 
3. When you travel, make sure you follow steps to avoid mosquito bites to the utmost degree. 
4. Only 20% of people who get Zika will have symptoms. There is no specific treatment. 
Hope this helps, 
Dr K

ETA: I'll be in my FW while we're gone. I wrote back asking if we should avoid while on the trip. I will be heartbroken but I have a feeling she's going to say yes. I'm going to drown myself in deet and stalk every inch of my body in search of bites. I wish we had never booked this trip. It's too late to cancel and we spent like 5k.

NordyMN89

@Mrscorker - thanks for posting your doctors response! It's not what any of us wants to hear, but I think we all need to hear it. Ugh.
Aren't you going on a cruise though? I guess I'm just thinking of the times I've been on a cruise and can't recall seeing a single bug on the ship, unless you're getting off the boat then I could see being concerned...Sorry you're regretting booking the trip, I know the feeling and it sucks. Sending you creepy internet hugs.

MRSCORKER

cwirth89 said:

@Mrscorker - thanks for posting your doctors response! It's not what any of us wants to hear, but I think we all need to hear it. Ugh.
Aren't you going on a cruise though? I guess I'm just thinking of the times I've been on a cruise and can't recall seeing a single bug on the ship, unless you're getting off the boat then I could see being concerned...Sorry you're regretting booking the trip, I know the feeling and it sucks. Sending you creepy internet hugs.

We are going on a cruise. I've been on several and can't recall ever seeing a mosquito or getting bit but we will be getting off the boat at each port. We already decided against doing any jungle excursions so we'll just stick to the beach and load up on bug spray I guess. I'm gonna have him check my body for bites like you would for lice, although, if I get bit, it's not like I can do anything about it. 

MRSCORKER

Update from my doc... she said "to be on the safe side" I should avoid TTC while on our trip. We've both kind of had our hearts set on trying for a cruise baby. I asked about testing and when it would be safe to resume TTC. She said we could start trying again when we get back and that no testing is necessary unless I become ill. Except, in her previous message she said only 20% of people present symptoms. So basically, no one knows anything. I'm so sad/mad. 

housewifehobbyist

MRSCORKER said:

Update from my doc... she said "to be on the safe side" I should avoid TTC while on our trip. We've both kind of had our hearts set on trying for a cruise baby. I asked about testing and when it would be safe to resume TTC. She said we could start trying again when we get back and that no testing is necessary unless I become ill. Except, in her previous message she said only 20% of people present symptoms. So basically, no one knows anything. I'm so sad/mad. 

This.....is depressing.  I'm so sorry you're going to have to lose two months of TTC with this.  Two months may not seem like much in the long term but it's incredibly frustrating now.  

MRSCORKER

housewifehobbyist said:

MRSCORKER said:

Update from my doc... she said "to be on the safe side" I should avoid TTC while on our trip. We've both kind of had our hearts set on trying for a cruise baby. I asked about testing and when it would be safe to resume TTC. She said we could start trying again when we get back and that no testing is necessary unless I become ill. Except, in her previous message she said only 20% of people present symptoms. So basically, no one knows anything. I'm so sad/mad. 

This.....is depressing.  I'm so sorry you're going to have to lose two months of TTC with this.  Two months may not seem like much in the long term but it's incredibly frustrating now.  

It's incredibly frustrating. I keep thinking that maybe we'll still try while we're there and I'll just drown myself in deet but I know that's playing with fire. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this all dies down in the next month or so. 

gardeniagirlknits

I woukd just like to say that TTA is hard, I know... I've had To TTA while waiting on surgery to remove both cancer and a cyst and then was for confirmation that I was cancer free. So... Really, I get that it's hard.... But it was worth it in the end. Trust me, I did my fair share (probably more) of complaining about TTA and begging the dh to just "risk it", but I'm so glad that we waited. even if it takes me forever and a half to get ku, the wait will still be worth it because our family will be healthy. And that's the most important thing. Sorry I don't want to come off as rude, insensitive or not understanding... But it is hard to see people complaining about have to TTA bc of a vacation... I mean... Your TTA could be due to worse reasons, trust me. Again, hugs to all those having to Make this tough choice, I don't mean to be offensive, I know it sucks. count your blessings and make healthy choices.

jolydan

^ ^ this + being pregnant especially PGAL for some gals is stressful enough you won't want to spend weeks worrying about potential effects. I'm sorry for those who have to TTA but on the long run you'll be grateful

brambles1

NPR's On Point program just did a story on the Zika virus and the implications for pregnant women.  Here is the link if you want to listen to the story yourself: https://onpoint.wbur.org/2016/01/20/zika-virus-brazil-infants-risk
(Fair warning: There is an image of a microcephalic infant as part of the article)

There are also links to further reading on the site. 

For those with no time to listen, Tom Ashbrook had Dr. Heidi Brown (an epidemiologist) and Dr. Scott Weaver (a professor of pathology and immunology) on the program and the most important information they introduced which has not already been stated by previous posters included:

1) There is no evidence yet that the Zika virus has any long-term impact on fertility.  The biggest concern is if you contract the Zika virus while pregnant or become pregnant within a few days of becoming infected/during active infection.

2) If you hypothetically became infected on your last day in a South American country, the incubation period for the virus is 12 days before symptoms would emerge. The virus remains in your body for another week or longer. So in total there is potentially a period of 3 weeks when the virus could do damage to a fetus.  However, if you think you may have been exposed to the Zika virus, once you get back to the states you can be tested to see if the virus is still in your system before you TTC.

3) If your DH/SO is exposed to Zika there is a risk that they could pass it on to you.  Last year there was a documented case of a researcher who returned to Colorado from West Africa and ended up infecting his wife with the virus; it turns out that the virus can survive for some time in the semen and saliva of infected individuals.



Edited to add words

MRSCORKER

Thanks @brambles1, that was really helpful. @gardeniagirlknits You're totally right, I'm being a bit of a brat about it. I've just been so impatient since my CP. I was saying to my H yesterday that my next BFP will be stressful enough after our loss, I don't need anything else to worry about. 

gardeniagirlknits

@MRSCORKER it's okay, I totally get that having to wait sucks. More than sucks. But your right about not needing anything else to worry about... I can't imagine what the stress that you'll be experiencing with a bfp after a cp, I'm so sorry you've been through that. I hope your cruise is romantic and fun nonetheless. Hugs!

missteacherlady16

I thought this was interesting (and scary)

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/el-salvador-urges-against-pregnancies-until-2018-as-zika-virus-spreads/

letyourheartbeyourguide

missteacherlady16 said:

I thought this was interesting (and scary)

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/el-salvador-urges-against-pregnancies-until-2018-as-zika-virus-spreads/

Whoaaaa. I had been looking into trips to the DR because there always seem to be great deals, but guess that's out for an indefinite number of years.

LadyMillil

letyourheartbeyourguide said:

missteacherlady16 said:

I thought this was interesting (and scary)

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/el-salvador-urges-against-pregnancies-until-2018-as-zika-virus-spreads/

Whoaaaa. I had been looking into trips to the DR because there always seem to be great deals, but guess that's out for an indefinite number of years.

We were planning a last minute trip there for February but are now doing a staycation instead. I really wanted to lay on the beach all day, but with an RE appointment approaching I'll gladly give up the sun.

PennStateCait

@missteacherlady16 I just read articles about El Salvador and was going to post it here too! I can't imagine having my dreams of starting a family postponed indefinitely. I'm really starting to panic about this virus making its way up here.

gardeniagirlknits

PennStateCait said:

@missteacherlady16 I just read articles about El Salvador and was going to post it here too! I can't imagine having my dreams of starting a family postponed indefinitely. I'm really starting to panic about this virus making its way up here.

My thoughts exactly. Can you Imagine living there TTC!? My heart

nda_roxybabe

Can I just say, this damn freaking virus?! I came on here hoping someone would be talking about this and now I just feel for everyone TTC here and especially in those countries. Hopefully they figure out more about this asap. 

Mlight28

FYI- I just spoke with a rep at American Airlines, and they will offer a full refund to any place that the CDC has listed for the Zika virus, or a change with no fees. They acted like they didn't even have to know if I was pregnant, or have a letter from a doc. Not sure about other airlines. 
We just decided today to cancel our St. Thomas/St. John vacation, but those places aren't listed yet, so there will still be a change fee. 

MrsDho11

@Mlight28 that's good news! I need to call this week and deal with canceling my flights.

atcwag

I just read a BBC article that predictes this spreading "through the Americas". Great.

PennStateCait

atcwag said:

I just read a BBC article that predictes this spreading "through the Americas". Great.

Yeah I read something similar about the World Health Organization announcing its imminent spread. What do we do? Just never go outside and wear lots of bug spray? Is bug spray ok for pregnant/ttc women?

MRSCORKER

PennStateCait said:

I just read a BBC article that predictes this spreading "through the Americas". Great.

Yeah I read something similar about the World Health Organization announcing its imminent spread. What do we do? Just never go outside and wear lots of bug spray? Is bug spray ok for pregnant/ttc women?

My doc advised to wear lots of bug spray on my trip. I'm sure that will be the same advice. Luckily, we have a while before mosquitos will be out here during winter. I'm guessing we'll be advised to stay out of the woods/stagnant water, cover up and spray. 

[Deleted User]

Ugh this blows.  At first I was all "Oh, I'll be okay I'm too poor to travel to cool places anyways" but now it's just going to come to me.  I live within 3 hours of the US/Mexico border so it's not looking good for my state.

housewifehobbyist

Hopefully they can get that vaccine out ASAP.  Until then I am dousing myself in bug spray on vacation in Mexico and will do they same this spring/summer if it comes this far north.

Also I emailed my resort to ask if they fogged for mosquitoes and as I was worried about the pregnancy risks of the Zika virus and they emailed me back to tell me not to worry, and they had a full time doctor on site.  Thanks but not helpful.  Then theyIt took me two more emails to get an answer to my question.  They also assured me that they carry all natural deet-free repellant when I asked about finding repellent with deet there (we're only doimg carry-on).  It makes me nervous that the staff there are so unaware of the whole situation.  It's a romantic couples resort so I'm sure a lot of babies are getting made there.  I would have preferred a "yes we fog and eliminate standing water" response.

MRSCORKER

housewifehobbyist said:

Hopefully they can get that vaccine out ASAP.  Until then I am dousing myself in bug spray on vacation in Mexico and will do they same this spring/summer if it comes this far north.

Is there a vaccine in the works?

momtoleo

@MRSCORKER I heard that they are working on a vaccine (which would ideally be given to girls before they are sexually active, similar to the HPV vaccine), but that it's 3-5 years away. Doesn't help us a ton...

MRSCORKER

kirby1220 said:

@MRSCORKER I heard that they are working on a vaccine (which would ideally be given to girls before they are sexually active, similar to the HPV vaccine), but that it's 3-5 years away. Doesn't help us a ton...

Yeah, thanks for nothing! Lol

ETA: A pill like they have for Malaria or a shot like for yellow fever would be ideal. Get on it scientist people.

Xstatic3333

It's such a scary situation.  My heart is aching for pretty much anyone who lives where the mosquito species are endemic.  I do hope they can fast track a vaccine for women planning to become pregnant.  It sounds like it would be most effective to protect women during the TTC phase.

What gets me about all the warnings (and I'm not in an affected area or anything, so this is heresay and not something I'm worried about for myself) is that they say "just avoid mosquitoes" like that is an easy thing to do.  I can't be the only one, but even if I slather myself in DEET I still get bitten, and we live in an urban/suburban area.  I love being outside, live for it really, and don't feel comfortable with DEET as a chemical, so I usually just spray a little all natural stuff and suffer the itches.  Really the only way I could avoid bites completely would be stay inside all the time and wear a rain suit when moving from my house to my car.  It would suck, sure, but I could deal with it.  For women who need to work outside to make ends meet, however, that's a complete impossibility.  I'm guessing that's a pretty common situation in many of the affected nations.  

TheBorg7of9

Xstatic3333 said:

It's such a scary situation.  My heart is aching for pretty much anyone who lives where the mosquito species are endemic.  I do hope they can fast track a vaccine for women planning to become pregnant.  It sounds like it would be most effective to protect women during the TTC phase.

What gets me about all the warnings (and I'm not in an affected area or anything, so this is heresay and not something I'm worried about for myself) is that they say "just avoid mosquitoes" like that is an easy thing to do.  I can't be the only one, but even if I slather myself in DEET I still get bitten, and we live in an urban/suburban area.  I love being outside, live for it really, and don't feel comfortable with DEET as a chemical, so I usually just spray a little all natural stuff and suffer the itches.  Really the only way I could avoid bites completely would be stay inside all the time and wear a rain suit when moving from my house to my car.  It would suck, sure, but I could deal with it.  For women who need to work outside to make ends meet, however, that's a complete impossibility.  I'm guessing that's a pretty common situation in many of the affected nations.  

I'm also guessing the governments in those South American countries don't help poor women with birth control.

MrsDho11

TheBorg7of9 said:

Xstatic3333 said:

It's such a scary situation.  My heart is aching for pretty much anyone who lives where the mosquito species are endemic.  I do hope they can fast track a vaccine for women planning to become pregnant.  It sounds like it would be most effective to protect women during the TTC phase.

What gets me about all the warnings (and I'm not in an affected area or anything, so this is heresay and not something I'm worried about for myself) is that they say "just avoid mosquitoes" like that is an easy thing to do.  I can't be the only one, but even if I slather myself in DEET I still get bitten, and we live in an urban/suburban area.  I love being outside, live for it really, and don't feel comfortable with DEET as a chemical, so I usually just spray a little all natural stuff and suffer the itches.  Really the only way I could avoid bites completely would be stay inside all the time and wear a rain suit when moving from my house to my car.  It would suck, sure, but I could deal with it.  For women who need to work outside to make ends meet, however, that's a complete impossibility.  I'm guessing that's a pretty common situation in many of the affected nations.  

I'm also guessing the governments in those South American countries don't help poor women with birth control.

such a good point! I have a friend working in the medical field in Chile right now, and this was her FB status this morning:
"El Salvador's ministry of health recommends women not to get pregnant until 2018, while keeping the world's strictest anti-abortion law, with up to 40 years of prison for interruption. Brazil's minister of health says he hopes women get zika before puberty, and that they're more at risk because they show their legs more than men. good morning world!"
Just a few sentences, but it just made me think even more about how awful the situation is for a lot of women. They're being told not to get pregnant, sometimes indefinitely, and you're right, they're probably not getting much help preventing OR if an accident happens. Ugh. I want to hug them all.

Xstatic3333

Agreed with you both. It's a very good point. An impossible, heartbreaking situation.

momtoleo

It's also been confirmed that the virus has arrived in St. Croix (in the USVIs). This case is "native" meaning that the woman had no travel history to infected places previously. 

We shoveled my in laws out (12 hours worth of shoveling!) and I joked with DH that they owed us a trip to their place on St. Thomas. DH, who apparently listens to me way more than I give him credit for, said "but you can't go there because of that virus." 

@TheBorg7of9 and @MrsDho11That quote from Brazil's minister of health gave me shivers. I can't even imagine what the women there are going through. 

PennStateCait

Top story on Yahoo right now: 

U.S. Issues Treatment Guidelines for Infants Exposed to Zika

eta: link

kmmnocal

Zika is super, super scary. Over the summer, I traveled to Vietnam and India and used tea tree oil in my hair and on pulse points. It's a natural mosquito repellant, and it worked for me (and I'm usually a magnet.) To be fair, I did carry deet wipes and used them at dusk or if we were in a particularly buggy situation. I think I came home with only one or two bites after three weeks. 

ETA: I personally wouldn't travel to affected countries; posting this for future reference this summer. 

Sparty18

Just saw this article posted on CNN about halting the spread of Zika in the US - it made me feel a little better.  

https://www.cnn.com/2016/01/26/health/halting-spread-of-zika-united-states/index.html

TheBorg7of9

I'm thinking if I am not pregnant by April, I will TTA until October...