Greetings, Dr. Roach A March cruise including stops in Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taipei, Taiwan, and Japan was arranged by my spouse and me. We are 67-year-old Nevadans in good health with no health issues. I’ve checked for necessary vaccinations and immunizations with our travel agent, my personal doctor, and a number of websites, such as the websites of local health care agencies and the Centers for Disease Control. The list of suggested items is lengthy. But I haven’t noticed anything necessary.
According to my doctor, we should be alright because we will be spending a brief period of time on land while on a cruise ship. However, because my husband is Japanese and is eager to try the local cuisine, we want to dine locally.
Do you think we should get any shots? Scheduling every item on the suggested list sounds foolish, but we want to be careful. We would prefer to omit anything that is not necessary. — D.M.
REPLY: I hope your trip is great. Making advance plans can help guarantee a holiday free from unfortunate medical incidents.
I definitely recommend the flu and COVID shots out of all the immunizations that are advised for anyone over 65. Although I normally advise healthy adults over 65 to get the pneumonia vaccine, it is not absolutely necessary for the trip. The spread of flu and COVID is infamous on cruise ships.
Another virus for which a vaccine currently exists is respiratory syncytial virus. People over 60 who are at risk for respiratory conditions, such as any chronic heart or lung disease, are advised to take it. Additionally, anyone above 75 is advised to do it. Although it’s not required, it’s still something to consider.
Hepatitis A is the other vaccine that I strongly suggest. It would ruin your trip, is very common in South Asia, and is frequently found in food made by someone who has the sickness.
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Greetings, Dr. Roach I asked my general practitioner this inquiry, but he was unable to provide a response. For hair loss, I, a 65-year-old man, take 1 mg of finasteride every day. Although they didn’t list any sexual adverse effects, I think mine might be connected to the medication. Even though I have little to no seminal fluid, I can still have an erection.
Prostate cancer struck my father. My yearly blood test is normal, and my PSA level has not altered. — No name.
ANSWER: Sexual side effects are the most frequent negative consequences of finasteride. There are detailed descriptions of erectile dysfunction, poor libido, and ejaculatory abnormalities, particularly low volume. Although less frequent than the 5-mg dose used to decrease prostate growth, similar adverse effects are nonetheless possible at the lower 1-mg dose of finasteride used for hair loss.
The company claims that between 2% and 4% of men will experience the same side effect as you, which will go away after the medication is stopped. It’s up to you to decide if the hair enhancement is worth it.
Rogaine’s key ingredient, minoxidil, was found to be equally effective when used as a low-dose oral tablet and topically, which may be an additional choice for you.
Although he regrets not being able to respond to each letter individually, Dr. Roach will try to include them in the column. Questions can be sent by mail to 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 or by email to [email protected].
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