Hi - one of my Nica friends recently had Dengue fever. I read on the Peace Corps recommendations for their volunteers in Nicaragua that 100mg of Thiamin per day helps prevent Dengue. Anybody tried this or have comments?
1
a601mom
The rumor has gone around for a while that Thiamin will prevent mosquito bites but it appears to not test out in research- DEET is the accepted repellant although there are some plant based repellants that appear to be at least somewhat effective. There is no known prophylactic or cure for Dengue fever other than preventing bites.
2
solohobo
Dengue tends to have outbreaks in the midst of rainy season, which right now, its Dry season. Covering up and using DEET is the best prevention, especially at sunset.
3
anna_w
thanks guys, thats the kind of feedback I was looking for. I've travelled for years just taking sensible precautions but given my friend got it I thought if there was a preventative action I might take it up...
4
andiamotony
The only real preventive measure for dengue is Deet, and proper clothing. There are all kinds of theories of certain vitamins and herbs that repel mosquitoes, but as always, the proof is in the pudding. No clinical evidence exists.
5
globalgourmand
In my last three trips to Mexico and Honduras twice, I took B1 (Thiamin) and garlic and was not bit by a mosquito. I am not claiming that is the reason I wasn't bit and, instead, it was probably due to weather and altitude that I didn't get bit. Still, I thought I'd represent my experience.
As has been clearly stated, not getting bit is the only real prevention of Dengue. And DEET or protective clothing offer the most proven prevention from getting bit. My choice to go natural is a personal one that most people would scoff at. And even one I might regret. Its not even a choice I will recommend. But it is my choice. I don't like DEET.
6
solohobo
I think some people resist the buggers more than others, as when we camp, my wife gets all bitten up, and I have 1 bite....
7
globalgourmand
Solo, this seems to have some truth to this despite lacking clinical evidence. I have observed the same thing. It is this idea that mosquitos or flies might find some more "nutritious or delicious" than others leads me to wonder if changing our body chemistry though diet or supplements can help reduce/prevent bites.
The consideration remains: is Nicaragua the place to test this theory yourself when Dengue or Malaria are the possible results?
For me, I will take B1 and garlic 3 weeks before and during my trip in May and if I find I am still tasty bait for biters, I will have external repellant and protective clothing on hand.
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