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Zika and TTC

5 replies

CandyCrush77 · 28/02/2016 11:17

DH and I are TTC and booked a holiday to Chile in April before we became aware of the zika virus. There virus is not present in Chile but we are flying via Brazil and will have a stopover of around six hours on the way there and back. It's possible that I could get pregnant this month or next and be in the very early stages of pregnancy when we travel, or TTC when we get back. We have tried to change the tickets so that we don't fly via Brazil but it costs 2k which isn't feasible. i realise the risks of getting zika during a 6 hour stop over in Brazil are very low but would prefer not to take any risks at all, given the potential consequences. What would you do? Not go, rebook at massive cost or just go via Brazil and hope for the best?

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cakesandphotos · 28/02/2016 12:04

Personally I would go. I understand your concerns completely though. I think that 6 hours stop in a large city (presumably) won't pose much of a risk. If you were planning on travelling to very rural areas then it would be more of a concern. You can always chat to your doctor before you go to see what they would advise.
I read this article yesterday www.compassionuk.org/blogs/im-seven-months-pregnant-in-the-midst-of-zika/
It helped me understand a bit more about how zika is spread and what women in Brazil are doing to protect themselves.
Ultimately it's up to you and what you think is right for you and your baby but I think it would be worth talking to your doctor before you cancel your holiday.
I don't know if that helped, sorry if I just confused you!

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Mooseville · 28/02/2016 13:09

I would risk 6 hours. Cover yourself in mosquito spray, wear long sleeves/trousers and don't leave the airport! The planes are usually sprayed before take off anyway, so there shouldn't be any rogue mosquitos on board.
I can understand the worry though, I too would be concerned, but for 6 hours I think I'd risk it?

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Mooseville · 28/02/2016 13:10

I think if your doctor advises you not to fly and writes a note you can claim on your travel insurance for cancellation costs?

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IAteSomeofthePies · 28/02/2016 13:10

I'd go. On a six hour stopover you probably wouldn't even be able to leave the airport, anyway. A major international airport is going to present a vanishingly small chance of exposure, I would think. But I'd follow all the precautions on avoiding mosquitos (repellent, trousers and long sleeves, air con, etc.) in Chile and en route, just in case.

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CandyCrush77 · 28/02/2016 13:37

Thanks all. I checked my insurance and we are only entitled to a refund if we booked our flights before 1 Jan. We booked on 5th Jan and didn't even hear about zika until a few weeks later. Am inclined to risk it although if I get pregnant before then may reconsider. Doesn't seem to be any advice on stopovers etc.