Malaria

Malaria is a potentially fatal disease but the good news is that it is preventable, so plan wisely and prepare for healthy and happy travels!

Before you travel

Visit your GP, practice nurse, pharmacist or travel clinic to discuss your antimalarial and vaccination requirements (ideally this should be at least eight weeks before you travel). Make sure you have a clear itinerary of your trip as you may only need antimalarials for part of your journey.Different antimalarials are recommended for different parts of the world, as in some areas the parasite has become resistant to older drugs. Additionally there are a number of antimalarials and different ones suit different people. Your health-care professional will advise on the most suitable medication for you and your journey.
During your travels

During your travels, there will be an abundance of things to do and see and enjoy, but please remember to follow your health care professional's advice if you are in a malarious country. The first thing to do is to reduce your chances of getting bitten. Follow your healthcare provider's advice and purchase the recommended antimalarial medication, mosquito netting and insect repellent. Insect repellents should ideally contain up to 50% DEET and be applied to any exposed skin, always on top of a sunblock. It can also be sprayed onto cotton clothing for added protection. Keep arms, legs and feet covered and limit outdoor activities when mosquitoes are at their most active, such as between dusk and dawn. Sleeping under a mosquito net impregnated with permethrin should provide you with excellent protection. Have a great time and enjoy yourself but remain malaria aware. People often contract malaria because they start to get complacent during their travels. If you have been prescribed antimalarials, it is very important to take them as directed throughout After your travels

When you have returned from your travels, please do not get complacent about following your travel health advice; this is because the malaria parasite can remain in your body and continue to reproduce rapidly and potentially leave you exposed to malaria, so:It is essential to complete your course of antimalarials to get full protection. Keep taking them when you get home as prescribed.Initial symptoms of malaria can often be mild, difficult to recognise and can be confused with flu. If you develop flu like symptoms once you return home, (particularly in the first three months, but up to a year later), seek medical advice immediately and tell them that you've recently returned from a malaria-risk zone. This will enable a speedy diagnosis and could potentially save your life. he whole course. Continue bite prevention measures as it only takes one bite to contract malaria.

If you require further information or want to speak to one of our Pharmacists, feel free to call us on 02476-404177 (option 4) . We will be only too happy to help.