Malaria is prevented by taking antimalarials, also known as malaria tablets. They ensure the malaria parasite doesn’t reach unmanageable numbers, keeping you healthy whilst you travel.
If you intend to visit malarial regions, ensure that you take the antimalarial medication with you for the whole duration of your trip. We can help you find the antimalarial medication you need to take with you.
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How can I prevent Malaria?
When visiting an area with risk of malaria, anti-malarial medication may be required. The type of medication given will depend on where you are travelling and your medical history. We will help you find the anti-malarial medication that suits you. We always discuss the risks and benefits in detail at your appointment.
What are antimalarials?
Antimalarials are oral tablets taken to help prevent malaria, they offer up to 90% protection, dramatically reducing your risk of the disease. There are a number of varieties available on the market and it is best to discuss with a travel expert to determine the most suitable for you.
Who should use antimalarials?
Adults and children travelling to countries where Malaria is considered a risk should use antimalarial medication. Antimalarials can reduce your risk of catching malaria by up to 90% making your travels much safer.
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Malaria is Preventable
What is Malaria?
Antimalarials do not prevent you from being infected with the malaria parasite, but they suppress the infection by killing the parasite either in the liver, or as they are leaving the liver to enter the bloodstream. Therefore if you have been infected with malaria during your travels, you may still have parasites within your body. Continuing the course of treatment after you return ensures that those parasites do not get a chance to multiply and cause you potentially severe illness.What are the symptoms of malaria?
The most common malaria symptoms are:
- Fever – 38ºC or over (often intermittent)
- Aching muscles and joints
- A headache
- Chills (sweating and shivering)
- Abdominal pains and diarrhoea
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin & whites of eyes)
Not all of these symptoms may be present, and symptoms may be delayed (in some cases for up to a year) after your return home – obscuring the link to your travels. Always seek prompt medical advice if you are unwell.
Malaria is easily misdiagnosed as flu, especially at times of year when flu-like symptoms are common. Fever, even weeks after returning from the tropics, should always be treated as an emergency. Call us on +44 07766027199 and we can advise you.