Malaria is a tropical disease with serious consequences; it is mostly transmitted in tropical areas by infected mosquitoes. If left untreated, it can lead to death; it’s important to be equipped with the essential knowledge before travelling.

Anti-malaria tablets are used to prevent you from contracting this disease. Read on to find out more. 

Prevention is always better than a cure. Here at SimplyMeds, we offer the most effective malaria preventative measures in the form of medication. There are three medications on offer; the choice will depend on two factors, one being the area which you are visiting and the second being your personal choice.

Unfortunately, not all countries which have malaria respond to a single medication. We encourage you to check which is best for you with the following web page NHS Inform.

Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium. Mosquitos that are infected with this parasite can pass it on to a human in as little as one bite. The Plasmodium parasite is present mainly in female mosquitoes, which usually bite at dusk or in the night. Malaria can also be passed on with infected blood transfusions or needle sharing; however, the occurrence of this is quite rare. If you would like to read more about the causes of Malaria and how it affects the body, click HERE.

The two anti-malarials that can be prescribed here at SimplyMeds are as follows:

- Doxycycline

- Atovaquone/Proguanil which is also available as the branded version Malarone

Contracting malaria can be serious and therefore, prevention with anti-malarials is always recommended.

Symptoms of Malaria can include:-

• High temperature
• Sweats and chills
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Muscle pains
• Diarrhoea 

Symptoms can take between seven days to over a year to reveal themselves.  Even if it is over a year since you visited a high-risk area and you are suffering symptoms, you must visit your doctor. You will be given a blood test, and if it is positive, you will be treated immediately.  

What countries is Malaria is most prevalent?

Countries where Malaria can most commonly be found include but are not limited to:

• Africa and Asia
• Central and South America
• Haiti and the Dominican Republic
• Parts of the Middle East
• Some Pacific Islands

You should always check the NHS Inform website a few months before travelling to check if you need anti-malaria tablets. 

Other Protective Measures

Along with the medication, you must also ensure to follow the usual protocol for mosquito bite prevention. If you need to brush up on this, we’ve reminded you below.

Use an Insect repellent with a minimum of 20% DEET, the higher the DEET content, the longer you can leave it between applications, 50% provides 12 hours of protection. Anything above 50% has not shown to be any more effective; there’s no need to go above this.

Wear loose clothing with long sleeves and showing as little skin as possible. Loose clothing makes it difficult for mosquitoes to bite through it. 

Use a mosquito net – this can help reduce the number of bites you get through the night when mosquitoes are most active.

Room protection – ensure that there are no holes in which mosquitoes can enter the room. Use repellent plug-ins, incense sticks, and candles to help reduce the mosquito infiltration.