Malaria

Malaria is an indiscriminate and Dangerous disease. It is prevalent in South Asia, South American and many African Countries south of the Sahara Desert. It is important to know which countries are affected to ensure you take the necessary precautions to prevent malaria. The NHS fit for travel website has in depth information and a breakdown of what treatment is required for any countries you may visit. It is imperative you research what treatment, if any, is required for the country you are visiting. Alternatively, our Doctors can help if any antimalarials are suitable.

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About Malaria

Malaria is a parasite which is transmitted by the female Anopheles Mosquito. Transmission occurs when the mosquito feeds on the blood of a malaria-infected person, which draws Malaria particles. The malaria particles are passed through to the bitten person when the mosquito next feeds.

It can have serious consequences for your health and can prove fatal. Therefore, it is important to understand and apply the necessary precautions in order to prevent malaria.
However, it is highly treatable if caught early, and treatment regimes are highly successful.

There are many strains of the Malaria parasite which affect different regions. It is recommended to research which areas are affected and what treatments can be used. You can view this on the NHS Fit for Travel guide here

The most common strain is Plasmodium Falciparum which is the most serious and life-threatening strain. The other strains are Plasmodium Vivax, Ovale, Malariae and Knowlesi, mainly present in the Asia-Pacific region.

Some treatments containing Avloclor (Chloroquine) should not be used in areas where there is chloroquine resistance. In these instances, Doxycycline, Malarone or Maloff Protect is given.

There are many factors which contribute to the prevention of Malaria. Treatment alone is not a surefire way of gaining protection as it provides approximately 90% effectiveness. Therefore, it is important to take both prophylactic treatment and to protect against Bites.

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Treatment Choice and Malaria Risk Awareness

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for the prevention of malaria, but there are multiple Antimalarial tablets available.

The use of a specific antimalarial is region dependent. As there are too many countries and variants to list here, it is important to visit the NHS Fit for Travel guide here to find out the treatment for your destination.

If you are returning to an endemic area where you once lived, your natural protection will have diminished, and antimalarials may be required.

For Adults, the following treatments do not need to be reviewed with the Doctor. If you also require tablets for those under 18, the order will be passed onto the Doctor to ensure the chosen treatment is safe and effective.

• Malarone/Maloff Protect (Atovaquone 250 mg and Proguanil 100 mg)
• Avloclor/Paludrine (Chloroquine 250 mg/ Proguanil 100 mg) Travel Pack

The Following treatments require a prescription before purchase. A quick consultation with the Doctor to determine suitability is required.

• Doxycycline
• Larium (Mefloquine)

It is highly recommended to obtain tablets at least a week before departure, as all treatment regimens should be started before entering the endemic area

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Bite protection

As alluded to above, prophylaxis is not 100% effective; therefore, it is important to be aware of the risk and implement measures to protect against bites. We understand there is no surefire way of preventing bites completely. However, ample advice is given below, which can also be found on the NHS website. Our Doctors are on hand to provide expert one-to-one advice should you require it.

• Use insecticides or DEET (Diethyltoluamide) spray, lotion or roll-ons containing at least 10-20% on exposed skin. The spray can be used on thin clothes as Mosquitoes can pierce clothing. It can be used on Adults and children over 2 months and can be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• DEET-containing formulations can be used after you have applied adequate Sun Screen.
• It is recommended to wear long-sleeved trousers and shirts to minimise exposed skin, especially after Dusk and in the evening. You can also apply DEET, as alluded to above.
• Stay at a place where there is effective air conditioning and adequate screening on doors and windows.
• Close windows after Sunset and at Night as Mosquitoes generally like to feed at this time.
• Sleep under an intact DEET/Insecticide laced net.
• The NHS state that Vitamin B, electronic/ultrasound devices or various oils are ineffective.
• Routine Spraying of Insecticides indoors can be a highly effective deterrent.

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Further Information and Advice

Pregnancy

It is not recommended to travel to endemic areas if you are pregnant, as there is a greater risk of contracting malaria. Your child is also at risk as the malaria parasite infects the blood and can pass through to the child in the womb.

Children

There are doses and preparations available to treat the entire family. If you are purchasing medication for children, then please inform our Doctor, who will ensure it is safe and suitable.

Other Medications

Certain medications, such as anti-coagulants or contraceptives, should not be taken with antimalarials. It is important to know what Malarial Treatments are suitable for you. You can view the information under each product or contact the Doctor.

Other Conditions

Conditions such as epilepsy and Liver/Kidney issues can alter which tablets are suitable for you. We implore you to disclose all information regarding any pre-existing medical conditions and treatments, including herbal remedies, to our Doctor. We want you to be safe and our Doctors will provide expert one-to-one confidential consultations. You can be assured that any information given is confidential and not shared.

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Returning from Malaria infested destinations

It is important to inform your doctor if you are ill within the year after returning from the endemic area, especially within the first three months. Any illness, even a cold or flu, must be promptly reported to the doctor.

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When to seek medical advice

The most serious forms of malaria can manifest between 6 and 30 days of exposure. If you experience any of the following, seek medical assistance immediately:-

• Fever
• Shivering and Sweating
• Muscle Pains
• Vomiting
• Headaches

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Ordering your treatment

We offer a variety of prophylactic malarial treatments. It is important to view the NHS guide to find the treatment required for your destination. Choose the required treatment, fill out the medical form, and our Doctor or Pharmacist will review your order.

If approved before 3 pm, our UK registered Pharmacy can prepare and dispatch your order for next-day delivery.

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References

More about Malaria symptoms, causes and prevention methods from the NHS