As the weather drops colder here in the UK, you may be looking for a tropical escape. From South America to the Dominican Republic, the options are endless. However, before you jet off to destinations such as these, it is vital that you understand the risks of malaria. We know it can be overwhelming to prepare for your travels; that’s why we have compiled this ultimate guide to malaria. Keep reading to find out how you can prevent it with our consultation and antimalarials in Coventry.
Malaria is a tropical disease that is spread via the bite of infected mosquitoes. The disease is highly serious; if it is not discovered and treated rapidly, it can even be fatal.
Malaria is found in 100+ countries.
It is ordinarily found in tropical areas, including:
– Parts of the Middle East
– Some Pacific Islands
– Haiti and the Dominican Republic
– Large parts of Africa and Asia
– South and Central America
A more comprehensive list of high risk countries can be found on the TravelHealthPro website.
The mosquitoes carrying the disease are known as night-biting mosquitoes. This is because they normally bite between dusk and dawn.
In short, no – malaria can’t be spread between people. However, mosquitoes biting an infected person can then transfer it to someone else. As a result, it is vital that you remain vigilant and take the necessary measures to protect yourself.
Generally, malaria is characterised by symptoms such as:
– Vomiting
– Muscle pains
– Feeling hot and shivery
– Diarrhoea
– Headaches
– A high temperature (38c+)
Ordinarily, symptoms will begin to show between 7 and 18 days after you’re infected. However, they can sometimes not appear for a year or more.
Currently, there is no vaccination for malaria. Therefore, it is vital that you seek advice as soon as you choose your destination. This will ensure that you’re as protected as possible.
To protect yourself, you can take measures such as these:
– Seek medical advice if you notice symptoms whilst you’re there
– Stock up on antimalarials in Coventry in advance
– Cover your arms and legs with clothing
– Use a mosquito net treated with insecticide
– Use insect repellent
You can find out more about malaria prevention on our service page:
Antimalarial medicine is used both as a treatment and a preventative measure. This is why it is imperative that you take the right dose both throughout and after your trip. You should also make sure you complete the course of tablets. Additionally, you may need to take a short course prior to travel to check for any adverse side effects.
If you are heading to any of the aforementioned destinations, we are here to help! We offer a comprehensive malaria consultation, as well as antimalarials. We also offer a range of travel vaccinations; you can find out more here:
Jetting off soon? Don’t get caught out –
This blog post was written on behalf of The Travel Health Clinic by Carla Moore from Pharmacy Mentor.
