2006-12-17 07:01:35 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
I wouldn't risk it.
2006-12-17 07:08:16 · answer #1 · answered by tessasmomy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on where you are going, how prevalent Malaria is in that area, what type of Malaria is there - there are 4 types of which Cerebral Malaria is the most dangerous and can kill you within 48 hours. It also depends on the time of year - mosquitos gestate in water, so 2 -3 weeks after the beginning of the rainy season, mosquitos come out in droves. Will you be within easy access of a doctor and suitable drug dispensing facilities - of not take the pills but also take a treatment dose out with you How long you will be out there - I would take the drugs if you're going for a short period. For longer periods it can be a pain, and also not good for other organs.
I lived in Asia and Africa and have had Malaria once. It wasn't pleasant, but I stopped taking the prophylactics as I didn't want to take them for years at a time - I wouldn't follow my example though. You need to be much more careful about being bitten, and extremely cautious - if you get a headache then get a blood test taken.
A good place to go for advice is Interhealth - it's not far from Waterloo, and the doctors are excellent.
2006-12-18 02:02:42 · answer #2 · answered by F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once you get Malaria you have it for life and it can recur time and time again. So don't risk it, Go to your GP and he will be able to prescribe a suitable anti-malarial Don't risk your future health, it's not worth it. When you are there also use repellents and wear suitable clothing, but this should be in addition to taking anti-malarials.
2006-12-17 07:55:41 · answer #3 · answered by blondie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I wouldn't risk it. The whole of South India is a malarial area. If I remember rightly, the recommended drugs are chloroquine and proguanil (but check with your practice nurse). They are cheap and I didn't have any side effects. You need to take them for a few weeks before you go, so don't waste time thinking about it! Malaria is a horrible disease.
2006-12-19 11:24:35 · answer #4 · answered by kezza 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
talk to your practice nurse, it depends if the area is malarial. Good cover up and a mozi-plug in at night will work.
There are many alternative anit-malarials such as Brewers yeast tablets or marmite which are said to work, just as well. I am with you that anti-malarials can give bad side effects such as hallicunations so its a matter of risk assessment. It also depends on the time of year when you plan to travel;.
2006-12-17 07:14:39 · answer #5 · answered by kenjinuk 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do'nt risk it..malaria is a nasty disease which will not go away.check with your local pharmacist as to which preventative medicine you'd need for your destination.If you're lucky enough to get away with chloroquin jump at the chance but I suspect you'll need something stronger.Malarone is quite expensive(I paid £42 for a course of 16) but very effective with minimal side effects.keep away from Lariam...not nice,bad side-effects.As to chancing just using sprays and repellents...do n't ...Ive just come back from Gambia and was bitten at least 9 times even after using jungle formula repellents.Enjoy your holiday without having to worry about malaria
2006-12-17 07:47:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldnt chance it. When I went to Africa, I was told malaria in the big city where we stayed was very low risk. But I took my meds. One way to look at it is this: even if you're in a low risk area, the mosquitoes don't stop at the border and say OH OH, We are not allowed in there. You're still at risk. Don't chance it! Take your meds. Better safe than sorry!
2006-12-17 11:06:37 · answer #7 · answered by C. Ernst 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋