In May i'm going to Bangkok for 1 week then flying to Phnom Penh (Cambodia) where I could be there for 6 months to 1 year. I think it's very wise if i take malaria tablets, so was wondering how much would i have to take. Would i have to keep taking them for the duration of the trip.
So if i'm there for 6 months do i take 6 months supply or get top ups in cambodia.
Thanks in advance for your help.
2007-03-26 06:54:53 · 3 answers · asked by tagalog student 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
I work in a GP practice and would advise that you book a travel consultation for up to date advice on antimalarials.
It's not just the length of trip you need to consider but also The areas you will visit and the incidence of drug resistance in these areas.
Bangkok has a low risk of malaria (although it is advisable to take medication)
However the risk in Cambodia (although not Phnom Penh ) Is substantial and there is some resistance to Chloroquine.
Then you must consider that some drugs can only be taken for a short time.
Malarone - up to three months
Doxycycline- up to six months
Melfloquine -up to one year
Paludrine - up to five years
Chloroquine up to five years.
As you can see it's a bit complicated unless you know what you need so get some up to the minute advice from your local surgery.
They will have access to the Travlax website and recommend the best thing for you.
Happy travelling
2007-03-26 08:34:58 · answer #1 · answered by mistyblue 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you know whether Vivax malaria is a concern. There are 3 options for Malaria tablets.
1) Doxycycline - not for Vivax - Will make you very sun sensitive but is definitely the most cost effective.
2) Mefloquin - I think this is NOT for Vivax. Can have NASTY side effects like permanent depression and suicidal tendancies.
3) Malarone - I think this is the one FOR Vivax. VERY expensive. Probably not affordable for an extended stay.
Yes, you have to take Malaria tablets for the duration of your stay. Get your meds before you go. In fact, most of these you have to start taking before you go, so that you are fully protected when you get there. You have to continue taking them for a month after you return.
Check with your doctor or look in the phone book for the Travelers Vaccination Clinic. Those areas may not even have a malaria concern.
2007-03-26 07:07:00 · answer #2 · answered by comet girl...DUCK! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will have to start taking them a few weeks before you go and for 6 weeks after your return. This is important, do not stop taking them as soon as you get back. There has been a publicised fatality recently when someone stopped taking them and he then contracted full blown malaria.
When I was out there I was prescribed quinin hydrochloride but that is going back 20 years.
Also, do not forget your vaccinations like Typhoid, Cholera and Yellow Fever.
2007-03-26 07:09:59 · answer #3 · answered by Mark S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the places you mentioned you probably wont need, but unless you have health insurance then take them, and for a month after return,
but you will find condoms will help you more than malaria tabs
2007-03-26 07:01:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋