Malaria is a potentially fatal disease transmitted by parasites into the bloodstream through infected mosquito bites. If an infection is not diagnosed early, even a single bite can be fatal. For this reason, travel to some tropical countries requires extremely careful planning and advice from healthcare professionals. This article is a comprehensive guide to understanding malaria, safe practice to guard against it and essential tips for protecting your health when travelling to affected areas.
What are the high-risk areas for malaria?
Infection from malaria is particularly common in tropical regions but is actually found in over 100 countries around the world. Particularly high-risk regions include:
- Large regions of Africa and Asia
- Sections of Middle East
- Central and South America
- Haiti and the Dominican Republic
- Parts of the Pacific islands
What are the typical symptoms of malaria?
- High Temperature of 38 degrees or above
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling generally unwell
Assess the local malaria risk before you travel
Before your trip you should research and assess the local malaria risk in the area or region you are travelling to. Your prevention strategy may be considerably different according to the specific region, because malaria transmission rates can vary substantially and are very localised. Healthcare professionals such as Travel Clinic Bromley can advise on local health risks and transmission data to determine the preventive measures you need to undertake. Also, make sure you always research reputable and trusted sources.
Book a consultation with a healthcare professional
The next step on from this is to book a specific consultation with a healthcare professional such as Travel Clinic Bromley, who will recommend a course of anti-malaria treatment based on your travel itinerary and medical history. With malaria prevention it is important to start your preventive treatment early, therefore it is essential that you undertake this consultation as soon as you know you are travelling to an area at high-risk of malaria, and then start treatment at least two weeks prior to travel. This means your body will build-up effective levels of anti-malaria medication before you leave the UK.
Choosing the right antimalarial treatment
The type of antimalarial medication you need very much depends on where you are visiting, the local resistance patterns in that area and your own personal health. Therefore, a good healthcare professional will be able to offer a bespoke course of treatment tailored to meet your exact needs. This is a personalised approach that maximises the effectiveness of the medication.
Consistency
In order for antimalarial medication to be effective, you need to be consistent in taking it. You should follow the full course of treatment that is advised both prior to departure and during your travels.
Practical behaviours while on your travels
While antimalarial treatment is the most effective preventive measure with malaria, you can also help this by applying some personal behavioural measures. These include straightforward precautions such as using mosquito nets, using insect repellent and choosing accommodation with anti-mosquito measures. You can also avoid peak mosquito activity times, such as dusk and dawn, when it is not advisable to sit outside, for example.
Protect your general health
Travel can be exhausting and stressful, which all contributes to lowering your immune system and leaving you more susceptible to infections such as malaria. It is advisable to undertake a general health check prior to travel to identify any underlying health issues and so that you can manage any pre-existing health conditions during your trip. Maintaining a good overall standard of health and wellbeing will help to build up your defences to viruses such as malaria.
Keep up to date on your travels
Even though you are already travelling and already have your preventive measures in hand, you should remain vigilant while on your travels and be well informed via local news on current malaria patterns. In a high-risk area transmission patterns can change very quickly, for better or worse, and travel advice can be different from one week to the next. You should arrange to receive travel health alerts and know where to look or visit for trusted local health advice. Accordingly, you can amend your travel health plan as required, based on this information and advice.
Expert advice and support with antimalarial treatment from Travel Clinic Bromley
If you are planning a trip to an area at high risk of malaria, you should plan as much in advance as you can with regards to the local risks and what type of antimalarial treatment is right for you. At Travel Clinic Bromley we can take the time to provide a tailored approach to your travel health needs and design a robust pre-travel plan for antimalarial treatment, along with advice and recommendations for during your trip. You can book an appointment with us today to ensure you have effective preventive measures against contracting malaria and so that your travels are safe, enjoyable and successful.
