Protect Yourself from Malaria: A Traveller's Guide
Planning a trip to a tropical destination? While you're dreaming of sun-drenched beaches and exotic landscapes, it's crucial to be aware of a serious health risk in many of these regions: Malaria. This disease can be life-threatening, but with the right precautions, it is largely preventable.
At Staffordshire Travel Care, a dedicated clinic available at all 10 Cornwell's Chemists branches, we specialise in providing expert travel health advice and treatments to help you stay safe on your travels.
What is Malaria?
Malaria is a serious disease caused by a parasite that is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The most dangerous form of the disease is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito, which is active mainly between dusk and dawn. Symptoms of malaria typically appear between 7 and 18 days after a bite, but can sometimes emerge much later. Common symptoms include:
- High fever and chills
- Headaches and muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
If left untreated, malaria can quickly progress to severe illness, leading to organ failure, seizures, coma, and even death. This is why immediate diagnosis and treatment are critical.
The "ABCD" of Malaria Prevention
Protecting yourself from malaria is a simple process that can be summarised by four key steps:
A
Awareness of Risk: Be aware of the risk of malaria in the country or region you are visiting. Malaria is prevalent in many tropical and subtropical areas, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia, and Central and South America. Your travel health consultation will help you understand your specific risk based on your itinerary.
B
Bite Prevention: This is your first line of defence. Protect yourself from mosquito bites by: Using an insect repellent containing DEET. Wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing and long trousers, especially from dusk till dawn. Sleeping under an insecticide-treated mosquito net in areas without screens or air conditioning.
C
Chemoprophylaxis (Anti-Malarial Tablets): For many destinations, taking anti-malarial medication is essential. These tablets are prescribed to prevent the malaria parasite from developing in your body. It is vital to take the correct medication for your destination and to follow the prescribed course exactly, which often means starting before your trip and continuing for a period after you return.
D
Diagnosis: If you develop any flu-like symptoms, especially a fever, during or after your trip to a malarial region, seek immediate medical help. Tell the healthcare professional about your travel history, as a quick diagnosis can save your life.
Get Protected at Staffordshire Travel Care
Don't leave your health to chance. At Staffordshire Travel Care, our expert pharmacists can assess your travel plans, determine the level of malaria risk, and provide you with a personalised prevention plan. This includes prescribing the right anti-malarial medication for your destination and offering comprehensive advice on bite prevention.
For more information and to book your travel health consultation, visit our website: https://staffordshiretravelcare.co.uk/ Visit us at any of our 10 convenient clinics inside Cornwell's Chemists to get the advice and protection you need for a safe and healthy trip.