francifree

We're going to Southern Africa in October of 2010 and would like advice as to the best methods to take to avoid malaria, i.e., which specific medications, how far in advance, etc. We're, of course, aware of the correct repellents but would love to learn as much as we can. We're going to South Africa first (Cape Town and Mala Mala), Zambia and Botswana. Thanks in advance for any info you send our way.

spassvogel

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...sabi-sands.cfm

A lively discussion.

Happy planning!

SV

sdb2

Wow, this could have been, as Yogi Berra would say, "Déjà vu all over again!"

Percy

Since you already know about the repellents, I will limit my answer to the medication:

For Prevention:

1. Malarone is the medication. ( not cheap !)

2.You start the Malarone( one pill) 1-2 days before you enter the Malaria risk area.

3.You continue taking the Malarone daily throughout your stay there and then for another 7 days after leaving the area.

If you think you got Malaria or you need Treatment for already acquired malaria...then

1. You take 4 tablets as a single dose each day for 3 consecutive days.

I am not listing side effects , but find out before you go which areas of your travels are the highest risk for Malaria.

Go to a Health Clinic in your local city because they have an updated world map that gives them a regular update of the world hot spots for malaria.

sandi

Use the link provided above. Do your research, discuss with your physician or tropical diseases specialist and then make an intelligent decision for yourselves.

There are as many answers as there are travelers. Everyone has a story to tell both good and bad. Some go with Lariam, others Malarone, others doxcy; all have their pros/cons and varied pricing and protocols.

We are not the professionals (not many docs in this group).

amycyma

If you can find a medical practitioner that specializes in travel medicine that would be the best.

You can find a listing of these specialists on the CDC website, which also has good information on malaria prevention.

amy

Percy

http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destin...rica/index.php

Since you asked for a Protocal, here it is.

Just click on the places you will be visiting in Africa and read the Malaria segments.

Once you have some information, you can then see your local doctor and/or Travel Health Clinic, and get some final advice.