just to b more precise:
in certain altitudes & seasons chances r small !

Aby - Malarone is taken daily, not weekly. (Just wanted to correct this info for those searching the topic).

Apologies if I'm repeating previous posts, I have only skim read.

Firstly, do not underestimate the importance of antimalarial medication. My father is a keen traveller and now that he's retired, is often away once a month to all kinds of destinations. I think because he was travelling so often he decided not to bother with antimalarials.

He was hospitalised with a really severe case not too long ago - they have no idea on which of his trips he picked it up as it can take months for symptoms to manifest. It was not pleasant and I was shocked that, even after diagnosis, there was a real chance he might not make it. Glad to say he did. After the initial scary hospitalisation he made a swift and full recovery and has since been to India and is about to go to Costa Rica, a destination he's previously enjoyed. He's definitely not taking any further chances and is certainly taking antimalarials for all future trips where applicable.

Secondly, you cannot make a decision on which antimalarial to take based solely on statistics about efficacy or side-effects as it depends very strongly on where you are travelling. Different regions host different strains of malaria and these react differently to the various antimalarial regimes. In some regions the most commonly encountered strains have developed a level of immunity against some of the prophylactics so these are not advised unless all others are unsuitable for medical reasons.

Anyway, best of luck and have a wonderful trip!

Thanx schlegal1 !
Indeed i made a mistake !!
sorry (late night...)

Hi,
Have read a lot of the past comments regarding anti malarial tablets etc. I am kind of put off by reactions etc. Has anyone heard of or used a homeopathic remedy called Demal 200. More info on the website of www.blueturtlegroup.com. I would be interested if anyone has any info on this it can be used as a prophylic as well as treating acute cases of malaria. Also I am currently looking at the Avon skin so soft insect repellants and sunscreen combined - any feedback on them would be great. We are only going to Mombassa Shanzu beach area beginning April. Anyone stayed at the Serena Beach Hotal there? Thankyou

>We are only going to Mombassa Shanzu >beach area beginning April. Anyone >stayed at the Serena Beach Hotal >there? Thankyou

Yes, Serena is second home in Kenya. Love it. If you want any info on the Hotel please drop me an email. If you watch your Hotel TV there you will see some of my underwater photos taken there. Great diving... and a very good diving school.

The likelihood of being bitten by mossies at any of the coastal areas is higher than if inland. These areas are hot and humid and April being one of the wet season months, even more likely that mossies will be flying about.

Can't comment on any other than those meds specfic for malaria - i.e, Lariam, Malarone or doxycyline - but some people just can't take these, or choose not too. However, malaria is a nasty disease, and even the specific meds aren't an inoculation. All are preventatives only. So you have to be certain to follow the other requirements of being covered - long sleeves, pants and socks - from dusk to dawn, when these critters bite. And repellent should be used on all exposed skin.

I've used the Avon product when inland and since there weren't many mossies, I can only guess that it worked for what it's worth. Don't know how effective, if at all, this product would be on the coastal areas.

You have to discuss your options with your own physician and make the decision that you feel is best suited in your particular circumstance.

it's funny - I have posted same questions a few months ago. stvmic, my husband and I had same kind of fears you do about Lariam. However, we took it (and still are taking it), and didn't have sideaffects. I would recommend split each tablet into 2 parts and take them within 6 hours of each other. That should bring sickness, haad-ackes, nightmares, etc. to the minimum. Don't concentrate on it too much, and you'll feel just fine!

Simplest thing to do with Mefloquine is to start taking it a couple of weeks before your trip & if you have any serious problems STOP and take something else instead

Do all these drugs require a prescription? I am sure they do here in the U.S. and I have not checked to see what my Dr would recommend or our insurance will cover. But we will be stopping over in Amsterdam en route to S. Africa. Are these drugs available in pharmacies there? Thanks

I was in zambia last summer and am returning to zambia and zanzibar this summer (June-Sept) to do missions work. I took Malarone last time but it made me nauseous. I was thinking of taking larium this time since some friends haven't had any problems with them and I also wouldn't have to worry about taking them every day. Any opinoins or advice?
Laura

I cant give you personal details on Larium or Malarone but I have read alot about them. All I would say is that we have taken the decision as a family of 4 going for two weeks to Shanzu beach to take Demal 200 a homeopathic spray which can be used for long term as well as short term and has very favourable feedback from travellers who have used it. I will be able to comment further after April on return and give some feedback. There is a website with further info on this product which is quite extensive. the guestbook makes good reading too. Upon reading personal quotes and reading about each product my view is we will all react differently to each of them and it will be trial and error which is the best for you.

I have recently been to the Drs for injections and was advised for our family to take Malarone. it is the most expensive of these drugs and would work out I believe for all 4 of us £200.00. Yes you do need a prescription here in the UK for anti malarial drugs and at our Drs the prescription has to be a private one and therefore it has to be paid for and not given via the National Health system. Maybe different countries have their own rules but I understand here in the UK it can only be given via prescription.
thanks

Malarone, Lariam and doxy are by script only in the States as well. Doxy is the least expensive, but has to be taken for the longest amount of time. Larium is now available as a generic, but isn't much less expensive than the band name. Malarone is only available as a brand name and the most expensive, running about $100+/- for about 23 tabs (covering a a two wk vacation - pre-tabs and post-tabs).

Many of the health plans that include drugs, charge a reduced price, depending on the plan. Otherwise, you have to pay retail.

When planning a trip anywhere, especially to exotic destinations, one should check on visa, inoculation and other med requirements before the land arrangement. Too many people are suprised by the additional expenses that can run a few hundred dollars per person... and all after they've negotiated the best deal for the land itinerary. It's a good idea to heck about the incidentals beforehand.

carolm123 - Save your money. Buy a good mosquito repellent. Your Demal 200 (and all such homeopathics) is worthless against the microbes which cause malaria. The most you can hope for is that it keeps the mosquitoes away.

Water would give as favorable a reported result as Demal 200. Most people will not be bitten by a mosquito carrying active malarial material, but if you're unlucky enough to be one of them - you will wish you had a real solution.

What is the malaria risk in Namibia for travel in October to the popular safari destinations like Etosha? Those of you who travel repeatedly to Namibia, do you always take malaria medication?