Taking medicines to prevent malaria?
Aug 19th, 2011, 12:10 AM
#1
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Taking medicines to prevent malaria?
Im curious to hear how you are using the anti-malaria meds; Are you taking them to prevent malaria, or do you take them with you and start taking them once you get the symptoms?
The past 2 times I took them to prevent malaria, but I don't really want to take meds if it's not necessary, especially if they are quite 'heavy' like malaria meds. So now I'm going to Selous and Ruaha (and to Costa Rica in 3 months time) and still trying to find out what to do
The past 2 times I took them to prevent malaria, but I don't really want to take meds if it's not necessary, especially if they are quite 'heavy' like malaria meds. So now I'm going to Selous and Ruaha (and to Costa Rica in 3 months time) and still trying to find out what to do
Aug 19th, 2011, 02:34 AM
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www.malariahotspots.co.uk
for risks and malaria myths and misconceptions
Bottom line for me in high risk areas you are playing
russian roulette with your life if you do not take them
because all it takes is just one bite.
We have lost good friends and posters to this disease
Malaria meds are not "heavy" I get Doxycyline 100mg #270
from Wal Mart for $12 very light to pack onebag.com
take one per day in Africa so no worries.
Millions die anually in Africa from neglecting malaria risk
Costa Rica few risk areas mdtravelhealth.com do not usually
take them there in tourist areas just use cutteradvanced.com
insect precautions.
for risks and malaria myths and misconceptions
Bottom line for me in high risk areas you are playing
russian roulette with your life if you do not take them
because all it takes is just one bite.
We have lost good friends and posters to this disease
Malaria meds are not "heavy" I get Doxycyline 100mg #270
from Wal Mart for $12 very light to pack onebag.com
take one per day in Africa so no worries.
Millions die anually in Africa from neglecting malaria risk
Costa Rica few risk areas mdtravelhealth.com do not usually
take them there in tourist areas just use cutteradvanced.com
insect precautions.
Aug 19th, 2011, 03:13 AM
#3
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You take the medication to PREVENT malaria, with some medications like qwovadis uses, Doxycyline, you must continue to take after you return from your trip. Doxycyline is not the only medication, but due to price its popular
You really need to visit a travel clinic and have a Dr prescribe whats best for you
You really need to visit a travel clinic and have a Dr prescribe whats best for you
Aug 19th, 2011, 03:18 AM
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Medicines like Malarone work in 2 ways; they PREVENT, but also TREAT. I know that some people who have many side effects got the advice to only take it once they suffered some of the symptoms (but take it immiately!) And I was wondering if that is maybe also wise to do anyway, because I don't really like taking meds if it is not necessary.
And with 'heavy' I really meant for your body
. A medicine that has this many side effects on normal/healthy people I don't really take 'lightly'
But good to hear your takes on this... any more opinions?
And with 'heavy' I really meant for your body
. A medicine that has this many side effects on normal/healthy people I don't really take 'lightly' But good to hear your takes on this... any more opinions?
Aug 19th, 2011, 04:13 AM
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Nikao,
Im not qualified to answer if such an attempt to catch the malaria early enough to treat it in time without consequence is even possible, let alone a reasonable idea. I do know, the consequences of malaria are severe. I really do suggest you consult a doctor even if you have people who say its possible
on a side note: On one safari, a member of our group gave up her breakfast out the window because of the medication as we were parked observing a pride of lions relaxing. The lions were 10 yards away, but barely gave it a 2nd look. Our guide said that the lions have seen it before
Im not qualified to answer if such an attempt to catch the malaria early enough to treat it in time without consequence is even possible, let alone a reasonable idea. I do know, the consequences of malaria are severe. I really do suggest you consult a doctor even if you have people who say its possible
on a side note: On one safari, a member of our group gave up her breakfast out the window because of the medication as we were parked observing a pride of lions relaxing. The lions were 10 yards away, but barely gave it a 2nd look. Our guide said that the lions have seen it before
Aug 19th, 2011, 04:57 AM
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Nikao, I totally agree with the advice that people offer regarding seeing/consulting with a doctor or travel health specialist when deciding on what YOU need to do.
I'm not a fan of the "wait until you suffer some of the symptoms" approach, which to me makes little sense. First, you'd need to be diagnosing yourself, an iffy proposition at best. Second, you'd need to take 4 malarone pills per day for treatment rather than the one for prophylaxis. And, you'll be feeling like hell if you do get the disease.
Again, consult with a health specialist. Typically, they'll mention the three usual options: Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and doxycycline. If Lariam is suggested, make sure you discuss its possible psychiatric side-effects.
When I was at Lake Manze Camp (June, just after the rainy season) the mosquitoes did bite at night. It may not be as bad when you go because it will be drier (in the bush, not in the lake of course ;-) ). I was glad I was taking my prophylaxis (Malarone).
Good luck with this. Steve
I'm not a fan of the "wait until you suffer some of the symptoms" approach, which to me makes little sense. First, you'd need to be diagnosing yourself, an iffy proposition at best. Second, you'd need to take 4 malarone pills per day for treatment rather than the one for prophylaxis. And, you'll be feeling like hell if you do get the disease.
Again, consult with a health specialist. Typically, they'll mention the three usual options: Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and doxycycline. If Lariam is suggested, make sure you discuss its possible psychiatric side-effects.
When I was at Lake Manze Camp (June, just after the rainy season) the mosquitoes did bite at night. It may not be as bad when you go because it will be drier (in the bush, not in the lake of course ;-) ). I was glad I was taking my prophylaxis (Malarone).
Good luck with this. Steve
Aug 19th, 2011, 05:09 AM
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thx for the replies.. im seeing the specialist in 1 hour, so that was already planned hehe..
good point about needing to take 4 per day once you have symptoms...
by the way; I didn't just 'hear from people' that they could take it when noticing 1st symptoms.. i know people to whom the medical specialist did advice this approach..
lets see what I'm told in an hour
good point about needing to take 4 per day once you have symptoms...
by the way; I didn't just 'hear from people' that they could take it when noticing 1st symptoms.. i know people to whom the medical specialist did advice this approach..
lets see what I'm told in an hour
Aug 19th, 2011, 05:26 AM
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No nets in the tents, nor, in my mind, any need for them. The tent zippered nicely closed. I didn't notice a single mosquito inside the tent for the 3 nights I was there. Of course, an African Giant Black Millipede managed to slither his way in. But it was easy to scoop it up in a drinking glass and deposit outside, where it belonged.
Aug 19th, 2011, 06:16 AM
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Would you even know how to diagnose malaria?
Probably not? Not everyone has symptoms immediately; it's know to stay dormant for up to 1/yr before it rears it's ugliness.
And, if it has been diagnosed, and you didn't have the proper med to treat, your SOL!
Malaria kills... over 1/million people worldwide annually.
You don't fool around with your health.
While it's possible you many never come upon a mossie (or a mossie on you), be bitten, let alone one that is carrying the disease, one never knows. Even after treatment, this is a disease that can remain in your system years after.
And, malaria isn't the souvenir you want to bring home from your holiday.
I've used both Lariam and Malarone over the years with no side-effects from either.
Discuss with your health professional on which and DO take your meds.
Probably not? Not everyone has symptoms immediately; it's know to stay dormant for up to 1/yr before it rears it's ugliness.
And, if it has been diagnosed, and you didn't have the proper med to treat, your SOL!
Malaria kills... over 1/million people worldwide annually.
You don't fool around with your health.
While it's possible you many never come upon a mossie (or a mossie on you), be bitten, let alone one that is carrying the disease, one never knows. Even after treatment, this is a disease that can remain in your system years after.
And, malaria isn't the souvenir you want to bring home from your holiday.
I've used both Lariam and Malarone over the years with no side-effects from either.
Discuss with your health professional on which and DO take your meds.
Aug 19th, 2011, 06:42 AM
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"You don't fool around with your health"
good to mention this, as this is in fact exactly the reason why I asked the question in the first place. A lot of people 'just take meds' and think they can do no harm, but they can and they do so I want to know for sure what it is I'm taking and that it's necessary.
But be assured; i'll take the meds (malarone) I got prescribed
Good thing though was that they didn't prescribe them for Costa Rica
('ive been on Propranolol because of my migraines, but in the end I was better of with the migraines than with the medicine, altough it did help perfectly)
good to mention this, as this is in fact exactly the reason why I asked the question in the first place. A lot of people 'just take meds' and think they can do no harm, but they can and they do so I want to know for sure what it is I'm taking and that it's necessary.
But be assured; i'll take the meds (malarone) I got prescribed
Good thing though was that they didn't prescribe them for Costa Rica
('ive been on Propranolol because of my migraines, but in the end I was better of with the migraines than with the medicine, altough it did help perfectly)
Aug 19th, 2011, 07:45 AM
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Sometimes Malarone causes an upset stomach. I'd suggest taking it at dinner, before you go to bed. That way, any problems you might have won't affect you while you're out on a game drive. As for taking Doxycycline, it causes sun sensitivity, which can be a big problem in the tropics. A friend of mine took it on a safari and got burned, sunscreen notwithstanding.
Aug 20th, 2011, 07:40 AM
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I totally agree with all of the above...take something!! Malaria is nothin to fool around with.
I will say I only saw one mosquito the entire time I was in Kenya..at home however I am constantly killing them everywhere!
I think the soultion to my problem is....go back to Africa!!!
I will say I only saw one mosquito the entire time I was in Kenya..at home however I am constantly killing them everywhere!
I think the soultion to my problem is....go back to Africa!!!
Aug 20th, 2011, 08:02 AM
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While some as ShayTay above mentions, to take the Malarone at dinner so if any tummy upset you wouldn't be bothered as if during daytime and game drives... DO KNOW, it is advised that Malarone be taken with dairy - milk, cheese, yogurt - items that are offered at breakfast. I always have done so and no problems. Discuss with your doc.
Aug 25th, 2011, 12:16 PM
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Hi Nikao,
I have a question for you regarding the incident in Tanzania in 2007 when some tourists where shot walking around Lake Duluti. Is there some way I can contact you? I saw that you commented on the incident and know Herman from GFP.
I have a question for you regarding the incident in Tanzania in 2007 when some tourists where shot walking around Lake Duluti. Is there some way I can contact you? I saw that you commented on the incident and know Herman from GFP.
Aug 25th, 2011, 12:41 PM
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