I'm traveling to Thailand for two weeks, and it's been suggested that I spend a few days in Cambodia at Angkor Wat. Is it really neccessary to take antimalarial drugs?

Short answer: yes.

Long answer: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/regionalmalaria/seasia.htm

how do you feel about very serious illness that is nearly avoidable??

We will be at AW in 4 weeks and will take Malarone. We feel it is 'really necessary.'

Another - absolutely YES for REP!

Pardon my ignorance...is the antimalaria drug pills or shots? How far in advance do you need to take them? Is it readily available through a family physician?
Thanks.

Oops! Sorry for the question. I just went to the CDC link and got my questions answered.

Thank you! I had no idea it was this obvious...I see my physician exactly a month before I leave.

Any idea how serious the side effects are? Too many advil and I have a stomach ache...I'm worried about taking these pills!

Which anti-malarials are you concerned about? As you can see from the cdc website there are several different ones that have different side effect profiles. Do talk with your doctor about any concerns. The two antimalarials used in the Siem Reap area (doxy and malarone) are well-tolerated by most people.

<b>http://www.malarone.com/</b>

In a nutshell, Malerone can cause stomach problems (it does with me) and Doxycycline can cause increased sensitivity to the sun (wear a hat and cover up).

I've taken Malarone twice....to Ghana, West Africa Dec 2003/Jan 2004 and Dec 2004/Jan 2005. I had more problems the first time than the second. I had stomach problems the first time and had to stay in bed for the day. I also had a few in-living-color, vivid scary dreams which I found odd since that's what can happen on Larium...which I refuse to take...and supposedly not on Malarone...but it definitely happened. I can still remember the nightmare in full. Other than that, I just felt quesy and not my normal self, but I just kept going and tried to do a mind over matter thing. Happy Travels!

Malarone is to be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach problems. I took it with meals and had no problems even though I am prone to gastritis. When weighing pros and cons of Malarone vs. Doxycycline, I was warned that Doxy may predispose to vaginal yeast infections.

I'm getting sick just thinking about the side effects....aghhhhhhhhh

So am I crazy to miss Angkor Wat so I can avoid taking an anti-malaria medication? Maybe I'll just spend the two weeks in Thailand instead...

Just to be safe, I will not anti-malaria pills for Thailand, even if I go near a border like Siem Reap?

Anyone know what an infant should take as antimalarial in Siem Reap area? Malarone and doxy both seem to be contraindicated for infants.

Has anyone taken their infant to Siem Reap who has practical suggestions for this dilemma?

Baluka, yes, it would be crazy to miss Angkor Wat because you're afraid of antimalarials. It is one of the wonders of the world. The vast majority of people can take malarone or doxy without significant side effects.

Taking an infant into a malarial risk area is serious business. Do talk with a travel med specialist about this. There is a pediatric formularion of malarone, but the child must be large enough to take it. Malaria is a medical emergency in small children.

Kathie, I took your advice and got all of my shots plus a prescription for Malarone today. I can't wait to see it!!

Have a wonderful time, Baluka!