Are malaria tablets necessary prior to travelling?
 

Is it really necessary to take Malaria tablets prior to travelling... or at all. I have friends that didnt bother. Travelling around Asia - all advice greatly welcomed!!!

That's a medical question that requires a medical answer. We took Larium tablets before going to East Africa, had no problems, and then found that our liver function numbers were badly distorted on our next physical exams. Six months later the numbers were normal. The scare was needless, and our physician said the medication skewed the exam's numbers. In travels throughout SE Asia -- Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam -- we did not take this medicine and suffered no effects. Ask your doctor and your local public-health staff. The CDC has commented on whether or not to take these tablets.

Dolly,Al: while most doctors are qualified to comment on the effects of a particular medication, it's been my experience that most (of those I've spoken with) don't have a clue as to whether it's required for a particular area. For this info (and recommended medication), check with the CDC website, or a doctor specializing in travel medicine.<BR>Ultimately, the choice to take the medication or not is yours, but the absolutely WORST way to make the decision is based friends who "didn't bother".

Taking Larium is so easy. Having Malaria is not. It can take years to get over. I've known people who did get it. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.<BR><BR>Why take the chance?

This is one of those times when it is important to be an informed consumer of medical services. Read all about it at www.cdc.gov <BR><BR>Note that whether to take anti-malarials and which one to take is dependant on exactly where you are going. For instance, for most of Thailand you don't need anti-malarials, but in the area of the Thai-Burma and Thai - Cambodian borders there is malaria, and it is resistant to larium, so your options are doxycycline or malarone. <BR><BR>Read first, then consult a good travel medicine clinic. Most medical schools have them.

Thank you so much for your informed reply's. I will check that site out KAthie & definately try to track down a doctor with a bit of knowledge on the subject!!!<BR><BR>