Still important to note that Malarone, Larium, or doxy are just preventatives... not an inoculation (maybe in our lifetime?) So it's best to take whichever med, use the repellent (herbal or chemical), mossie nets, and sprays/coils. It's just not worth it not to. Yes, in the end it's cheap insurance versus the alternative.

Sandi, I think you are trying to point out that no antimalarial is 100% effective, though they are in excess of 95% effective. Likewise, no innoculation is 100% effective. One should still practice appropriate preventive measures.

We have traveled to several countries where malaria is present and have taken both larium and malarone. The larium resulted in my husband's having hallucinations. Since then we have taken malarone with no side effects. But, as others have mentioned, you are BEST OFF GOING TO A TRAVEL DOCTOR and seeing what is needed for your area. We were told that, if we are only going to be in big cities, no medicine is necessary, but if we are going to areas where there is high humidity and lots of water, better safe than sorry.

Another thing - be very careful with DEET. It ate through protective cases and destroyed the plastic casing on our binoculars and camera.

Just to add my 2 cents worth to this discussion.Our Doctor pointed out that Doxy interferes with the contraceptive pill and that Malarone can cause Anxiety symptoms in some people!Still best to take precautions though1

Katie - you're absolutely right, even inoculations aren't 100%. But in the end, and unless there is some medical reason not to, it's best to take the necessary precautions - tablets, inocs, repellent, proper clothing coverup - all in consultation with one's medical professional. Always better, than to be sorry.