Malaria Vaccinations Or Tablets

[HongKongphooey]

We are going to Madagascar next year and having never been to a country where you need malaria vacs whats the procedure? Is it tablets or Vaccinations, how many and how far in advance of the trip do you need to get/take them?
Any help grateful
Thanks

[237SJ]

Tablets. You don`t have to take them ages in advance anymore like in the old days. I think it`s a couple of days before. Can`t remember the name as I haven`t taken anti-malarials for years. Google it. Even if you take them, use plenty of DEET spray and a mosquito net.

[paddywak]

Don't know what it's like with the new medication but the last time we took them(about 12yrs ago) it was every day for three weeks before you went,every day you were there then,for four weeks after you came home.Check with your local GP they are usually up to date with this sort of thing.

[237SJ]

Mosquitos around the world are becoming resistant to drugs but I have been trying to remember which tablet is a good 'all rounder' It`s Malarone. You could google to check if that is suitable for Madagascar.

[jno]

this might help

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2014/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/travel-vaccines-and-malaria-information-by-country/madagascar#5441

The last couple of times I've taken malarone it's upset my stomach a bit, but most people find it ok. Lariam is occasionally used but it seems it sometimes gives people psychotic episodes, which puts me off rather.

[HongKongphooey]

Great Thanks, do you know how expensive it is? Don't fancy the Larium but the Malarone sounds ok.

[237SJ]

Well, they are not cheap. If you want to protect yourself though, you have to pay it (I wouldn`t but then again, I`m blase and would take the risk)

[e.crespo]

This lady didn't bother much with anti malarial tablets: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-25138646

[jno]

you can buy them online - google them a couple of weeks before you go and see who's cheapest.

[e.crespo]

This lady wasn't particularly bothered about taking anti-malarial tablets http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-25138646

[237SJ]

She was only one of two people who died in the UK in one year though. Scare tactics are one thing, but you have to be realistic.

[SpikeyBush]

Have a gander here
www.malarianomore.org.uk/malaria/protect-yourself

[Brinjal]

Malazone or malaquin or similar some have sulphur so you just have to check if you are allergic. It is usually one a week. First one can be taken 24 hours before going to malaria area but must be taken for 3 weeks after returning home as that is the incubation period for malaria. ,

[Peter Pedant]

oh dear
malaria present
and it seems chloroquine resistant
I didnt like Larium but take advice - not here - and if you think you need it - take a deep breath and take it.
Most people take the weekly dose on a Sunday and all the indigenous guides. taxi drivers etc are ready for Mad Monday.
Meflo I think is a week before -

Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.
Check with your doctor or nurse about suitable antimalarial tablets.
Atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline OR mefloquine is usually recommended.
If you have been travelling in a malarious area and develop a fever seek medical attention promptly. Remember malaria can develop even up to one year after exposure.
If travelling to high risk malarious areas, remote from medical facilities, carrying emergency malaria standby treatment may be considered.

[KARL]

Peter Pedant is on exactly the correct track regarding avoiding mosquito bites. The issue of malaria risk comes up fairly regularly on AB and I have occasionally contributed to the discussion.

I have many, many years experience of living in malarial areas, including some weeks in Madagascar (I envy you of the opportunity, it's a wonderful place), and only for the first three months or so of all that time did I take any medication - I found the medication unhelpful because none of those available provide full cover and in principle I dislike loading my system with chemicals. For much of the subsequent time I had my wife and sons with me, the younger starting at less than two years old - neither I or they took any medication, nor did my mother in law who visited us. None of us got malaria.

If you avoid mosquito bites then you will not get malaria. Follow Peter Pedant's advice on this and additionally use insecticide liberally in your accommodation, keeping all doors and windows shut while you are there. For even better precaution take with you a mosquito net and unfailingly use it over your bed (assuming fitting it is an option) - you could enquire in advance, perhaps they already have nets. The comment that malarial deaths in Europe are very rare is pertinent (dog parasites are estimated to cause blindness in one child per week in the UK but even the NHS plays this down, not to mention the vitriol from dog owners if you point the fact out) but for months after your return you should insist on a blood test for malaria (even if you have to pay for it, it is very swift and simple) if you feel ill - remember that sometimes people with malaria recover briefly before becoming properly ill. Heed this advice even if you take buckets of tablets because you can still get malaria.

[Brinjal]

Malaria is not to be taken lightly it can kill very quickly. There are also types that stay in your system for years and can cause recurring bouts of it. As well as taking all the precautions mentioned if you are any going for a couple of weeks and not going to be living there for any length of time I would take some form of malaria tablet.

[atalanta]

One of the known side-effects of Lariam is death.

[jelly baby]

You really need to speak to a medical professional about this. Different areas require different types of prophylaxis. Eg what may keep you safe in say The Gambia, may not be as effective in Madagascar. My husband and I use Lariam and have no problems with it, malarone causes stomach upsets in some people and doxycycline can cause skin problems. All meds have side effects to a greater or lesser degree. Please do not go without them, malaria is one of the biggest killers in the world. Enjoy your trip and keep safe.
JB