Malaria Protection for travellers
Travelling to Africa, Asia, or South America? Protect yourself against Malaria
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Basic Information
Infection Method
Malaria is a very serious disease, spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquito is active and will bite you at night time, from dusk to dawn. The highest burden of disease is found in Sub Saharan Africa, however many other tropical regions carry the risk of disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually start between 7-14 days after being infected, but can be longer.
Common Malaria symptoms include:
- High Fever (sometimes occurring in 48 hour cycles including chills, shivering)
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Fatigue and muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
Risk Areas
Malaria is found in the tropics and subtropics, in equatorial areas. The areas at highest risk are Africa, Asia, and South America.
Additional Information
In many places, mosquitoes are quickly becoming immune to anti-malaria preparations. Global warming also means that malaria-carrying insects are spreading into cooler regions, so protection is more important than ever before.
Medication
Anti-Malaria Drugs
There is currently no vaccination against Malaria, but there are a number of ways to protect yourself, including anti-malarial medication.
Treatment
There are several options available and the most suitable will depend upon your travel itinerary, length of stay, and current health. Make sure you speak to one of your expert travel nurses before you travel.
Length of Protection
Anti-malarial medication isn’t a vaccination so you’ll need to protect yourself against being bitten every time you visit a risk area. Malaria medication also needs to be taken from some days after leaving the risk area. Be sure to complete the course.
Minimize the risk
- Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin between dusk and dawn
- We recommend Deet 50% (purchase at our clinics)
- Use a new, chemically impregnated mosquito net that covers your bed completely
- Sleep in a room with mesh mosquito screens or keeps windows and shutters closed
- Use air conditioning to deter mosquitoes.
- Cover exposed skin with tight clothing.
- Keep children and babies covered and protected from mosquito bites.
Dose & Price
(Adult): £3.50 per tablet
(Adult) 12 tablets: £42.00
(Child): £2.50 per tablet
(Child) 12 tablets: £30.00
Antibiotics 10 tablets: £10.00
Antibiotics 50 tablets: £40.00
Medication 8 tablets: £45.00
Avloclor (chloroquine): £25.00
Side Effects
Side effects vary depending upon the antimalarial precautions you take. Please speak to our expert travel nurses for further information.
Suggested Additional Vaccinations for Sub Saharan Africa & South American Destinations
You can enquire about these vaccinations over the phone or through the form when you book your malaria vaccination.
Hepatitis A
Rabies
Typhoid
Yellow Fever
FAQs
How soon before travelling should I should I contact you?
Ideally come and see us at least four weeks before you travel, especially if you also need injections against Rabies, Hepatitis B or Japanese Encephalitis. However we always encourage last minute travelers to see us. A course of malaria tablets can be started 24-48 hours before travel.
What if I’m travelling last minute?
Does immunisation hurt?
What if I have an abnormal reaction?
Do you provide vaccination certificates?
Will I get a vaccination record card?
Meet the Team
Dr Elizabeth Tuckey
Kami Soltysik
Katy Peters
Dr Elizabeth Tuckey
Kami Soltysik