I will be on an African safari and need to know how to prevent malaria. Is malaria medicine available only on a prescription basis or can I buy it over the counter? what are the various types and if you have taken any, which one did you take?
Also can someone suggest some medicine to prevent mosquito bites? In india there is a paste that one can apply on the exposed parts of the body. Mosquitoes are repelled by it.
I will be visiting Nigeria for three days. I won't be exposed to mosquitoes at dawn or dusk, would you recomend malaria medicine?
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There are number of anti malarials
Untortunately, they are region specific. To name a few, all prescription, Malarone, Chloroquin and Doxycycline. Best to check the local health department or the CDC web-site to determine what one, there are also others, to use.
Doxycycline is the cheapest, but may not work where you are going plus it requires daily dosages one day before and 28 days after leaving the endemic area. Once you get your rx have it filled at Walmart or Target or possibly Kroger (Fred Meyer in Oregon). I get a ninety day supply for $10. The others are much more expensive. Doxy also is a prophalaxysis for Schistosomaiosis.
While you are at it you should check to see what immunizations that you may need for the Country (ies) you are visiting.
Not sure where you're located, but many cities have travel medicine clinics which can advise you and give you any necessary medications and vaccinations. Otherwise, your physician may also be able to help you.
I have made an appointment with a doc, but they don't take insurance. my wife will be joining me from india. she is bringing malaria medicine but I won't be able to take it before reaching africa. is it very important to start before travel?
I've traveled extensively in Africa and I've never bothered with preventive malaria medication - instead I travel with a course of artesonate with me at all times. I've come down with malaria a few times, but the artesonate kicks it within a few days without fail.
I have made an appointment with a doc, but they don't take insurance.
You can always submit for an out-of-network benefit.
Or just go to your regular family doc with a printout from the CDC website (to be honest, that's all most of those travel medicine clinics do anyway). All you need is a script.
Quote:
Originally Posted by UA Fan
is it very important to start before travel?
It depends on what prophylaxis you are on and when you are entering the endemic area. Read the CDC info.
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I certainly NOT recommend anyone to not take precautions against maleria. That is totally irresponsible. It is not a disease to be taken lightly. I would highly recommend you refer to the CDC website for recommended preventative medications for visiting Nigeria. You should take a spray with you that contains a high % of deet. Mosquitos also bite at night while you sleep not just in the morning and early evening.
Your regular primary care doctor should be able to provide most of your shots and Rx's.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by samftla
I certainly NOT recommend anyone to not take precautions against maleria. That is totally irresponsible. It is not a disease to be taken lightly. I would highly recommend you refer to the CDC website for recommended preventative medications for visiting Nigeria. You should take a spray with you that contains a high % of deet. Mosquitos also bite at night while you sleep not just in the morning and early evening.
Your regular primary care doctor should be able to provide most of your shots and Rx's.
Good advice. We went to a travel medicine specialist and he gave us both meds to prevent or minimize malaria and very good bug repellent to apply to skin. We also sprayed our clothes with bug repellent prior to the trip which can help.
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I've traveled extensively in Africa and I've never bothered with preventive malaria medication - instead I travel with a course of artesonate with me at all times. I've come down with malaria a few times, but the artesonate kicks it within a few days without fail.
What exactly is artesonate and is it prescription?
I am someone who has lived for 16 years in India which is also considered a malaria zone, considering this would it be a big deal to start medicine after reaching Africa?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by UA Fan
I am someone who has lived for 16 years in India which is also considered a malaria zone, considering this would it be a big deal to start medicine after reaching Africa?
Malarone, which is the most effective medication against the forms of malaria that you would be exposed to in Africa must be started prior to entering the area and also you must continue it for several days once you leave infected areas. Sprays containing Deet are available without a RX.
I do find it a bit strange that you would seek medical advice on a travel forum. Malaria kills more than a million people worldwide each year—90 percent of them in Africa; there are many other risks of infection as well, polio, hepatitis A and B, and others. I would hope you would consult your health care professional as soon as possible for the appropriate medical direction.
Sam
