If you grew up in a country where malaria is common, any natural protection will be quickly lost when you move. Avoiding mosquito bites is one of the best ways to prevent malaria.
This is particularly important during early evening and at night when mosquitoes bite. There's no evidence to suggest that other remedies protect against malaria, such as homeopathic remedies , electronic buzzers, vitamins B1 or B12 , garlic, yeast extract spread Marmite , tea tree oils or bath oils.
Antimalarial tablets can help prevent you from developing a malaria infection. For the best protection, you must also follow mosquito bite prevention advice. You must start taking antimalarial tablets before travel and continue taking them whilst travelling in the risk area. Antimalarial tablets must also be taken for a period of time after you have left the risk area. However, they do stop the infection from developing inside your body and prevent you from getting ill.
If you stop taking your antimalarial tablets early even when you are back in the UK you could still become ill with malaria. You may need to take a short trial course of antimalarial tablets before travelling. This is to check that side effects do not occur and that you do not have an adverse reaction.
If you do, alternative antimalarials can be prescribed before you leave. The type of antimalarial tablets that you will be recommended is based on the following information:. If you've taken antimalarial medication in the past, don't assume it's suitable for future trips. The type of antimalarial that you will need to take depends on which strain of malaria is carried by the mosquitoes in an area.
It will also depend on whether they're resistant to certain types of antimalarial medication. To find out what type of antimalarial medication is best for you, visit your local travel clinic.
If malaria is diagnosed and treated quickly, you should fully recover. Treatment should be started as soon as possible. Treatment is with tablets or capsules. If someone is very ill, treatment will be given through a drip into a vein in the arm intravenously. Home Illnesses and conditions Infections and poisoning Malaria. Malaria See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts 1. About malaria 2. Preventing and treating malaria.
About malaria Malaria is a serious tropical disease spread by mosquitoes. A single mosquito bite is all it takes for someone to become infected. Symptoms of malaria It's important to be aware of the symptoms of malaria if you're travelling to areas where there's a high risk of the disease.
The initial symptoms of malaria include: a high temperature fever headache sweats chills muscle aches or pains vomiting and or diarrhoea These symptoms can start mild and may be difficult to identify as malaria. When to seek medical attention Malaria is a serious illness that can get worse very quickly. The effects of malaria are usually more severe in: babies young children pregnant women older people. What causes malaria? Plasmodium falciparum — mainly found in Africa, it's the most common type of malaria parasite and is responsible for most malaria deaths worldwide, though treatment does cure the infection.
Plasmodium ovale — fairly uncommon and usually found in West Africa. Plasmodium malariae — this is quite rare and usually only found in Africa. Many times, medications that mask a fever can cause you to miss an important sign that something isn't right.
There are a number of prescription medications that are used to treat the parasitic infection and a few prescriptions that may be used to control the symptoms of the illness. Anti-Malaria Medications. The most common medications used to treat malaria infection are:.
One or more of these medications might be effective for you. Often, a combination of medications is used to prevent recurrence and to avoid persistent infections due to medication resistance. Your healthcare provider will select the right medication for you based on several factors, including:. Some of these recommendations include:. In addition to taking prescriptions that work against the parasite, you might need prescription medications to manage some of the symptoms of your illness, including nausea and pain.
These may be prescribed or a specific recommendation may be provided by your healthcare provider. Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider's appointment to help you ask the right questions. The most powerful tool against malaria is prevention. There are several strategies you can use:.
Because of resistance to medications, that depends on the location and the species of malaria. Artemisinin-based combination therapy ACT is often recommended for P. Malaria is a serious illness that can lead to life-threatening complications. If you think you have malaria, it's important to seek medical care so treatment can be started immediately.
With the right medication, malaria can often be successfully treated. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Malaria Treatment United States. World Health Organization. Overview of malaria treatment. Choosing a Drug to Prevent Malaria. Treating malaria.
Cleveland Clinic. Updated August 20, Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. Malaria plasmodium species. Elsevier; Accessed Dec. Merck Manual Professional Version.
Brunette GW, et al. Oxford University Press; Breman JG. Clinical manifestations of malaria in nonpregnant adults and children. Daily J. Treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in nonpregnant adults and children. World malaria report World Health Organization. Sanchez L, et al.
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