Fishing Frenzy

You're about to travel to a known malarial zone; you've read the literature, you know the statistics, you even know the range of drugs on offer that will protect you from contracting the disease. But have you explored all the other alternative options and are you fully aware of the potentially very unpleasant side-effects from these drugs?

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease and is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of the Americas, Asia and Africa. It's a disease with very unpleasant symptoms and can be fatal. The symptoms include fever and headaches and in severe cases coma and death. Modern drugs are normally prescribed as part of the preventative measure.

A commonly prescribed antimalarial is Lariam although this can cause problems in itself including e severe depression, anxiety, paranoia, nightmares, birth defects and central nervous system problems. Some of these cases are not reserved. Photosensitivity is a recognised side-effect of Doxycycline.

If you are spending a longer period of time in a country as well as dangers to your health they can also work out to be very expensive. Longer term use is not advisable.

So what other options are there? Combination therapies that include artemisinin (such as Coartem or Cotexin (SP)) are the preferred treatment (not prevention) for malaria and are both effective and well tolerated in patients.

Try Prevention - Use insect repellent on your skin and in sleeping environments. Remember to reapply frequently. Always use a mosquito net at night and always use a good strong insect repellent with wearing long sleeved tops and trousers and socks indoors or out.

Hopefully this guide will enable you to makes some informed choices before you head off. Always remember to travel prepared and travel safe!