Visiting warmer regions of the world is one of the great pleasures in life. Well, except for those pesky mosquitoes that love to feast on our skin while we’re there! You might think a mosquito bite is just an itchy irritant, but in some cases they can be deadly. Several serious illnesses are spread by mosquitoes, and it only takes one bite to become infected. Malaria is one of the most common diseases carried by mosquitoes and is found in tropical regions like the Pacific Islands, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and South America. It’s spread by female mosquitoes after they have bitten a person who had the malaria parasite present in their blood.The symptoms of malaria can mimic other illnesses so it can sometimes be hard to notice. If you suspect you have malaria or were exposed to it, you need to get treatment as soon as possible as malaria can quickly become deadly.

Symptoms of Malaria:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Sweats and chills
• Headache
• Confusion
• Stomach upset
• Jaundice
• Respiratory distress

As dangerous as malaria is, it can be easily prevented by taking certain precautions and by taking effective anti-malarial medicines. Prevention is often the best treatment, particularly if you’re going to be travelling or working in an area with limited medical facilities. If you’re worried about travel and malaria, We sells the best anti-malarial tablets online in the UK. Visit our website or speak to us directly to buy anti-malarial drugs like Lariam, Doxycycline, and Malarone Tablets.

Lariam/Mefloquine Tablets

Lariam is the brand name for mefloquine, an anti-malarial medication that reduces the risk of malaria. Unlike other types of antimalarials, Lariam only needs to be taken once a week. The first dose should be administered ten days before you travel then again 3 days before you travel. Continue taking it at the same time each week and continue taking it for 4 weeks after your trip ends. It’s not fully understood how Lariam’s active ingredient, mefloquine, works but studies have shown it to be effective at preventing malaria. Both adults and children can take this medication and should do so after eating. This medication should not be taken by those with a history of mental health problems or kidney disease due to potential side effects. It also may not be suitable for pregnant women. Common side effects of Lariam include insomnia, nightmares, headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Alcohol should only be consumed in moderation to prevent severe dizziness.

Malarone and Generic Malarone

Malarone is the brand name for an effective medication used to treat and prevent malaria. You’ll need to start your course of Malarone 2 days before you travel and will need to keep taking it each day during your trip and for 7 days afterward. Side effects are uncommon with this medication and if they do occur, they’re typically mild. The two active ingredients in Malarone, atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride, work together to kill the malaria parasite. It shouldn’t be taken by pregnant women or by anyone with a history of kidney disease. Because Malarone can cause dizziness, you should limit alcohol consumption. The typical dosage is one tablet per day and it’s advisable to take the dose with a milky drink with fat in it like a glass of whole milk or a milkshake. Taking it with a milky drink will help the medication absorb more easily and will reduce any stomach upset or nausea. Children can take Malarone but will need a lower dosage.

Doxycycline Anti-Malarial

Doxycycline is a tetracycline-type antibiotic that fights against invading bacteria in the body. Certain forms of doxycycline can also be used to protect against malaria. When taken correctly and used alongside steps to prevent mosquito bites, doxycycline is 90-100% effective against malaria. Malaria is prevented through the antibiotic’s active ingredient hyclate doxycycline. Hyclate doxycycline works by killing the malaria parasite and stopping it from being able to grow or spread. This medication can be taken safely for patients aged 12 years of age and older. Younger patients made need to take a lower dose. It’s recommended to take your dose with a glass of water and, to avoid stomach upset, with food. You should also avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking your dose. Doxycycline needs to be taken around the same time each day and you should start taking it 2 days before your trip. You’ll need to continue taking 1 tablet per day during your trip and for 4 weeks after you return. Studies have shown that doxycycline is safe to take continuously for up to 2 years, giving peace of mind to travellers and workers who will be in endemic regions for long periods of time.

Malaria Prevention

Travel and malaria can go hand in hand in some regions, so you need to ensure you still take precautions against mosquitoes even if you’re taking anti-malarial drugs. To stay safe abroad, you should:

1. Use Mosquito Repellent
2. Wear Protective Clothing
3. Avoid Standing Water
4. Use Netting

Use Mosquito Repellent

Look for a mosquito repellent that has ingredients like DEET (50%) or Icaridin/Picaridin (20%). Apply it after suncream and top up regularly to maintain protection, especially after swimming or sweating.

Wear Protective Clothing

Opt for loose long-sleeved tops and trousers as well as closed toed shoes. A hat with netting over it can provide additional coverage for your face. It’s advisable to spray your clothing with mosquito repellent as well.

Avoid Standing Water

Mosquitoes tend to congregate around standing water like puddles, ponds, and lakes. Steering clear of these bodies of water should reduce your risk of mosquito bites.

Use Netting

Your windows and doors should have intact screens and netting over them to stop mosquitoes from getting inside. At night, use a mosquito net sprayed with repellent over your bed.

Buy Anti-Malarial Tablets Online

efore your next trip to the tropics, don't forget to shop with us to buy the best anti-malarial medicine online. Whatever you need to stay safe on your travels, we can help. See our range of travel medicines today on our website.