How is malaria treated and prevented?

Even though it's not something we typically worry about in the UK, malaria continues to be a major health issue in many tropical areas.

In fact, over 240 million cases are reported each year globally. This makes it one of the leading causes of illness and death in those regions.

So, if you’re planning a trip to a place where malaria is common, it’s really important to know how to prevent and treat it. This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about malaria treatment and prevention.

5 Effective Tips to Prevent Malaria

Preventing malaria is as important as treating it. Here are five effective tips to help you avoid malaria during your travels:

1.    Use insect repellent: Mosquitoes are most active in the evenings and at night, so make sure to apply insect repellent containing DEET to any exposed skin.

2.    Wear protective clothing: Mosquitoes love bare skin, so cover up with long sleeves, trousers, and socks. The less skin you expose, the fewer places mosquitoes have to bite!

3.    Sleep Safely Under a Mosquito Net: When you’re in a high-risk area, a mosquito net treated with insecticide can be a lifesaver—literally.

4.    Don’t Skip the Antimalarial Medication: Before you head off to your destination, visit us at Pearl Chemist Group to get a prescription for antimalarial drugs. These medications can prevent the onset of malaria.

5.    Choose Your Stay Wisely- Opt for accommodations that have well-screened windows and doors, or better yet, air conditioning. These features keep mosquitoes out and make your stay more comfortable and safer.

How is malaria treated?

When it comes to malaria, time is of the essence. It’s crucial to act quickly to prevent the disease from causing serious harm. Here are a few malaria treatment options:

1.    Antimalarial Medicines: The first line of defence against malaria is medication specifically designed to target the Plasmodium parasites that cause the disease. The type of medication you’ll be prescribed depends on a few factors, including the specific strain of the parasite, how severe your symptoms are, and your overall health.

2.    Hospitalisation: In more serious cases, treatment might involve a stay in the hospital. This allows healthcare professionals to keep a close eye on you and manage the disease more effectively.

3.    Follow-Up Treatment: Sometimes, even after you’ve been treated, malaria can make an unwelcome return. If this happens, you might need another round of treatment to completely clear the parasites from your system.

Is There Any Cure for Malaria?

While we have some effective treatments for malaria, we're still on the hunt for a definitive cure. The good news is that researchers are making exciting progress. Scientists are tirelessly working on new antimalarial drugs and potential vaccines that could offer long-term protection.

One recent breakthrough is the RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) vaccine, which provides partial protection against malaria, especially in children. Although it's not a complete cure, it's a big step forward in our ongoing battle against this disease.

Does travel vaccination help with malaria?

There isn’t a single vaccine that provides complete protection against malaria, unlike some other diseases. But don't worry—antimalarials are here to help. These medications play a vital role in keeping malaria at bay for travellers.

They work by tackling the parasites that cause malaria, making it much less likely for you to get sick. To make sure you’re fully protected, start taking these medications before you head to a malaria-prone area, keep up with them while you’re there, and continue for a bit after you return.

Visit Pearl Chemist Group for Malaria Treatment

By following simple preventive tips and getting medical help before going on a trip or if you show any symptoms, you can greatly reduce your risk of malaria and keep yourself healthy.

Before you travel, book an appointment and visit our travel clinic in South London. We serve Fairoak, Northcote, Haria, Markrise, and Cannon Hill.