Malaria is a disease that is spread by mosquitoes.If left unattended, it can be fatal.Malaria causes 200 million cases a year.The majority of deaths are among children under five years old in sub-Saharan Africa.Malaria is reported in the U.S. every year.If you're traveling to a country with high rates of Malaria, you can take medication to decrease your risk.It's important to keep mosquito bites to a minimum.
Step 1: Determine if you're at risk.
It's important to take precautions when traveling to a country with high rates of Malaria.Malaria can be prevented if you take the right medication.The high-risk regions are Africa Central and South America, as well as parts of Caribbean Asia, Eastern Europe and the South Pacific.
Step 2: You can schedule a doctor's appointment.
You can schedule an appointment with your doctor six weeks in advance of your trip if you are visiting one of these places.If you start your trip planning early, you can take preventative medication before you leave.You can schedule an appointment at a travel clinic as an alternative to your regular doctor.
Step 3: You can get a prescription.
Discuss your travel plans with your doctor.He or she can give a prescription for medication most effective against Malaria in that area.Chloroquinephosphate, quinine sulfate, or tetracycline may be included in these medications.It's important to mention every place you're going because the type of medicine varies.There is no vaccine for Malaria.The same type of medicine will be prescribed by your doctor.You will take it all the time you are at risk.Discuss your health conditions with your doctor.You're given a prescription.Malaria medicines shouldn't be taken while you're pregnant.People with certain conditions should not use others.If there are any other diseases that are a risk, your doctor or travel clinic attendant should check them out.
Step 4: The medication can be taken as prescribed.
Follow your prescription exactly, that's the important thing to remember.Malaria drugs only work when taken as indicated.You should start taking pills at least two weeks in advance of your trip.It's possible to start others one or two days before.You need to take a certain number of times per day.If you must take a pill once a day, take it at the same time every day.Take the pills for the entire time recommended by your doctor.You will need to take the pills for a week or more after leaving the high-risk area.If you don't do this, you could still be at risk of contracting the disease.There are instructions to follow to prevent harm.Malaria pills can make you more prone to getting a sunburn.To protect your skin, be sure to use sunscreen.The problem of resistance to antimalarial medications is growing.If people don't finish the full course of medication, the strain of the disease can become resistant.
Step 5: It's important to choose your accommodations carefully.
If you are going on a trip, try to stay in places that have fewer mosquitoes.If possible, stay in screened quarters or quarters with air conditioning.cooler areas away from stagnant water are the best places to stay.The stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.Stagnant water sources such as lakes are prone to mosquitoes.
Step 6: You can use a mosquito net.
Mosquito nets keep mosquitoes out of your tent at night.Before you go to sleep, put the net over the sleeping area.They can be used to cover open windows or doors.Since you might not be able to find a mosquito net when you travel, buy one to take with you.It's a good idea to get dressed in the morning.It's important to check it regularly for tears.An extra net might be a good idea.Permethrin is used to treat mosquito nets for the best protection.
Step 7: Keep doors and windows closed.
If you can, keep doors and windows sealed.People who are exposed to the outdoors at night are at a higher risk of contracting Malaria.If you're in a hot place, you may not be able to close the doors and windows.If you can, use a mosquito net over your bed.
Step 8: Wear long pants.
If you wear long pants and sleeves during the day, you will reduce the number of mosquito bites you get.High-quality lightweight clothing will allow your body to breathe and protect you from bites.
Step 9: You can use mosquito spray.
The area where you're traveling has the most effective mosquito spray.Talk to your doctor about your options.If you have children, talk to your doctor about what strengths are safe for them.DEET is used the most in areas with Malaria.DEET is also known as N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide.It comes in many different concentrations.Concentrations over 50% do not provide added protection.To get the best results, apply the spray to your clothing and the room where you're staying.Combining insect sprays with permethrin-treated clothing and gear offers the best protection.Guidelines for the use of DEET are provided by the Center for Disease Control.Before using this product, read them carefully.Health problems can be a result of improper usage.
Step 10: It is possible to stay inside between dusk and dawn.
It is possible to be in protected areas between dusk and dawn.The mosquito is most active at night.
Step 11: If you experience symptoms, see a doctor.
You should see a doctor if you are sick or worried about being exposed to Malaria.It's important to get treatment as soon as possible.There are some early malaria symptoms that are non-specific.
Step 12: Get treatment.
Where you contracted the disease will affect the amount of medication your doctor prescribes.Other factors, like pregnancies, are important.A strict course of medication is usually required for treatment.Unless there is resistance to the drug, Chloroquinephosphate is the first-line medication for Malaria.This issue is common so your doctor may prescribe something else.Doctors prescribe quinine sulfate and tetracycline in areas with resistance to chloroquine.Atovaquone-proguanil and mefloquine may be prescribed by your doctor.Sometimes an injection of medication is required.You can take IV quinidine and doxycycline if you have the parasites.If the malaria is caused by the parasites, your doctor may prescribe a two-week regimen of primaquinephosphate.Early prevention is the best way to protect you from high-risk areas.If your doctor knows you're going to a chloroquine-resistant region, he or she may prescribe mefloquinE.
Step 13: Continue to monitor your health.
If you experience flu-like symptoms, you should see a doctor.You could still be at risk even if it's been awhile since you've returned.Within two weeks of contracting the disease, most cases of malaria become obvious.Symptoms show up later in some cases.The parasites that cause Malaria can be in the body for weeks, months, or even a year.