Malaria is caused by mosquito bites that carry parasites.Those with the disease may die if they are not treated.Treatments for Malaria are usually very successful even though there's no vaccine.If you are able to recognize your risk factors and symptoms, you can get treatment as early as possible.
Step 1: Do you know if you are at risk of Malaria?
Anyone can get Malaria even if they are at higher risk.If there is a chance that you have contracted the disease, you should be aware of the risk factors.If the medical staff made a mistake in screening the donor, it can be spread through blood transfusions or organ transplants.Sharing needles can spread the disease.Most people with Malaria are found in tropical and subtropical climates.The CDC has a detailed listing of the risk of Malaria.There are countries where you're more likely to contract Malaria.South of the Sahara is where the deadliest strains of malaria are found.The risk is not just for people who live in these countries, but also for those who travel through them.
Step 2: After you've been in a high-risk country, watch for symptoms.
The incubation period for Malaria is between seven and 30 days.If you're travelling from a low-risk country, you may have taken preventative anti-malarial medication.The medication can slow down the progression of the disease if you contract it.It could take months for your symptoms to appear.After traveling to a high-risk area, you should be cautious for a full year.During your check-up, remind your doctor of your travels.
Step 3: There are different types of Malaria.
Malaria can be seen in one of three ways: uncomplicated, severe, or a relapse.Uncomplicated malaria is the most common type, but it is rarely seen in hospital settings because people mistake it for cold, flu or a simple infection.People living in high-risk areas often know the symptoms of Malaria and can treat it on their own.It can cause organ failure and be potentially lethal if it is severe.Immediate medical attention is required.Relapses after an initial bout of Malaria often go undetected because they don't always present with noticeable symptoms.
Step 4: The symptoms of Malaria can be recognized.
Malaria can appear in recurring attacks that last up to 10 hours.The patients progress from the cold stage through the hot stage to the sweating stage.They feel cold and shiver in the cold stage.They experience a lot of symptoms during the hot stage.Seizures may be experienced by children.When the patient is in the sweating stage, they experience fatigue and excessive sweating.Rapid breathing and yellowed skin are other symptoms.
Step 5: If you notice symptoms of severe malaria, watch carefully.
Many people have nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, nausea, vomiting, or body ache.Symptoms become more dramatic when the infections interfere with organ, blood, or metabolism function.Immediate medical attention is required for severe malaria.If you experience any of the following, contact your doctor or emergency services.
Step 6: Call your doctor.
When you travel to a high risk area, you should always let your doctor know if you have any symptoms.People in low-risk areas should not wait and see if the disease will progress.If you suspect you have Malaria, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Step 7: You need to submit a blood sample.
If you have parasites in your blood, your doctor will take a sample to be analyzed.The doctor will repeat the test every eight to 12 hours if the first test comes back negative.The doctor can order a rapid blood test to determine if there is a significant risk of malaria.If the initial rapid blood test is positive, he or she will order blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.Your doctor will perform a number of tests on your body, including a blood test and a test of the function of your organs.
Step 8: Get an early diagnosis.
Malaria can be dangerous, but it's also a very effective disease.Early treatment has proven to be very effective at containing and curing the disease, even though there is not yet a vaccine to prevent it.It is important to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Step 9: Take your drugs.
Your doctor has a lot of options to choose from.He or she will choose a regimen for you based on your age, the type of malaria parasites found in your blood, and the severity of your symptoms.The majority of malaria treatments are taken by mouth, but some may need IV medication.Malaria parasites can adapt to fight off medications, but the following drugs have a high success rate.
Step 10: Stay comfortable during treatment.
Getting plenty of rest during the recovery process is the best thing you can do.Not everyone will have the same experience because there are so many options.Blurry vision, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain are some of the common side effects.Some of the drugs can cause dizziness or coordination problems.If you notice any of the side effects, report them to your doctor.They may be able to give you more drugs to fight them.Drink a lot of fluids.If you are vomiting, fluids are very important.You have to drink more water to keep your body hydrated.To treat stomach upset, stick to a bland diet.If you're having coordination problems, stay off your feet.Your doctor will keep an eye on you for signs of dehydration.She will keep an eye on your organs.
Step 11: Wait for the symptoms to go away.
Aggressive and fast-acting treatment for malaria is available.If everything goes according to plan, you should be symptom-free within 36-48 hours.In most cases, the parasites that cause Malaria will be out of your system in a few days, and you will recover within two weeks.While you are being treated for malaria, the doctor will continue to test your blood smears.They will see a decrease in the number of parasites in your blood if the treatment is successful.
Step 12: It's a good idea to take primaquine to prevent relapses.
The disease can recur for years after your initial bout.During relapses, you may feel flu-like symptoms.You want to prevent the infection from coming back.Other drugs have killed off the malaria parasites in your blood.Two weeks after the Malaria has passed, you will begin taking primaquine.Depending on your case, your treatment will be based on how you responded to treatment.A two-week course is often recommended.Follow the instructions of your doctor.Don't change the dosages or take the medication on a different schedule.
Step 13: If you are bitten by a mosquito, avoid it.
If you live in a low risk area, you should not travel to high risk areas.It is possible that additional mosquito bites will prove disastrous.If you live in an area with a lot of Malaria, you should protect yourself the best you can.In hot weather, cover your skin with long pants and sleeves.It's a good idea to wear mosquito spray at all times.Look for products that contain DEET, OLE, or PMD.Check the packaging for effective chemicals.You can keep mosquitoes out of your area by lighting candles.Mosquitos are less likely to be in screened-in, air-conditioned areas.When sleeping in areas with mosquitoes, use bed nets.