Does anybody here know how prevalent Malaria is in Africa? I know one person who got Malaria on a trip there, but she recovered completely. I just want to know how common it is?
Malaria
That's true, I wouldn't want
On June 2nd, 2007 SarahB says:
That's true, I wouldn't want to take a medication that caused sever side-effects, especially when I don't have the disease that I'm taking it for. I guess I might take it if I was really concerned about getting malaria though, like if it was very prevalent in the area I'm in.
Prevention requires A, B, C
On June 12th, 2007 ladyt says:
Prevention requires A, B, C and D: Awareness of risk. Bite avoidance. Chemoprophylaxis (taking preventive medicines if you are traveling to or living in a malaria region). Diagnosis made promptly with early treatment of an infected case.
Also you can research abit more, within minutes I found a site that has knowledge on this subject. In regards to your friends case, and afew you may have read already, many medicines from years ago may not work now (Because resistance to chloroquine and other drugs is spreading, preventive (prophylactic) medicines that were effective five years ago may no longer be so.).
Many things like Malaria are common when you are traveling to other countries. The best advice I can offer is make sure you are up to date on vaccinations, and always research the place you will be visiting to make sure no further shots are needed before you start your trip. :)
The best thing I'd reccomend
On June 13th, 2007 jessi_rubin says:
The best thing I'd reccomend is that you go there after vaccination. Get yourself vaccined for malaria and other diseases like hepetitis a,b,c etc. More over do get yourself a healthcare cover, coz you never know what may happen
vaccination
On July 1st, 2007 lonelyplanet says:
You probably should pump up your body's defenses against malaria by getting yourself vaccined for it. All the travel agencies compulsarily ask its holiday goers to get vaccinations for malaria, hepatitis and other diseases. And do get yourself a worldwide applicable health insurance.
I would say that in some
I would say that in some areas it is rather prevalent. I do not take the anti malarials however because the drugs they have you take have some very severe side effects. Given that the drugs they make you take are the same ones you take as a treatment, I see no point.
I don't want to ruin my vacation by being out of it, by taking a treatment for a disease I don't even have. If I get the disease, then I'll take the drugs.