Going to North East islands in Indonesia and have read they are a Malarial hotspot. I've reached a ripe old age without ever having to take anti-malaria preventatives but now I must and I'm worried about after effects. I've read horror stories about Larium for example. Any experiences and advice from fellow NSChatters would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
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Malaria prevention... help please
- Thread starter TheDuke
- Start date
Sergei's Celebration
Well-known member
Different parts of the world require different anti malarials so research which one is best for that zone. I have taken them for years and all round the world. The worst was palludrin (?) but that was just a bit wacky dreams. There are some excellent ones as well (mallarine/mallarone?) which is taken only a few days before and after.
Don't worry and wiki and your GP is your friend.
Sergei's Celebration
Well-known member
Ps do take them I have countless stories of people getting malaria including one with cerebral malaria(?) and he was in a coma for months. Id have a few nightmares for that anyday.
- Thread starter
- #4
Thanks Sergei. I know I have to take them because anti-mozzie gear does not work with me. I must be extra tasty cos I'm always the one that is covered in bites
Trufflehound
Re-enfranchised
Best advice is talk to a doctor who's an expert in tropical diseases.
I took paludrine/chloroquine on the NE islands of Sulawesi, Ternate and Tidore, but that was some years ago, so you'd need to know whether they've developed resitansce since then. Can't speak for Irian Jaya - never been there.
I've taken Larium elsewhere with no effect, but whether it will affect you largely depends on your susceptibility to depressive disorders. If you're prone to depression you will be more at risk, and I've seen friends get really screwed up by it. But of course, most people don't know until it's too late. Talk to a doctor and they should give you a small-scale dose as a test to see whether there are any side effects before taking a regular pill.
Taken Malarone elsewhere with no effects, so that might work there as well.
I know they have the plasmodium falciparum malaria strain in eastern Indonesia (as well as the more common but less deadly plasmodium vivax), and that's something you really don't want to catch. I spoke to an Indonesian doctor in Timor who told me if you get infected without taking prophylactics, you basically have a 50-50 chance. If the parasite swims down your body to less vital organs you might get away with it. If it swims up to your brain, goodnight.
Don't wing it unprotected.
Like I said though, that's all amateurish guff from me, a tourist.
Talks to a doctor for some real sound tips.
I took paludrine/chloroquine on the NE islands of Sulawesi, Ternate and Tidore, but that was some years ago, so you'd need to know whether they've developed resitansce since then. Can't speak for Irian Jaya - never been there.
I've taken Larium elsewhere with no effect, but whether it will affect you largely depends on your susceptibility to depressive disorders. If you're prone to depression you will be more at risk, and I've seen friends get really screwed up by it. But of course, most people don't know until it's too late. Talk to a doctor and they should give you a small-scale dose as a test to see whether there are any side effects before taking a regular pill.
Taken Malarone elsewhere with no effects, so that might work there as well.
I know they have the plasmodium falciparum malaria strain in eastern Indonesia (as well as the more common but less deadly plasmodium vivax), and that's something you really don't want to catch. I spoke to an Indonesian doctor in Timor who told me if you get infected without taking prophylactics, you basically have a 50-50 chance. If the parasite swims down your body to less vital organs you might get away with it. If it swims up to your brain, goodnight.
Don't wing it unprotected.
Like I said though, that's all amateurish guff from me, a tourist.
Talks to a doctor for some real sound tips.
Trufflehound
Re-enfranchised
Sleeping in a hot room or eating cheese will do that too...
Do you know which ones you're supposed to be taking, if you fill out the online MASTA form they will tell you.
I've had Paludrin and Doxycycline in the past and never had a problem with either. I have heard though, that the side effects of Lariam can be bad and that you shouldn't take it if you've had any kind of depression in the past.
I've had Paludrin and Doxycycline in the past and never had a problem with either. I have heard though, that the side effects of Lariam can be bad and that you shouldn't take it if you've had any kind of depression in the past.
Shropshire Seagull
Well-known member
You may find some info from a previous thread I started earlier this year:
http://www.northstandchat.com/showt...abs-your-advice-experiences-sought&highlight=
http://www.northstandchat.com/showt...abs-your-advice-experiences-sought&highlight=
- Aug 7, 2003
- 7,788
I went to Zimbabwe recently and took Larium (one tablet a week) 2 weeks before going and 2 weeks after coming back. No side effects whatsoever. As stated above there may be issues if you're suffering from depression or have mental issues. The travel nurse at your local health centre will be able to advise accordingly.
Cowfold Seagull
Fan of the 17 bus
Whatever you do it's essential you take SOMETHING. I visit Uganda once, sometimes twice a year. I usually take Mallarone, and have never encountered any side effects. One thing that is for sure, malaria isn't to be trifled with.
HORROR STORY ALERT
My Niece went out to Uganda [near the Nile iirc] last year for 6 months voluntary work , came back ok but didn't get her blood tested , and ended up in the Conquest Hospital in Hasting on a life support machine for weeks afterwards - she's still not back to full strength after a year ...
Moral of the story --- be cautious even back in Blighty
My Niece went out to Uganda [near the Nile iirc] last year for 6 months voluntary work , came back ok but didn't get her blood tested , and ended up in the Conquest Hospital in Hasting on a life support machine for weeks afterwards - she's still not back to full strength after a year ...
Moral of the story --- be cautious even back in Blighty
Shropshire Seagull
Well-known member
Malaria, or something else?
Shropshire Seagull
Well-known member
What part?
I was in the north earlier this year on voluntary work - Arua, Gulu & Lira.
Kampala on the was back was utter mental on traffic ...
Defenitly Malaria , and very nearly killed her [she was only a few hours away from the disease being irreversible] , spent a fortnight in a coma
Brian Parsons
New member
Go on the Gov website and check up on whats best for where you are going. I remember many years ago whilst serving in the Middle East I was due to go to Kenya. Palludrin was the medicine of choice then. I asked the doctor what were the symptoms of malaria, his reply was take the pills correctly and you won't need to know the symptoms.
NutterDave
New member
- Jan 19, 2012
- 25
Used Malarone in Africa and South America. No side effects, worked a treat. Know friends who've used Larium and felt rough for ages.
Leighgull
New member
- Dec 27, 2012
- 2,377
If I was extremely attractive to mosquitoes I'd probably stay away from malarial hotspots.
Bognors very nice at this time of year.
Seagull on the wing
New member
Caught Malaria in Hong Kong....spent two weeks in hospital...dosed up with Quinine (1958) there are different types of malaria..the variety I caught was the type which about every four years you get a 24 hour attack of it....then it goes. Best advice is what previous posters have put....see your GP before you go...
Eastleigh Seagull
New member
I used malarone when in uganda, tanzania and zambia this year. Absolutely no side effects. People i was with were either on larium (crazy dreams but otherwise ok) and doxy ( very sensitive to sunburn). Also take repellant but make sure it is stuff with 50% deet, anything lower and you might as well not bother.