There
are four main types of malaria and one is a killer.
It's mainly a disease of tropical and sub-tropical
countries, but has been found in places such as Russia
and Turkey and is becoming increasingly immune to
traditional treatments.
In some areas of Asia, none of the major drugs are
effective in fighting it. To make things worse, mosquitoes
which spread the disease are developing resistance
to the main insecticides, so the number of cases is
on the increase. The drug that gets most of the bad
publicity is mefloquine, which has the brand name
Larium. It's used a lot because the parasite that
causes malaria has become resistant to other drugs.
Whether you need to take Larium depends on where you're
going.
Your doctor will be able to pass on the most up to
date information on what's needed where as well as
checking you're medically fit to take it. The side
effects that attract bad publicity are fits and psychosis
but these are relatively rare. More commonly people
feel sick, dizzy, moody or have trouble sleeping.
These reactions often happen when you first start
taking the drug and wear off as your body gets used
to it. Starting to take antimalarials a few weeks
before you go can help reduce the chances of feeling
unwell on holiday.
Remember no antimalarial drugs are 100% effective
so it's essential to you do everything you can to
prevent yourself from being bitten by covering up,
using insect repellent, sleeping under a net and avoiding
places and times that are mossie heaven.
