Avoiding Malaria & Malaria Tips

Is Mozambique a Malaria area? Do I need to
take Malaria Tablets?
Yes, Mozambique as a whole is a Malaria risk Area / Country. We recommend you take precautions and visit your nearest Doctor (you now need a prescription for Malaria Tablets) to prescribe you with whats recommended before you leave for Mozambique. Be prepared and take other Prophylactics like Insect Repellent sprays, Mosquito Coils, light long sleeve tops and bottoms to further prevent bites.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Malaria and what Malaria Tablets is recommended.

The Information below is merely a guideline for those who want to familiarise themselves with some of the Anti-Malaria Tablets. There are a lot of things to consider, but ultimately, you & your doctors are going to have to make the final decision with regards to which Anti-Malaria Tablets to take.

Whats the best Anti-Malaria Tablets to take?
There are different types of anti-malaria tablets available to choose from. Choosing one depends on your medical history and what malaria area you are visiting. The most effective and common anti-malaria tablets on the market today is either Mefloquine (Mefliam) or Doxycycline (Doxitab) which both require a prescription. Contact your nearest doctor to prescibe you with what recommended.

Mefliam vs Doxitab:
Mefliam:
Mefliam should be taken at least a week before entering the Malaria Area. The Adult dosage of Mefliam is 1 tablet per week and should be taken after your evening meal with plenty of water to wash it down. The course must be continued for 4 weeks after leaving the malaria area.

Side effects:

• Some side effects can include wierd dreams and hallucinations.
  
• Mefliam is not recommended if you are planning to go scuba diving in Mozambique.
• Contact your nearest Doctor for more information regarding
  Mefliam.

Doxycycline:
Doxycycline should be taken a day or two before entering the Malaria Area and the course must be continued for 4 weeks after leaving the malaria area. Doxycycline should be taken after a meal with plenty of water to wash it down.

Side effects:

• Doxycyline can cause photo-sensitivity (Skin can get sensitive to sun-burn)
  
• For Females, Doxycyline can cause vaginal yeast infections (thrush). Doxycyline can also interfere with certain contraceptives (interfierence for about 3 weeks) which means it is important to use additional contraceptive methods (such as condoms) for the first 3 weeks on the Doxycyline course.
• Contact your nearest Doctor for more information regarding
  Doxycyline.

Can I still catch Malaria if I take
Anti-Malaria Tablets?
Yes, Malaria cannot be fully prevented therefore there is a small chance that Malaria can be contracted, which means it is still recommended to take anti-malaria medication. Prevention is better than cure! Though it is very important to notice any Symptoms of Malaria as soon as possible because Anti-malaria medication can hide a lot of the symptoms of Malaria for a few weeks. See Symptoms below.

Malaria Symptoms:

• Fever
  
• Sweating
  
• Headaches
  
• Vomiting
  
• Chills (feeling very cold)
  
• Pain in joints (Arthralgia)
  
• Feeling very tired or sleepy
  
• Cough
  
• Fast heart rate
  
• Low blood pressure
  
• Delirium
  
• Anemia (low red blood cell levels in the blood)
  
• Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
  
• Enlargement of liver or spleen
  
• Coma

If you experience any of the symptoms above, visit your nearest Doctor as soon as possible to get checked / treated.