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Malaria Prophylaxis & Advice

Planning to travel to a malaria-risk area? At Ready Health Standish, we provide expert malaria prevention advice and prescribe the appropriate malaria prophylaxis to help protect you from this serious mosquito-borne disease.

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is prevalent in many parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East, and some Pacific islands. Symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and severe complications if left untreated.

Who Needs Malaria Prophylaxis?

If you are traveling to a country with a moderate to high risk of malaria, taking preventive medication is recommended. The choice of medication depends on factors such as:
✅ Your destination and length of stay
✅ Your age, medical history, and other medications you may be taking
✅ The presence of drug-resistant malaria strains in your destination

Malaria Prevention – The ABCD Approach

At Ready Health Standish, we follow the ABCD approach to malaria prevention:
🔹 Awareness – Know the risks and symptoms of malaria in your travel region.
🔹 Bite prevention – Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets where necessary.
🔹 Chemoprophylaxis – Take the right malaria prevention medication as prescribed.
🔹 Diagnosis – Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms during or after travel.

Types of Malaria Tablets We Prescribe

We offer a personalized consultation to determine the most suitable antimalarial medication for you. Common options include:
✅ Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone) – Taken daily, well-tolerated, and suitable for short trips.
✅ Doxycycline – Taken daily, also protects against some other infections, but may cause sun sensitivity.
✅ Mefloquine (Lariam) – Taken weekly, suitable for long trips but not recommended for individuals prone to anxiety or depression.

When Should You Start Malaria Tablets?

It’s crucial to start taking malaria tablets before travel, continue them during your stay, and complete the course after returning to ensure full protection. The exact timing depends on the medication prescribed.

Book Your Malaria Consultation

At Ready Health Standish, our clinical team provides expert travel health advice, prescribes malaria prophylaxis, and ensures you are well-prepared for your trip.

📅 Book your malaria consultation today by calling 01257 676001 or visiting our clinic in Standish. Safe travels start with smart prevention!

By following the right malaria prevention steps, you can enjoy your trip safely. Book your consultation today!

Malaria is a serious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. It can cause fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and in severe cases, organ failure or death if left untreated.

Malaria is found in parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East, and some Pacific Islands. Risk levels vary by region, and some areas have drug-resistant strains of the parasite. If you are unsure about the malaria risk at your destination, consult our travel health experts at Ready Health Standish.

If you are traveling to a country with moderate to high malaria risk, taking malaria prophylaxis (preventative medication) is strongly recommended. The best choice of medication depends on factors like your destination, medical history, and length of stay. Our clinicians can advise you on the most suitable option.

At Ready Health Standish, we prescribe the following malaria prophylaxis medications:Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone) – Taken daily, well-tolerated, and suitable for short trips. Doxycycline – Taken daily, also protects against some bacterial infections, but may cause sun sensitivity. Mefloquine (Lariam) – Taken weekly, effective for long trips but not suitable for individuals with a history of anxiety or depression. Each medication works by killing the malaria parasite at different stages of its life cycle, preventing infection from developing.

The timing depends on the medication:Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone) – Start 1-2 days before travel, continue daily during the trip, and for 7 days after returning. Doxycycline – Start 1-2 days before travel, continue daily, and take for 4 weeks after returning. Mefloquine (Lariam) – Start 2-3 weeks before travel, take weekly, and continue for 4 weeks after returning. It’s essential to complete the full course to ensure full protection.

Some malaria medications are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, certain options, like Mefloquine, may be suitable. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, we recommend booking a consultation at Ready Health Standish for tailored advice.

Most people tolerate malaria prophylaxis well, but some may experience mild side effects, such as:Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone): Nausea, headaches, and stomach upset. Doxycycline: Sun sensitivity, stomach upset, and acid reflux. Mefloquine (Lariam): Can cause vivid dreams, dizziness, or mood changes (not recommended for people with mental health conditions). If you experience any severe side effects, stop taking the medication and seek medical advice immediately.

Malaria prevention involves more than just medication. Follow these steps: ✔️ Use a high-strength insect repellent (50% DEET or higher). ✔️ Wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers in the evening. ✔️ Sleep under a mosquito net, especially in high-risk areas. ✔️ Stay in air-conditioned or screened accommodations when possible.

If you experience fever, chills, sweating, headache, or flu-like symptoms within weeks or even months of returning, seek medical attention immediately. Malaria symptoms can take up to a year to appear in some cases, so prompt diagnosis is crucial.

Booking a malaria consultation is easy. You can: 📞 Call us at 01257 676001 📍 Visit us at Ready Health Standish 💻 Email us at Contact@readyhealth.co.uk We’ll assess your travel plans, provide the right malaria prophylaxis, and give you expert travel health advice.