If you’re planning to travel to tropical parts of the world, taking antimalarials could be the difference in keeping yourself safe from malaria.

Malaria is a disease spread by mosquitoes, and without protection, it can have severe consequences. It’s one of the last things you want to deal with when you’re supposed to be having a relaxing holiday.

At our Croyland Pharmacy Travel Clinic in Wellingborough and Northampton, we provide expert advice and a range of anti-malarial tablets to help you stay protected on your trip.
Book an appointment online for your free consultation. We’ll create a vaccine schedule for you based on your travel plans.

When Do You Need to Take Antimalarials?

You may need anti-malarial tablets if you’re travelling to a country where malaria is common. Many regions in Africa, Asia, South America, and some parts of the Middle East and Pacific islands have high malaria risks.

Even if you’re only visiting for a short period, it’s important to take precautions, as just one mosquito bite can be enough to infect you.

If your trip includes rural areas, forests, or places near bodies of water, your risk may be even higher. Mosquitoes that carry malaria tend to breed in warm, humid environments, so you should take extra care if you’re travelling during the rainy season. Even in cities, there is still a risk, so it’s always best to check whether you need anti-malarial tablets before you go.

Some of the highest-risk areas include:

Sub-Saharan Africa – Countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania have high rates of malaria infection.
South and Southeast Asia – Areas including India, Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia have a malaria risk, especially in rural locations.
South America – Parts of Brazil, Peru, and Colombia have a presence of malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
Some Pacific Islands – Countries such as Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands have cases of malaria.

If you’re not sure about the specific risk for your travel we can help! Our travel clinic in Northampton and Wellingborough can provide you with up-to-date advice on malaria risks in different countries as well as any other vaccines you might need for your destination.

What are the symptoms of Malaria?

Malaria symptoms can take between 7 to 18 days to appear after being bitten by an infected mosquito. If you’re only on a short trip you might not notice symptoms until you’re back in the UK. In some cases, symptoms may not show for several months. If you know the symptoms of malaria, and you worry you’ve been exposed, you can act fast to get the treatment you need.

Common signs of malaria include:

• High temperature or fever
• Sweats and chills
• Headaches
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Muscle aches and fatigue

The symptoms of malaria can sometimes be mistaken for flu, but if you have recently returned from a high-risk area and feel unwell, you should seek medical attention immediately to rule it out. Malaria can become serious if left untreated, so early diagnosis and treatment are important if you think you might have it.

Protecting Yourself Against Malaria While Travelling

Taking anti-malarial tablets is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, but it’s also important to follow other precautions. You can take some simple steps to protect you and your family while you travel, they aren’t difficult to do and considering the potential benefits, they’re worthwhile.

Use insect repellent

A repellent containing DEET will help keep mosquitoes away from you making you less likely to be bitten. Be sure to read the instructions of whichever one you buy to use insect repellent properly.

Wear protective clothing

The less exposed skin, the less places for a mosquito to bite. Long-sleeved tops and trousers can help to reduce the number of bites you’re likely to get. If you’re travelling somewhere warm, make sure to look at layers that are breathable but still give good coverage.

Sleep under a mosquito net

If you’re staying in an area with a high risk, using a treated mosquito net can provide extra protection at night. Overnight you can’t control how covered you are and can’t keep applying repellent so nets give you consistent protection while you sleep.

Stay indoors during peak mosquito hours

Mosquitoes that carry malaria are most active between dusk and dawn. If you can, stay inside where there’s fewer bugs around.

Choose accommodation with air conditioning

Mosquitoes struggle in cool, air-conditioned environments, so staying in a well-sealed room can help reduce your chances of being bitten.

By combining these with the right anti-malarial tablets, you can significantly lower your chances of getting malaria while abroad and stay safe while you travel.

Get Your Antimalarials at Croyland Pharmacy

At our travel clinic in Wellingborough and Northampton, we provide a range of anti-malarial medications tailored to your destination and medical needs. Different types of tablets are available, and our team will guide you on the best option for your trip.

It’s important to start taking some anti-malarial tablets before you travel to allow them time to take effect. Depending on the type, you may need to continue taking them for a period after returning home to make sure you’re fully protected.

If you’re unsure whether you need antimalarials or have any questions about travel health, visit Croyland Pharmacy today. Book your consultation online to get started.