What is it and how do we get it:

Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite. The parasite can be spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The plasmodium parasite is spread by female Anopheles mosquitoes, which are known as "night-biting" mosquitoes because they most commonly bite between dusk and dawn. If a mosquito bites a person already infected with malaria, it can also become infected and spread the parasite on to other people. However, malaria can't be spread directly from person to person. Once you're bitten, the parasite enters the bloodstream and travels to the liver. The infection develops in the liver before re-entering the bloodstream and invading the red blood cells. The parasites grow and multiply in the red blood cells. The infected blood cells burst, releasing more parasites into the blood. The time from the initial malaria infection until symptoms appear typically ranges from: 9 to 14 days

Symptoms of Malaria:

The initial symptoms of malaria are flu-like and include: a high temperature (fever), headache, sweats, chills and vomiting. These symptoms are often mild and can sometimes be difficult to identify as malaria. With some types of malaria, the fever occurs in 48-hour cycles. During these cycles, you feel cold at first with shivering. You then develop a fever, accompanied by severe sweating and fatigue. These symptoms usually last between 6 and 12 hours. Other symptoms of malaria can include: muscle pains, diarrhoea and generally feeling unwell. The most serious type of malaria is caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. Without prompt treatment, this type could lead to you quickly developing severe and life-threatening complications, such as breathing problems and organ failure.

Childhood/ Routine Immunization program in the United Kingdom:

There is no childhood immunization against malaria in the United Kingdom.

What medications are available for Malaria prophylaxis:

It all depends on your destination (if it is in high risk area, moderate risk area or low risk area), and also depends on your medical conditions and your preferences.

Below is the summary of three medications offered by Bell Pharmacy Bow:

Inclusion and Exclusion list:

For patients above age of 50 years. There are inclusion and exclusion list that will be discussed with you during your appointment. You will be asked to fill in an assessment form with all your vaccination history details as well as any medical condition. Also we will go through any allergic reactions you might have. You can download the form here or you can fill it in during your appointment.

Name of the Vaccines subject to availabilities:

Please note Shingle vaccination are not indicated for treatment of shingles.

Side effects:

Minor injection site irritation. Also you could have a bit of temperature and headache after.

Please visit http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations.aspx, after putting your destinations, this website will advise you which vaccines are needed. This website is regularly updated and is authorised by NHS.