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
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.
There is no childhood immunization against malaria in the United Kingdom.
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:
Malarone | Doxycycline |
Lariam MEFLOQUINE 250mg |
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Dose | One 100mg Doxycycline or two 50mg Doxycycline capsules daily. Commence 48 hours prior to entering a malaria- endemic area and continue during the period of the stay. It should continue for 28 days after leaving the area. | |||
Maximum amount to supply | 24 months | |||
price | £0.30 per tablet | |||
Age Limit | 12 or over | |||
Side Effects | Photosensitivity, skin erythema. Nausea and stomach pain are the most frequent complaints. In rare case itching, rash and allergic reactions may be seen. | |||
Pregnancy | No | |||
Other medications to | ||||
avoid | ||||
Contraindicated | Sever renal, Kidney func | |||
People with renal/kidney problems need to be monitored. In the event of vomiting within 1 hour of dosing, a repeat dose should be taken and the course continued as before |
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 Vaccine | Type of Vaccine | Schedule (see notes above) | Price per schedule including consultation |
Zostavax | Live attenuated | 1 dose | £150/dose |
Please note Shingle vaccination are not indicated for treatment of shingles.
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.