Malaria Prevention

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. If you are traveling to a region where malaria is present, taking preventative medication (chemoprophylaxis) is a vital part of your travel safety plan.

Effective Prevention Options

The choice of medication depends on your destination, the length of your stay, and your personal health history:

• Atovaquone / Proguanil (Malarone): A popular choice for short trips, taken daily starting 1-2 days before travel and for 7 days after returning.
• Doxycycline: An antibiotic that also provides effective malaria protection; must be taken daily and for 4 weeks after return.
• Mefloquine (Lariam): Taken weekly, often started 3 weeks before travel.

Maximizing Your Protection

• The ABCD of Malaria Prevention: Awareness of risk, Bite prevention, Chemoprophylaxis (medication), and Diagnosis (seeking help for fever).
• Avoid Bites: Use high-strength insect repellent (DEET), wear long sleeves and trousers, and sleep under a mosquito net.
• Consistency: Never miss a dose of your preventative medication and complete the full course after returning home.

Travel Health Consultation Online

Don't leave your health to chance. Our online clinic provides an easy way to access the correct antimalarials for your destination. Complete our travel medical assessment, and if appropriate, our UK clinicians will issue a prescription for delivery from our pharmacy before you depart.