For international travelers – especially those going to Africa, Asia and South America – malaria is one of the top health risks to prepare for.
However, there are several myths about preventative malaria medications, which can lead to confusion and lack of treatment.
This article aims to debunk these myths and provide clear, accurate information about using antimalarials for travel.
Myth 1: Malaria Medication is Only Needed in Africa
Fact: Malaria Exists in Many Parts of the World
Many people think malaria is only a problem in Africa.
While it’s true that Africa has the highest number of malaria cases, the disease is also prevalent in parts of Asia, South America, and even some areas of the Middle East. If you’re traveling soon, go to our homepage to select your country before initiating a consultation.
So, if you’re traveling to any region where malaria is present, it’s essential to seek preventive medication. Don’t assume you’re safe just because you’re not going to Africa.
Myth 2: You Don’t Need Malaria Medication if You’ve Had Malaria Before
Fact: Prior Infection Doesn’t Provide Immunity
Some believe that having had malaria once means you won’t get it again. Unfortunately, this isn’t true – you can get malaria multiple times.
Having the disease once doesn’t provide lasting immunity. Each time you travel to a malaria-prone area, you should take the recommended medication to prevent reinfection.
Myth 3: Malaria Medication Causes Severe Side Effects
Fact: Most Side Effects are Mild and Manageable
Some travelers hesitate taking malaria medication, due to fear of severe side effects.
While some malaria medications can cause moderate-to-severe side effects, certain antimalarials like Malarone often have temporary and manageable side effects, including:
- Mild itching
- Vivid dreams
- Minor sore throat or cough
For Malarone, serious side effects are rare (such as vomiting or allergic reactions). Doctors typically agree that side effects of the medication are far less severe than the effects of contracting malaria.
Moreover, different malaria medications have different side effect profiles – as we compare here. If you experience mild side effects, your healthcare provider can often suggest ways to minimize them, such as taking the medication with food or at bedtime.
It’s also worth noting that most people who take malaria medication experience little to no side effects at all, making it a safe and effective way to prevent a potentially deadly disease.
Myth 4: Herbal Remedies Can Replace Malaria Medication
Fact: No Herbal Remedy is a Substitute for Proven Malaria Medications
There’s a misconception that herbal remedies can be used instead of conventional malaria medications.
While some herbs may help alleviate symptoms, they are not a substitute for scientifically proven treatments. Relying solely on herbal remedies can leave you vulnerable to the disease.
Keep in mind:
- Herbal remedies often lack the rigorous testing and regulation that pharmaceutical medications undergo.
- This means their effectiveness can be inconsistent, and they may not provide the necessary protection against all strains of malaria.
- Some herbal remedies can interact with other medications or have side effects that are not well-documented.
In areas where malaria is prevalent, the risk of contracting the disease is too high to rely on unproven treatments. Trusting in well-researched and FDA-approved medications is the safest choice for preventing malaria.
Myth 5: You Only Need to Take Malaria Medication Before Traveling
Fact: Follow the Full Course of Medication
Some travelers believe they only need to take malaria medication before their trip.
However, it’s crucial to follow the full course of medication, which typically includes doses before, during, and after your trip. This ensures that the medication remains effective and helps prevent malaria even after you return home.
Myth 6: Malaria Medication is 100% Effective
Fact: No Medication Offers Absolute Protection
While malaria medication significantly reduces your risk of contracting the disease, no medication is 100% effective. It’s still important to take additional precautions, such as:
- Using mosquito nets
- Applying insect repellent
- Wearing long sleeves and pants
Combining medication with these measures offers the best protection.
The effectiveness of the medication can vary based on factors such as the specific type of malaria, the region you’re in, and your own health and immune system.
For example, some regions have strains of malaria that are resistant to certain medications. This makes it even more important to use multiple preventive measures in tandem.
Using insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets, can further reduce the risk of mosquito bites. Wearing protective clothing, especially during peak mosquito activity times (dusk and dawn), adds another layer of protection. This comprehensive approach ensures you are doing everything possible to avoid malaria.
Myth 7: Children Can’t Take Malaria Medication
Fact: Malaria Medication is Safe for Children
Some parents worry about giving malaria medication to their children.
In reality, many malaria medications are safe for children when used correctly (and often at smaller doses). It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate medication and dosage for your child.
Protecting children from malaria is crucial, especially since they are more vulnerable to severe complications.
Myth 8: Malaria is Only a Concern During the Wet Season
Fact: Malaria Can Be a Risk Year-Round
While malaria transmission often increases during the wet season due to higher mosquito activity, it can still be a risk year-round in many regions.
Mosquitoes that carry malaria can thrive in various environments, making it important to take preventive measures regardless of the season.
Myth 9: If You’re Not in a Rural Area, You Don’t Need Medication
Fact: Urban Areas Can Also Have Malaria Risks
There’s a common belief that malaria is only a concern in rural areas. However, urban areas in malaria-endemic regions can also have mosquitoes that transmit the disease.
For countries with medium and high malaria risks, don’t skip malaria medication just because you’re staying in a city. Always assess the risk based on the region, not the urban or rural setting.
- Urban environments can sometimes be overlooked when it comes to malaria risk.
- Cities can have breeding grounds for mosquitoes, such as stagnant water in construction sites, poorly maintained drainage systems, and urban parks.
- International travel means that infected individuals can bring malaria to urban centers where mosquitoes can then spread the disease.
It’s critical to stay disciplined and adhere to preventive measures even when visiting metropolitan areas.
Public health campaigns often emphasize rural areas, but urban areas are not immune to malaria outbreaks. This is why healthcare professionals stress the importance of preventive medication regardless of the specific location within a malaria-endemic country.
Myth 10: Malaria Medication is Expensive and Hard to Get
Fact: There are Affordable Options and It’s Widely Available
Many think malaria medication is prohibitively expensive or difficult to obtain. While costs can vary, there are affordable options available.
Many telehealth companies and online travel clinics (such as Runway Health) offer more affordable prescriptions compared to primary care & standard clinics, and some insurance plans may cover the cost.
Myth 11: Malaria is No Longer a Major Threat
Fact: Malaria Remains a Significant Global Health Issue
Some believe malaria is no longer a major threat due to advances in medicine.
While progress has been made, malaria remains a significant global health issue, especially in certain regions.
Millions of cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths occur annually. Continued vigilance and preventive measures are essential.
Myth 12: You Can’t Get Malaria if You’ve Been Vaccinated
Fact: Malaria Vaccines are Still in Development and Aren’t Widely Available
Currently, there isn’t a widely available malaria vaccine for USA citizens that provides complete protection.
Although there have been advancements in malaria vaccine development, they are not yet a substitute for preventive medication and other protective measures. Always follow current medical guidelines for malaria prevention.
Myth 13: You Don’t Need Malaria Medication if You’re Using Mosquito Repellent
Fact: Medication and Repellent Work Best Together
Relying solely on mosquito repellent is not enough to prevent malaria.
While repellents can help reduce the risk of mosquito bites, they don’t offer complete protection.
Combining repellent use with taking malaria medication provides a more comprehensive defense against the disease.
Final Takeaways on Malaria Medication
Becoming aware of the myths about malaria medication is crucial for effective prevention and treatment.
Misconceptions can lead to inadequate protection and increase the risk of contracting malaria. Always seek information from reliable sources and consult healthcare professionals for the best preventive measures.
Protecting yourself from malaria involves a combination of medication, personal protection, and staying informed. By debunking these myths and misconceptions, we hope to help you stay safe and healthy during your travels to malaria-endemic regions.
