Malaria Prevention Service
Miles Pharmacy can provide you and your loved ones with a choice of malaria tablets in store or online without needing to see your GP
How do I take my antimalarials?
Chloroquine, Proguanil – Start one week before travel, throughout your stay in an endemic area and continue for four weeks after return.
Mefloquine (Lariam) – Start two and a half weeks before travel, throughout your stay in an endemic area and continue for four weeks after return.
Doxycycline – Start two days before travel, throughout your stay in an endemic area and continue for four weeks after return.
Malarone – Start two days before travel, throughout your stay in an endemic area and continue for one week after return.
Top tips for protecting against malaria
- Use an antimalarial we have recommended
- Wear light, protective clothing Use an insect repellent such as deet (>30%)
- Tuck your trouser legs into your socks
- Use mosquito nets or window screens
- Protect yourself morning, evening and night
- Garlic, vitamin B, ultrasound do not work
- No prophylaxis is 100% fool proof
What is malaria?
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease which is widespread in many tropical and subtropical countries. It is caught by being bitten by an infected mosquito that is carrying the malaria parasites in its saliva. The malaria parasite is a microscopic organism called a Plasmodium and it belongs to the group of tiny organisms known as protozoans. There are four types of plasmodium: P. falciparum (the most dangerous), P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae. The species of mosquito that carries the malaria parasites is the Anopheles mosquito.
Where can I get it?
Malaria occurs in over 100 countries and more than 40% of the people in the world are at risk. Large areas of Central and South America, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Oceania are considered malaria-risk areas.
How can I prevent infection?
Medicines which previously were only prescribed by your doctor can now be supplied by pharmacists at Miles Pharmacy in Epsom.