Malaria is a serious disease spread by mosquitoes carrying small parasites that enter the body through the bite of an infected mosquito. Malaria can affect any person in the world, but it is most common in hot and humid tropical areas. When you are bitten by an infected mosquito, the parasites will enter your body, travel through the bloodstream to other areas of the body, and begin to infect red blood cells.
Infants, children under the age of five, pregnant women, HIV/AIDS patients, and people with low immunity who travel to areas with high malaria transmission are all at higher risk of getting malaria and developing severe symptoms. Since the malaria parasite is found in an infected person’s red blood cells, malaria can also transmit through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or the use of infected blood-contaminated needles or syringes. Malaria can also be passed from mother to unborn child prior to or during delivery. People who have had a high exposure to mosquito bites infected with “P. falciparum” malaria are most likely to experience severe symptoms.
Symptoms of Malaria
Malaria symptoms generally occur 10 days between one month after infection and they can range from moderate to severe. The symptoms appear when the parasites start to circulate throughout the body (in some cases, the symptoms may not appear for several months).
Malaria symptoms can be similar to other bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections in the early stages. It could begin with flu-like symptoms. The severity of malaria symptoms differs based on age, overall health, and the type of malaria parasite you have.
A few symptoms of malaria include:
● High fever
● Headaches
● Vomiting
● Feeling dizzy
● Diarrhea
● Pain in the abdomen
● Loss of appetite
● Visibly shaking
● Muscle ache
What Can Travelers Do to Prevent Getting Malaria?
One of the worst things that can ruin your trip is by getting sick. Our pharmacists at Wellness Advice Pharmacy provide you and travelers with the best medicines to ensure that your trip does not turn out badly just because you got sick. We will ensure that you receive the appropriate type and dosage of each medicine according to your travel plans, health records, age, allergies, and other factors.
We recommend that you visit your healthcare professional or our pharmacists, at Wellness Advice Pharmacy in Calgary, 4-6 weeks before your travel date to allow time for some of the prescription medications to become effective and for our pharmacists to prepare any special medications of medicine (especially for children and infants).
Ensure your body is healthy enough for a trip in your local country and overseas with Wellness Advice Pharmacy!
We offer other services as well to help you live a long and happy life, without the ever-dreading sickness ruining your day. For more information, visit our website, give us a call, or take a look at our other blogs!
We hope you get in touch with us and get the best medical care.
