Namibie 2007: malaria
Namibia is a malaria area
The best way to prevent malaria, is to use preventative products such as soaps, lotions etc (we have bought some for you) and to wear long pants after sunset. There are many tablets on the market against malaria too. Please speak to your doctor about which ones to use.
From personal experience I would warn you against using Lariam (Mefloquine/mefliam). I know of many people that have had VERY bad side-effects!!!!!
You also need to ensure that they give you a combination for the 2 types of malaria chloroquine and proguanil. (here in SA the 2 that they use are “Paludrine” and “Daramal”)
The other 2 very good options (the ones we normally use) are Homoeopathic remedy (We can give you the detail if you wish) or the antibiotic Doxycycline. These have the least side effects (from personal experience).
AN ARTICLE WE FOUND:
Anti-malaria tablets (prophylactic)
There are a number of different types of anti-malaria tablets available. Choosing one depends both upon the particular area being visited, and the traveller's own medical history. Within south Africa's borders, SAA netcare travel clinics recommend either mefloquine (mefliam) or doxycycline as being the most effective anti-malaria tablets. Both of these drugs require a prescription.
Mefloquine (mefliam) is taken in adult dosage of one tablet per week. This should be commenced at least one week before entering the malarious area and continued for four weeks after leaving the malarious area. Mefloquine (mefliam) is best taken at night after a meal, and with liquids. The principal contra-indications to the use of mefloquine (mefliam) are a history of psychiatric problems or epilepsy. (Remember my note about this one!!!!! Rather do not take it)
Doxycycline is taken in an adult dosage of 100mg per day, starting a day or two before entering a malarious area. Like mefloquine (mefliam) it should be taken for four weeks after return. The drug should be taken after a meal, and washed down with plenty of liquid. It should be avoided in pregnancy and children.
A combination of chloroquine and proguanil can be used as prophylactic against malaria. And is available without a doctor's prescription. This combination is more difficult to use than the simpler mefloquine and doxycycline regimes, and is believed to offer less protection. No method of malaria prevention is one hundred per cent effective, and there is still a small chance of contracting malaria despite the taking of anti-malaria medication and the adoption of personal protection methods. This does not mean that anti-malaria medication and personal protection measures should be neglected, simply that any traveller developing possible symptoms of malaria should seek medical advice despite having taken the prescribed precautions.
