How much thought do you really give to malaria before booking a long-haul trip? For many travellers, it barely features in the planning at all. Yet UK government health data shows that around 1,500 cases of malaria are reported in the UK each year, almost all linked to travel to countries where the infection is still present.
That is why antimalarial drugs remain a key part of travel health planning. When taken correctly, antimalarial medicines help stop malaria parasites from developing in the body, offering protection during travel and after you return home. In this blog, we will understand how these medicines work, when they are needed, and why getting the right advice before you travel can make a real difference.
What is malaria, and why should travellers be concerned?
Malaria is a serious infection spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes, mainly in parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. It can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. Without proper treatment, malaria can become life-threatening.
For travellers, the risk comes from spending time in areas where malaria is common, especially during evenings and nights when mosquitoes are most active. Many people from the UK have little or no natural immunity, which means symptoms can be more severe if infected.
How does malaria affect the body?
Once malaria parasites enter the bloodstream, they travel to the liver and then infect red blood cells. This cycle causes repeated fever and illness, which is why early malaria prevention is so important for anyone travelling to risk areas.
Can malaria be prevented?
Yes. Malaria prevention usually involves a combination of avoiding mosquito bites and taking antimalarial medicines before, during, and after travel. This approach greatly reduces the chance of infection.
How do antimalarial drugs protect you while travelling?
Antimalarial drugs work by stopping malaria parasites from multiplying in your body. Depending on the medicine, they may act in the blood, the liver, or both. This means that even if you are bitten by an infected mosquito, the parasites are less likely to cause illness.
Most antimalarial drugs need to be taken before you travel, throughout your stay, and for a short time after returning home. This schedule ensures ongoing protection, even after you leave the risk area.
Why is timing essential with antimalarial medicines?
Starting antimalarial medicines at the right time allows the medicine to build up in your system. Missing doses or stopping early can reduce protection, so following the advice from a travel clinic is essential.
Are antimalarial drugs safe?
For most people, antimalarial drugs are safe when prescribed correctly. Some may cause mild side effects such as nausea or vivid dreams, but serious reactions are uncommon. Our pharmacists will always review your health and current medicines to choose the most suitable option.
Which antimalarial medicines are commonly prescribed for UK travellers?
There are several types of antimalarial medicines available in the UK. The right one depends on your destination, length of stay, medical history, and any previous reactions to medicines.
Malarone antimalarial is one of the most commonly prescribed options. It is often preferred because it is taken for a shorter time after travel and is generally well tolerated. Other options may be advised for specific regions where resistance to certain medicines is known.
Why should you visit a travel clinic before travelling?
A travel clinic provides personalised advice based on your itinerary, health, and travel plans. Our pharmacists can assess malaria risk, recommend the right antimalarial drugs, and explain how to take them correctly.
Travel health appointments also give you the chance to discuss other precautions, such as insect repellent use, bed nets, and clothing choices. These steps work alongside medicines to improve malaria prevention.
How do antimalarial drugs fit with travel vaccinations?
Antimalarial drugs protect against malaria, while travel vaccinations protect against other serious diseases such as yellow fever or hepatitis. Both are important parts of staying healthy abroad and should be planned together.
When should you book your appointment?
Ideally, you should visit a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure. This allows enough time for travel vaccinations and for antimalarial medicines to be started at the right point.
Ready to protect your health before you travel?
Planning ahead is the best way to reduce health risks while travelling. With the right advice and medicines, malaria is largely preventable, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.
At Townsend Pharmacy, our pharmacists provide trusted travel health guidance, including antimalarial drugs and travel vaccinations based on your destination. We take the time to explain your options clearly and answer any questions you may have.
Book your consultation today at Townsend Pharmacy and travel with greater peace of mind, knowing your health is in safe hands.
FAQs
Yes, if malaria is present. Risk varies by country, region, and travel duration, so a travel clinic assessment helps confirm whether antimalarial medicines are recommended.
Most antimalarial medicines are started before travel, sometimes one to two days in advance, and continued during the trip and after returning to the UK.
Malarone antimalarial is commonly prescribed and well tolerated, but suitability depends on your destination, medical history, and current medicines, which our pharmacists will review.
Yes, antimalarial drugs can usually be taken alongside travel vaccinations. A travel clinic can plan timings properly to ensure safe and effective protection.
Missing a dose may reduce protection. It should usually be taken as soon as remembered, unless close to the next dose, as advised by your pharmacist.
No, most antimalarial medicines must be continued after travel because malaria parasites can remain in the body and cause illness later.