Travelling abroad as a family can be exciting, but when heading to a malaria risk zone, it is vital to think carefully about malaria prevention. In 2023, the UK recorded over 2,100 cases of imported malaria, the highest number since 2001, which shows just how important the right anti‑malarial protection can be.
Choosing the right anti-malarial protection can feel overwhelming with so many options available. In this article, we break down what families in the UK should know before travelling, making the process simple and reassuring.
The Importance of Malaria Prevention for Families Travelling Abroad
Malaria is a serious illness spread through mosquito bites in certain parts of the world, especially Africa, Asia, and South America. It can affect anyone, but children and older adults are often more vulnerable. Prevention is always better than cure, which is why families should prepare in advance with the right travel vaccines, protective measures, and anti-malarial tablets.
Steps Families Can Take for Malaria Prevention
Good preparation starts with knowing the risks and planning ahead. Families should research their travel destination and speak with our pharmacists to understand what type of protection is required.
Here are the key steps to follow:
1. Get the Right Travel Vaccines
Not all countries with malaria risk will need vaccines beyond anti-malarial protection, but some regions may also require routine travel vaccines such as yellow fever, typhoid, or hepatitis A. Staying up to date helps protect your whole family from a wider range of illnesses.
2. Choose Suitable Anti-Malarial Tablets
Anti-malarial tablets are one of the most reliable ways to prevent malaria. However, not every tablet is suitable for every person. Our pharmacists will recommend the most effective option based on factors like age, weight, medical history, and the specific area you are visiting. Children, in particular, often need different doses or types compared to adults.
3. Practise Travel Safety Tips to Reduce Risk
Tablets alone are not enough. Families should also use bed nets, insect repellent, and long-sleeved clothing to reduce mosquito bites. Simple habits like staying indoors during peak biting times (dusk to dawn) can make a big difference.
What to Consider When Choosing Anti-Malarial Protection?
Families should not pick medication at random. Here are the main points to think about when making a choice:
Duration of Travel
Some anti-malarial tablets need to be taken daily, while others are weekly. If you are travelling for a short time, one type may be easier to manage than another. For longer trips, convenience and tolerance are important.
Age and Health Conditions
Children, pregnant women, and those with ongoing health conditions may not be able to take certain tablets. Our pharmacists will always match the safest option to your family’s health profile.
Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, anti-malarial tablets can have side effects, though not everyone experiences them. It is best to start them a little before travelling to make sure they suit you and your family.
The Destination
Malaria parasites differ across the world, which means not all medicines work in every region. Our experts will check the latest health guidance for your exact destination to recommend the most effective choice.
Family Health in the UK: Planning Ahead for Safer Travels
Good family health in the UK starts before you leave the country. Booking a consultation well in advance gives time to arrange travel vaccines, choose the right tablets, and practise safe travel habits together. By doing this early, families can travel with peace of mind, knowing they have done everything possible to reduce risk.
Take the Stress Out of Malaria Prevention
When planning a trip abroad, the last thing families want is to worry about serious illness. By combining anti-malarial tablets with sensible travel safety tips, your family can enjoy new experiences while staying safe and healthy.
Our pharmacists are here to guide you every step of the way, with support available at our travel clinics in Reigate, Redhill, Merstham, Earlswood, and Homethorpe. Shop anti-malarial tablets online today at Townsend Pharmacy.