Most people planning a trip abroad think about flights, hotels, and what to pack. Health risks often come much lower on the list, especially if the destination feels familiar or the trip is short. Yet malaria remains one of the most common serious infections brought back into the UK by travellers each year. UK government health surveillance shows that over 1,500 cases of malaria are reported annually, with almost all linked to overseas travel.
Many of these cases occur in people who did not realise they needed malaria tablets before travel or who were unsure how malaria prevention fits alongside travel vaccines in the UK. Knowing when antimalarial medicines are needed, and when they are not, can be one of the simplest and most effective steps you take to protect your health before travelling abroad.
What is malaria, and why should travellers be concerned?
Malaria is a serious illness caused by parasites that are spread through mosquito bites. It is most common in parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and some Pacific regions. The illness can develop quickly and may become life-threatening if it is not treated promptly.
Travellers are at risk because they often lack natural immunity. Even short stays or visits to urban areas can carry some risk, depending on the country and time of year. This is why malaria prevention is an important part of travel planning.
How malaria is transmitted
Malaria is spread by infected mosquitoes that usually bite at night. Using insect repellent and bed nets helps, but these measures alone are often not enough in higher-risk areas.
Malaria symptoms to be aware of
Symptoms of malaria can include fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, and flu-like feelings. These can appear days or even weeks after returning to the UK, which is why prevention is always better than treatment.
How do you know if your destination requires antimalarial medication?
Not every country where malaria exists requires tablets for every traveller. The need for antimalarial medication depends on several factors, including location, season, and the type of travel planned.
Countries with higher malaria risk
High-risk areas are mainly found in sub-Saharan Africa, but parts of Asia and South America also carry risk. Some countries have risk only in rural areas, while cities may be low risk or risk-free.
Factors that affect your risk
Among the factors that affect your risk of catching malaria, your itinerary comes first. Visiting rural areas, staying overnight in basic accommodation, or travelling during rainy seasons can increase exposure. Length of stay and activities such as outdoor evening events also play a role.
This is why advice should always be personalised rather than based on general assumptions.
When should you start malaria tablets before travel?
Malaria tablets before travel usually need to be started before you leave the UK. The timing depends on the type of medicine prescribed.
Starting treatment at the right time
Some antimalarial medicines are started one to two days before arrival in a risk area, while others need to be started one week before travel. Most continue during the trip and for a period after returning home to ensure full protection.
Why timing is essential
Starting too late or stopping too early reduces protection. Taking tablets exactly as advised is a key part of malaria prevention.
Can antimalarial medicines be taken with travel vaccines in the UK?
Yes, antimalarial medicines can usually be taken alongside travel vaccines in the UK. In fact, many travellers need both.
Combining malaria tablets and vaccines
Vaccines protect against illnesses such as yellow fever, typhoid, or hepatitis, while antimalarial medicines help prevent malaria. They work in different ways and are commonly recommended together for certain destinations.
Getting advice from a travel vaccination clinic
A travel vaccination clinic can review your full itinerary, check your medical history, and recommend the right combination of travel vaccines and antimalarial medicines for your trip.
Who should speak to a pharmacist about antimalarial medicines?
Anyone travelling to a malaria risk area should seek advice before booking or travelling. This includes first-time travellers, frequent travellers, and those visiting friends or family abroad.
Personal health considerations
Certain medical conditions, current medicines, pregnancy, or previous reactions can affect which antimalarial medicines are suitable. This is why professional advice is essential.
Accessing antimalarial medicines in the UK
Antimalarial medicines in the UK are available following a quick assessment. At Townsend Pharmacy, our trained pharmacists can provide guidance on suitability, dosing, and how to take them correctly.
Ready to protect yourself before you travel?
Travelling should be memorable for the right reasons. Understanding when antimalarial medicines are needed helps protect your health while abroad and after you return.
Book an appointment at Townsend Pharmacy today and explore our travel health services to help you travel with confidence. Our pharmacists are here to help you prepare with confidence, from malaria prevention advice to support through a trusted travel vaccination clinic.
FAQs
No, antimalarial medicines are only recommended for countries or regions where malaria transmission is present. Some countries have no malaria risk at all, while others only have risk in certain areas or during specific seasons.
This depends on the type of antimalarial medication prescribed. Some medicines need to be started one or two days before entering a malaria risk area, while others must be started one week before travel.
Antimalarial medicines in the UK are supplied following a suitability assessment to ensure they are safe and appropriate for you. This includes reviewing your destination, medical history, and any medicines you are currently taking.
Yes, malaria tablets and travel vaccines in the UK protect against different illnesses and are often both required for certain destinations. Vaccines do not protect against malaria, so antimalarial medication may still be needed even if all recommended vaccines have been given. A travel vaccination clinic can advise on the full protection plan.
Most antimalarial medicines need to be continued for a period after leaving the malaria risk area, usually one to four weeks depending on the medication. This helps kill any parasites that may still be in the body.