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Original poster

Panicking about malaria

12 replies

skillsandtea · 05/04/2015 21:52

Please can someone help me calm down. We've come to South India for 10 days. We has all our necessary jabs but told we did not need malaria tablets and to use deer instead. We've used the deer but forgot to top up in the evening and DH, ds & I have been bitten! Im really panicking now. How do I know if we've got malaria and what do I do? Should we go to the docs when we get home? It's 2am and I can't sleep for worrying! Help..

OP posts:
Original poster
skillsandtea · 05/04/2015 21:53

*Deet not deer!

OP posts:
Carrie5608 · 05/04/2015 21:57

Have a look at www.knowmalaria.com

306235388 · 05/04/2015 21:58

Afaik Southern India isn't a high risk area. Awareness and bite prevention is recommended but medication isn't so you've done the right things. Remember not all Mosquitos carry malaria that's why it's a low risk area.

Obviously if you develops fevers or symptoms then get checked out but otherwise I wouldn't worry.

this may reassure you.

Bugsylugs · 05/04/2015 22:01

Where in India what type of accomodation. Always used to advise malaria prophylaxis for Goa but not any longer if staying in tourist resorts etc.
Symptoms, often temperature that comes and goes, flu like symptoms, headache, diarrhoea.
Try not to worry not a high risk area

specialsubject · 05/04/2015 22:03

you would be doing well to avoid all bites, and if you've been told it is not a malarial area then try not to worry.

as you know it is not the only mosquito-borne disease so do keep up with the DEET 24/7.

Original poster
skillsandtea · 05/04/2015 22:09

We are in Kerala in a really nice resort. All info seems to say that it is a very low risk area. I guess there's no point in worrying now but to mention having travelled here if any of us become ill over the next few months?

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base9 · 05/04/2015 22:10

IF any of you develop flu-like symptoms, then suspect malaria and get to.a doc.for a.test & drugs. At the moment you feel fine. Keep up the anti-mossie prevention until you return from holiday. Keep suspecting malaria at home for several weeks if anyone falls ill. Always tell your doc you have been travelling. For now don't worry about what you cannot fix, and just keep up the prevention. Enjoy your holiday!

Original poster
skillsandtea · 05/04/2015 22:45

Thank you!

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specialsubject · 06/04/2015 10:28

..and another reminder about the other mossie-borne diseases, which won't feel like flu. Believe me, if you've caught dengue you'll know about it.

these risks are part of going to these places - but the odds for tourists are low so keep up the DEET and enjoy.

Kundry · 06/04/2015 10:33

The odds are very low in South India. If you get a fever there or in the first few weeks after coming back you need to see a doctor and state you have been to a malarial area - most of the serious cases are in travellers who went to high risk areas, didn't take proper precautions and then either didn't see a doctor when they became ill or didn't mention the risk of malaria when they did see one.

Original poster
skillsandtea · 07/04/2015 08:55

Malaria and dengue aside, Kerala is amazing. Highly recommend it to anyone who might be thinking of visiting. The backwaters are beautiful and people are so lovely Smile

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Legaldoodle · 09/04/2015 16:23

We went to this area of India last year and did not take any malaria tablets. You will be ok but just cover up and try and avoid bites! Don't worry!! Have a good holiday.

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