Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Staying Healthy on the Road
Staying Healthy on the Road Medical info, e.g. malaria, vaccinations, travel medical tips, medical insurance, where to find a doctor.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Jul 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Denmark
Posts: 80
malaria i sahara

hi, does anyone know which malaria treatment one can buy in Europe to take with to a 6 month trip? I know there's no malaria in the Sahara but we'll be also travelling through some places where there's a risk, and I'd like to have some pills with me just in case.
I used once "Arinate" but I don't know if it's still for sale in pharmacies.
Thanks
__________________
Mario T. - southing
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Jul 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 332
You will find pills for stand-by medicamentation in West African pharmacies, also thees chineese artemisia products like "artesunate".

Malarone is available in Europe, but not cheep. It's advantage over Lariam: much less colateral effects like depressions (which are frequent with Lariam).

Yves
__________________
Yves
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Jul 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 49
Hi,

Okay my advice after taking Malaria tablets. I took Malarone in 2001 and in 2004 with no problems. Damn expensive, however, some doctors are putting it on normal prescription which is a lot cheaper than a private one. I managed to get it on normal prescription last November (in UK this means I only paid £6.90).

I would suggest Malaria risk is low from November to May in most places. In Sub Saharan Africa above Guinea. Although, it only takes one Mozzie to get you. So do take the tablets and lots of 50% DEET. Deet will also keep away a lot of other biting flies.

In 2002 I took Avloclor and Paludrine, I had side affects from these two and would never go back to them, it caused depression for three months. They also tasted disgusting. Thankfully, the depression was not too bad to warrant any medication. Just rest and relaxation.

Hope this helps

Andy
__________________
I came, I saw. I ran for it.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Jul 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Denmark
Posts: 80
Hi,
sorry, i meant treatment and not prophylaxis, we won't take any prevention(beside long arm/troussers, deet, etc)
but I was wondering if one can buy in Europe a treatment to cure the malaria once you got it. As I said I used once in Zambia "Arinate" and it was very effective. I also saw in Nairobi the chinese treatment. Does anyone know if Dakar maybe would be a good place to buy them? or France/Spain? I can't find any in Denmark (even Deet is forbidden here)

thanks
__________________
Mario T. - southing
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Jul 2005
Ian Ian is offline
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 443
I carried Malarone to use as a treatment but never used it. It was recommended as a treatment by my doctor. I've also bought Fansidar over the counter in the region, also to use as a treatment but never actually used that.

I've caught malaria a couple of times in NW Africa, once in The Gambia, once I think in Niger, but I was actually sick in Mali. The symptoms in my experience are rather like the effects of a very, very bad hangover.

I've been treated with intravenously delivered chloroquine, adminstered in a local hospital where the test and treatement were administered very quickly and professionally. In future I'll carry some form of treatment, but only use it where I can't get to a hospital.

On both occassions I've caught the parasite I had been taking Lariam as a prophylaxis, but after catching malaria the second time, the doctors in Mali advised just to take a single dose of chloroquine every day (don't know how much) as a prophylaxis. I've since used this on subsequent trips to the region, and I think last time I went I didn't use anything - but I was by the coast most of the time, hence there was usually a breeze to keep the mosquitoes away.

[This message has been edited by Ian (edited 30 July 2005).]
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Jul 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Riga, Latvia
Posts: 53
think in winter time in sahara best is long trausers and so, I hardly saw any moscito all tha way to gambia.
Although when i came back i had strange symptoms like malaria and was even hospitalised, but it ended like noone was sure what happened to me. I am still alive, and had nice week in hospital,
kaspars
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Jul 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 49
Hi all,

I have a friend Jonathan - nice guy - wild about Star Trek. Anyway he went off to Kenya and decided as he was doing a three month stay he would forget malaria prevention tablets. After some 6 weeks he caught Malaria. A bad infection.

He was so ill he was flown to South Africa and was told that they would try one final drug and if it didn't work - time for him to die. Thankfully it worked.

I always take preventatives in Gambia - you can die from Malaria. Take Malarone - worst you will get is an upset stomach for a couple of days initially. Far better than a nice coffin and a headstone.

Im a Reverend though, so I can do you cheap deal on a funeral.

Prevention is always better than treatment.

I saw lots of mosquitos in Brikama in Gambia, if you get maybe a mile away from the Coast Mozzies are about.

Not too sure what the flies are on the shore, but they really hurt when they bite your ankles.

Anyway I am off to the camping shop to buy a new toy - a storm kettle.

Barbeque on the beach time.

Andy
Defender 110 Brikama - are we mad? Jan - April 2006. 4 Kids, one wife and a long way.
__________________
I came, I saw. I ran for it.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 31 Jul 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: London, UK
Posts: 270
Hi Guys

Have used Malerone without any side effects but as stated it is damn expensive unless you can get it on a NHS prescription in the UK. Have used some others and have had bad side effects.

I would also point out that Malaria is the biggest killer in the world, so whilst some people just get bad flu like symtoms far more die from it.

Gambia is notorious bad from Malaria, see how many locals want tablets from you.


Julio

Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 6 Aug 2005
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,123
I just came back from a week in Chad and Cameroon - I have been taking Malarone prophylactically, with no side effects noticed at all, other than a much lighter wallet - the stuff costs CHF 6 a tablet (USD $4.50 a tablet) here in Switzerland. Thank goodness my employer pays for it...

I took Paludrine and Chloroquine daily for 3 years back in the late 1980's when I was living in Angola. I don't think I had any side effects from those, although I suspect the mosquitos probably laugh at those medications now - figure they are just like adding salt and pepper to their meal.

When I was in Chad last week, my employer (in this case, an international oil company that was just paranoid about making sure no-one caught malaria) gave me a mediciment called 'Coartem' - made by Novartis - and told me to keep this with me for the next 3 months (after I had left the malarial area) in case I contracted malaria and needed self-treatment. This particular drug is a treatment only, not a prophylaxis. I have no idea how well it works, or how much it costs.

Michael
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 6 Aug 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Oslo, Norway/ Provence, France
Posts: 99
Is Malarone available in West Africa?

[This message has been edited by Dizzie (edited 06 August 2005).]
__________________
Dizzie
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:22.