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 Erling Foshaugen, Curious kid in the Omo Valley, Ethiopia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Erling Foshaugen,
Curious kid in the Omo Valley, Ethiopia



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 Nov 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Madrid , Spain
Posts: 239
Malaria Cure ?????? Does it work ??

hullo !!!!

everytime I speak about this issue with local people (talking about wesk / central africa ) ..they dont seem as concerned as us about getting malaria .

why ?

apparently there is a malara treatment , cheap , effective , and fast. Its something called "artesunate hydrocloride" or something like this. People swear that It works , and no side effects (well , definitely much less side effects than lariam)


I though It was another homeopat-herbal-magnetic-cristal quackery ..but surpringly , in EU , I talked to a specialist in tropical medicine and He said that It works. Not only that , but that ITs on the way to be distributed in the west really soon. As a new drug , ITs undergoing all these red-tape double blind safety trials , etc.. etc.. but in Africa is readily available now .

Its manufactured by Bayer , and ITs avaliable everywhere in West Africa for a few euros .Its 6 pills , you take 2, next day 1 , etc,, and so on.and all the times will cure or make your symthoms much better (enabling you to keep on driving ) .

I stocked up quite a few boxes of that for future trips.

UK/Spanish expats in Gambia , dont take any malaria protection at all , and rely simply on using this cure when the first simpthoms arrive. They say Its 100% effective ,etc..


anyone´got experiences with this ?

http://www.malaria-ipca.com/artesunate_amodiaquine.html

have a nice day
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Nov 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Devon,UK
Posts: 47
Hi Javier,
No experience of this particular variant but most of the "cure" drugs available in Africa are Artemisin based. They are all very effective in their local areas if taken early enough into a bout. Very rarely do you need hospital treatment - although it is still possible.
My personal favourite is Artenam. Others favour Coartem but they all work the same way with a loading dose and then 4-5 days after.
I am usually up and around , though weak, after a day.

Hope this helps

George
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Nov 2006
Atwoke's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 219
Javier,

'Local' as in indegenous people will have a ceretain amount of natural immunity against malaria. However, even that does not protect them.

The Artenam cure worked extremely well for me after early diagnosis (everbody said I had Malaria, couldn't get a test done on the sunday, so self medicated) and I was back in the office after a couple of days...

Friend of mine felt first symptoms on a Friday night and waited 'till almost unconcious on Monday morning before being forcefully taken to hospital. She thought it was a return bout of Typhoid rather than Malaria. The cure was two Artenam injections and had her from delirious in bed back to her feet in three days! Mind you, another 12 hours untreated and she would probably have died!

So the key to using a cure rather than prophylaxis is to be confident that you can spot the early signs and have a reliable test kit (you can get false-negative results with quiet a few kits, but false-positive is more common). If in any doubt about your status, I advice would be to pop the pills and see what happens.

Remember Malaria kills very quickly and can be misdiagnosed as something else.

Saludos

Jens
__________________
You can never have too many bikes......

BMW R100GS
Triumph Tiger 885
Yamaha XT600e

Jens is gone, but not forgotten.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Nov 2006
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
Thumbs up Artenam

Quote:
Originally Posted by Atwoke
Javier,

'Local' as in indegenous people will have a ceretain amount of natural immunity against malaria. However, even that does not protect them.

The Artenam cure worked extremely well for me after early diagnosis (everbody said I had Malaria, couldn't get a test done on the sunday, so self medicated) and I was back in the office after a couple of days...

Friend of mine felt first symptoms on a Friday night and waited 'till almost unconcious on Monday morning before being forcefully taken to hospital. She thought it was a return bout of Typhoid rather than Malaria. The cure was two Artenam injections and had her from delirious in bed back to her feet in three days! Mind you, another 12 hours untreated and she would probably have died!

So the key to using a cure rather than prophylaxis is to be confident that you can spot the early signs and have a reliable test kit (you can get false-negative results with quiet a few kits, but false-positive is more common). If in any doubt about your status, I advice would be to pop the pills and see what happens.

Remember Malaria kills very quickly and can be misdiagnosed as something else.

Saludos

Jens

Jens, never heard of Artenam before but sounds interesting. I'm going to SA in 6 months time and worrying about malaria. Can you buy Artenam in the UK?
And does it work for South American "choroquine resistant" strains?
Cheers,
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Nov 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Madrid , Spain
Posts: 239
hi Maria.

dont worry about where to get those Artinam/Artesunate . Once in Africa, virtually every chemists' sell those -or similar ones- . I guess they sell more Artinam than aspirins.

also the same about the malaria profilaxis. I used to pay 30-50 EUR for Lariam/Malarone/ etc... and then I discovered that in Africa , they sell generics (exactly the same) at a ridiculus low price (Generic Lariam goes for around 1 Euro the whole blister of 4 )

Have a nice day
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 3 Nov 2006
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
Smile And what about South America?

I'm planning to spend a year riding round South America.

Does anyone know how easy it is to buy profilaxis and malaria treatment like Artinam/Artesunate over there ? Should I bulk up here in the UK or better to buy over there? (Ecuador/Peru/Colombia/Brazil?)

Thanks!
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 3 Nov 2006
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
Thumbs up hello

Hi Bert!

un pot serait sympa! J'ai la meme becane du coup je serais interesse de voir les modif que tu as fait sur la tienne!

I will try to organise a London drinks for later this month! The last one I organised in August was successful!
I will start a new thread for this! Look out for it!
Cheers!
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 4 Nov 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: in our 15th year on the road-only half way- now in Panama
Posts: 269
malaria....just some extra thoughts

My husband and I have both experienced malaria....whilst taking anit-malaria meds..........
remember - no medication guarantees 100% effectiveness!
Malaria is a serous and is sometimes a fatal disease....and there is no vaccination against malaria.
it is true that sometimes the locals of a country may have some in-built protection but there are more indigenous deaths due to malaria in Africa then of AIDS.

When travelling through Africa my husband and I took doxycycline as we required a medication for prolonged use. It was effective as we did not suffer from malaria whilst in Africa....but we were always using other precautions as well...ie spray, covering up etc.

However, whilst in South America we suffered two very bad attacks of malaria.(Strain- plasmodium vivax..the most common) I was unable to reach other meds or a hospital for almost 2 weeks....during this time the situation just worsens. Once admitted I suffered temps of 42 degs....and things excreting from every orifice for 6 days...there is always a risk of coma in this scenario.

Self medication may work in very mild cases but this is a killer and correct treatment should be sought. The parasites can remain in your liver for many months or even years before once again becoming active.....so you think your self-medication has worked.....it has usually just succeded in laying the parisites dormant for a while.

One option is to carry with you the tablets Cloroquine and Primaquine...both available abroad easily....but only via prescription in the UK. But you should always discuss proper usage of these meds with a doctor before-hand so you know how to adminster them correctly.

for more information on MALARIA PRECAUTIONS visite the site
http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/
and for information on medications try the link for the same site.....
http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/Gener...prophylax.html

I hope this helps.....
__________________
Lisa
www.2ridetheworld.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 4 Nov 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Golden, CO USA...on the road since Sept 2005
Posts: 343
Wow, good info/advice from Lisa! I'm in Uganda now and just read in the local news that one person in Africa dies from malaria every 30 seconds. There is no cure for malaria, but there are meds to help ease its effects. It is important to avoid being bitten in the first place. I am taking Malinal now; it is not cheap- and requires daily dosage- but covers the 4 main strains of malaria where I'm travelling. As Lisa mentioned, taking the meds doesn't make you invulnerable- avoid the bites and remember, there is no cure- yet.
__________________
"And I think to myself, what a wonderful world..." L.B. Armstrong. www.davesgreatescape.net
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readme...e&id=661274218

Last edited by hook; 4 Nov 2006 at 16:00.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 8 Dec 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 158
Stay away

From Larium or its generics unless u dont mind having the craziest dreams ever. It also makes u sweat like hell in hotter temps too.

IMHO i would go for prevention next time rather than take those tabs again. Cloroquine and Primaquine also will work wonders should you get infected.

In 6 months in africa i found tabard to be the best bet. The spray type. or if you really dont mind smelling try this ....proven..... Tabbard cream mixed with Dettol....
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 15
Malaria, Artesuante, Doxy!

Hi!

If you are on a bike just passing by, it would be HIGHLY irresponsible to not use some form of prophylaxis! That is unless you are familiar with the area, ie doctors, hospitals, clinics, medicne and malaria!

I live in Madagascar and stayed in a Malaria area for 3 three years, Had malaria twice. The first year I used something.. cant remember the name. One tablet daily and the other once a week. Had malaria in spite of this.

The next two years I didnot use meds and had malaria once.

It is true that malaria can usually be cured very easily BUT you can die within 24 hours from malaria as well!

Remember that the locals are "used to " malaria, ie partially resistant. also for them it is a common thing and they will not share your concern. Why is he worried? Everybody gets malaria every now and again. Just deal with it you funny foreigner!

Be safe!
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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
LOOKING TO WORK FOR ORGANIZED BIKE TOURS annabiker Money Saving Ideas, making travel money 8 16 Feb 2008 04:08
Possiblity of finding work abroad? whynotwander Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 3 8 Aug 2005 15:29
malaria i sahara mario travaini Staying Healthy on the Road 9 6 Aug 2005 20:29
place to work in San Diego berdebeer Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 0 27 Aug 2004 05:17
Chloroquine Moflow Staying Healthy on the Road 7 27 Jan 2004 05:47

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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 04:02.