Do I have to take Malaria prevention meds to travel to the Philippines or Asia ?

Question

I am traveling to the Philippines this coming December but before I leave my doctor prescribe me atovaquone/proguanil meds. This meds seem too much to acquire for just malaria prevention. Is there any alternative medications I can substitute with or something that doesn't cost much and have the same effect of safety? I could do other things in the Philippines such as buy presents to the kids as oppose to buying the meds. Is it really advisable to have these meds taken before or after my trip? Perhaps any advices that would be more sensible.

Answer 1

Will the meds hurt?  Do they cost too much?

Are you a gambler?  I have been here for a while now and haven't taken anything and the VA docs haven't told me to.

The cities are pretty much up to date in the mosquito killing technology yet they have Dingy , I don't know the spelling, In the provinces there is no control at all.

Be safe.  Come have fun without the stress of worry.

Answer 2

Well, gee, you paid your doctor for advice and prescription, and he prescribed a malaria prevention according to the CDC guidelines.

You don't want to take it, don't take it; but if you can afford the trip you can afford malaria prevention.

I've made 3 trips and took Malarone daily.  I chose Malarone over what my doctor prescribed because Malarone was MOST expensive but had fewer possible side effects.

Good Luck  

Answer 3

It's always better to get vaccinated for your peace of mind.. I personally never took any vaccinations.. It's not really advisable although there's always that chance that you will get dengue or malaria.. This chance is comparable to your car getting into an accident where the vaccine serves as a seatbelt..

It seldom happens though but you probably don't need it as long as you have mosquito nets around and as long as no one is infected in the community that you are going to.... Remember that locals should have been infected first already if there's a threat for it..

My answer is : you don't need it..

At the most, maybe just buy OFF lotion to repel away mosquitoes at night..

Answer 4

I have been to the Philippines three times, I never took any vaccination of any kind and yeah I been to remote areas too. Only got a stomach ache once bec of the water (ice water on a remote island). Basically you dont need any protection if you are a man...

Answer 5

no, need if you're staying at the city. if you're going mountain climbing you need malaria prevention =)

Answer 6

During our first travel back home, our PCP prescribed Lariam for Malaria and Cipro, an antibiotic. I also took birth control pills because it's risky to get pregnant. Thanks goodness there were no side effects. We also had Hepatitis A, B, and C immunizations and Tetanus booster shots. I would recommend the following:

OFF Bugs spray

Nyquil

Pepto Bismol or Tums

lip balm

sunscreen (SPF 30 or 50)

The second visit, we opt out the medication. We brought the things above and the pasalubong ( gifts to the family). Have fun and enjoy!

Answer 7

Nah dont bring any of that sorta stuff. If your going to the provinces just bring good repelant and wear long sleeves and pants at night. Its not that bad. I would suggest getting afew shots though like Tetanus and the Hep A and B ones. Other than that you can easily buy just about any meds in the Pines and its fairly cheap.  

Answer 8

Basically no.  The malaria prevention is not only expensive, but it only gives you an 80% protection anyway AND does more damage to you body (especially liver) than if you would get Maöaria and treat it timely.

Unless you are in very remote areas of southern Palawan, you are at very limited risk.  Even then physical prevention (long clothes at dusk, mosquito repellent, etc) will be just as effective.  Just be alert if you get Malaria symptoms (fever, clod sweats, shivering, aches in joints) in the days and weeks after visiting that area.

I've had malaria 2x (in West Africa) and was taking the meds the first time I got it.  They are a waste of tim and money and you cant booze while taking them either.

Answer 9

You better take more than that! Don't forget that the Philippines has a very high rate in TB cases. Just bring everything even like a quarantine bio hazard suit. It's so filthy down in the Philippines it's nasty, lots of trash everywhere with kids playing in it. If your a guy you better also keep you know who in a dormant status until you go back home.

Answer 10

Just take the meds just in case your allergic to any bugs especially mosquitoes, i'd recommend you buy the strongest or longest lasting bug repellent

**************************************...

What Kind Of Mosquito Repellents Are Available?

Repellents that are currently available are either synthetic chemicals, such as DEET, or plant derived chemicals such as Citronella. Various formulations of these repellents are available that differ in the amount of active ingredient, which is the substance that actually repels the mosquito. These products are available as sprays, wipe-on's, sticks, foams, and lotions

**************************************...

Have a fun trip to the Philippines

Answer 11

where in the Philippines do you intend to stay? not all places are malaria-infested, and not all places are teeming with mosquitos. there is a medicine called quainine (pronounced as kwaynine), an orange tablet which is relatively cheap and sold in the Philippines.

it is not really advisable to take such meds if you would only be staying in the cities. malaria is common in the provinces.

better to take medicines for cough and colds than for malaria.

Answer 12

in remote areas like those mountainous ones and near the river or creeks, you need to take some meds for malaria. but i think if your body is strong enough then you won't need it. the only things you need to bring are long sleeves shirt and long pants,buy some mosquito repellent as well, they are available in most drug stores in the philippines.

there is a cheaper anti-malaria medicine called quainine, like the first answerer said. i had that before. its effective and one could also take it if already sick with malaria.