Anti Malaria Goodies

[Daiseycutter]

Does anybody out there know of a good/effective pilot friendly anti malarial for work in and around West Africa?

[Blinkz]

lariam is the best as far as I recall, IF, and its a big if, you don't have any reactions to it. some of them can be quite serious (hallucinations aren't uncommon)

sorry I can't be more use. Its been 7 years since I lived in kenya.

[df1]

Hi,

For my trips to Africa I use Doxycycline (an anti-biotic). I was offered laruim by my GP when I explained that I would be on sojourn in Africa. However, he quickly withdrew that recommendation when I explained that I would be piloting.

In my experience the only side affect of Doxycycline was making my skin extra sensitive to direct sunlight.

If you do get a prescription for doxycycline you may find that its rather expensive. A seven month supply for me (one a day) worked out at £200 odd. I managed to get it cheaper through a family member.

Apparently larium has some pretty nasty side-affects including hallucinations :uhoh: as stated by Blinkz.

Best of luck :ok:

df1

[Flyin'Dutch']

Lariam is very effective and easy to take.

However notfor you if you have ever had any psychiatric illness(es).

Talk to your healthcare professional for the most up to date advice regarding malaria in the area you intend to visit.

FD

[ausdoc]

Doxycycline is a good option in those who tolerate it (most people). As Df1 said, it can make you a bit sun-sensitive. It can also cause some gastritis, especially if it is taken on an empty stomach, or if you take it straight before going to bed.

I wouldn't recommend Lariam (mefloquine) in aircrew, although there is some research to indicate that in may be safe in individuals with no history of psychiatric or psychological illness, AND they have a 1 month ground trial first to ensure that they don't have reactions to it.

[gingernut]

Daiseycutter, I'd be inclined to take some specialist advice re: drugs to prevent malaria, because of the reasons listed. The literature I've looked at states that larium (chemical name = mefloquine) is contra-indicated in "those performing precision activities, eg pilots" but my reference is rather outdated (1997). It sounds like ausdoc has sight of more up to date literature.

On one hand, you want to take medicines safely, and only if needed, on the other, you want to prevent malaria contraction. (about 2000 cases in the UK per year, resulting in 6-10 deaths).

Remember, if you cut down the number of bites, you cut down the risk. Bite avoidance is most important from dawn to dusk, so wear liong sleeves and pants after dusk.

Mosquito nets soaked in permethrin may help, in less protected accomodation. The "plug in" coils may also help.

Our local school of tropical medicine recommends using a repellant containing DEET (diethyl-toluamide). Spays, gels lotions are usually available, and I believe one of our local chemists sells impregnated wrist bands.

Good luck, if you hear of any up to date research re: flying and larium, post a message, I'd be interested to see it.

[Jinkster]

I know that Field and Trek sell Anti-Malaria Equipment (Nets, Medication etc), not sure what it is like.

www.field-trek.co.uk


Good Luck!!

Jinkster

[Random Electron]

I have taken Larium for years now, with no side effects.

I am aware of some bad press it's had of late though.

I am also aware of the fact that the strain of malaria found on the west coast of Africa is particularly nasty, and not one you would want to take chances with.

[df1]

Further to the last post, I know a pilot who has flown for a number of years in Africa - West Africa included. He contracted Malaria at some point but each year he goes through bouts of fever and Malaria-type symptoms. Apparently it stays with you for life......is this true?

[Bad medicine]

Malaria is a curable condition. The parasite is resistant to some of the previously used drugs, and this resistance varies on a regional basis.

True, if untreated and depending on the strain, malaria does recur on a fairly regular (and sometimes predictable) basis, but there is no need to put up with this. If living in a malarious area, it may be that the individual is becoming re-infected. People growing up or living in malarious areas do develop a degree of immunity over time.

Malaria is a serous disease that kills more people in the world each year than any other cause.

[QDMQDMQDM]

Non-falciparum malaria can stay with you for life and recur if it is not adequately eradicated from the liver by drug therapy.

This is an excellent website for malaria info for free:

http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/

It is the free, public version of the outstanding www.travax.nhs.uk which costs a few ££ and is theroetically for health professionals only.

QDM

[simbumeri]

After 15yrs in Papua NewGuinea i found the best preventive is a good dose of common sense,cover up dont frequent unmossie proofed areas always spray a room before sleeping if you think they are there and always carry a mossie net regardless where you go.
Sure you will get it if you sit out side having a few beers after dusk.
Suggest always have a set of light cotton long sleeve shirts and long trousers and stay behind that stuff called fly wire and just be aware of what is buzzing around and you will be right.

[moosp]

I have used Malarone on the last two tours of Africa for malaria prophylaxis.

It came onto the UK market around 1997 and I believe the US FDA have recently allowed it in the states. It has very low contra-indication rates and I have had no problem with it. It's a daily tablet, a combination of the old Chloroquin and a newer anti-viral that I cannot remember right now.

It is expensive (around two pounds a tablet in UK, US$6 here in HKG- someone's making a nice little earner on that one...) but it is probably the most effective and with the least side effects on the market.

I wouldn't touch Larium with a ten foot pole having seen its side effects in others. One boat skipper said he would not take people on board if they were using it because of his previous experiences of their strange reactions. It is a complete no-no for active pilots.

Doxycycline is OK for some areas but watch for the resistant strains which may be in your area. Anyway do you really want to keep taking a broad spectrum antibiotic all the time? Think about it.

Oh and if you are using a contraceptive pill with doxy you need to use another method of contraception as it frequently prevents the pill's absorbtion. Many medics forget to tell you that one...

QDM's recommended web site is excellent - try it first.