About Malaria Prevention
When Should You Start Malaria Prevention
Malaria prevention should begin before travelling to areas where the disease is present, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. As malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes that bite mainly between dusk and dawn, early preparation is essential.
Depending on the type of malaria prevention tablets or medication, treatment may need to start days or weeks before travel.
Our specialist nurses will assess your destination, travel duration and medical history to advise when to begin your malaria prevention treatment.
Malaria Prevention Tablets & Medication
There is currently no widely available vaccine for travellers, so prevention relies on malaria prevention tablets (pills) and avoiding mosquito bites.
Different types of malaria prevention medication are available, and the most suitable option depends on:
- Your destination
- Length of stay
- Medical history
- Previous travel experience
Our clinicians will recommend the most appropriate malaria prevention tablets based on your individual travel plans.
How Malaria Prevention Is Taken
Malaria prevention tablets are taken orally, usually once daily or weekly depending on the medication prescribed.
Your consultation typically includes:
- A travel risk assessment
- Personalised medication advice
- Instructions on how to take your tablets safely
Our goal is to provide a simple and effective malaria prevention plan tailored to your trip.
How Long Should You Take Malaria Tablets
The duration of malaria prevention treatment varies depending on the medication.
In most cases:
- Tablets are started before travel
- Continued during your trip
- Taken for a period after returning
Our specialist nurses will provide clear guidance on your specific schedule.
Effectiveness of Malaria Prevention
When taken correctly, malaria prevention tablets can significantly reduce your risk of infection, often providing high levels of protection.
However, no prevention method is 100% effective, so combining medication with bite avoidance is essential.
Possible Side Effects
Most people tolerate malaria prevention medication well, but side effects can vary depending on the type of tablets prescribed.
Possible side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Stomach upset
- Sleep disturbances
Serious side effects are uncommon. Our specialist nurses will discuss the best option for you based on your medical history.
Who Should Take Malaria Prevention Tablets
Malaria prevention tablets are recommended for travellers visiting areas where malaria is present, particularly:
- Those travelling to high-risk regions
- People staying for extended periods
- Travellers visiting rural or remote areas
- Individuals unable to avoid mosquito exposure
If you are unsure about prevention for malaria, our clinic will provide personalised advice.
Risk of Catching Malaria
Malaria is a serious infection caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites.
Malaria symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Chills and sweating
- Fatigue
Symptoms can develop within 7–15 days, but may appear weeks or months later.
In severe cases, malaria can lead to complications such as seizures, coma or death if not treated promptly.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential, and malaria prevention remains the most effective way to reduce your risk
Our London Travel Clinics
We have four central London travel clinics in Liverpool Street, London Bridge, High Street Kensington, and Mayfair, convenient for anyone living or working in the city. We are open early mornings, lunchtimes, evenings, and weekends, providing all essential travel vaccinations and medications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Malaria Prevention
Malaria is a serious tropical disease caused by parasites and transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, mainly between dusk and dawn.
Malaria is found in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia and South America.
Common malaria symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea and sweating, often appearing 7–15 days after infection.
Malaria prevention includes taking appropriate malaria prevention tablets and avoiding mosquito bites using repellent, protective clothing and mosquito nets.
Malaria prevention tablets (antimalarials) are prescription medications taken before, during and after travel to reduce the risk of infection by killing the parasite.
Anyone travelling to a malaria-risk area should take malaria prevention medication, especially those visiting high-risk regions or staying for extended periods.
When taken correctly, malaria prevention tablets can reduce your risk by over 90%, but should always be combined with bite prevention measures.
There are several different antimalarial options available, and the most appropriate one depends on your destination, length of stay, medical history and personal suitability. Our specialist nurses will recommend the best option for you during your consultation.
You must continue malaria prevention treatment after returning home because parasites can remain in the body and cause illness later if not fully cleared.
The incubation period for malaria is usually 10–15 days, but symptoms can appear weeks or even months after exposure.
Yes, malaria can be treated effectively if diagnosed early, but it is a medical emergency and requires urgent attention.
Yes, untreated malaria can become life-threatening and may lead to severe complications such as organ failure, coma or death.
Not always, malaria prevention pills are recommended depending on your destination, length of stay and level of risk, which our specialist nurses will assess.
If you develop a fever or flu-like symptoms after visiting a malaria-risk area, seek urgent medical attention and mention your travel history.
In some cases, standby emergency treatment may be advised for remote travel, and this can be discussed during your consultation.
The cost of malaria prevention tablets depends on the medication prescribed and the length of your trip, with prices typically ranging from around 50p to £4.50 per day. We will confirm the exact cost during your consultation once the most suitable option has been chosen for you.
If you are searching for malaria prevention tablets near me, London Vaccination Clinic offers expert travel advice and prescriptions at Central London locations.
