Medication/injections

[cathy]

I'm treking kokoda in June and just wanting to know about malaria tablets. I've had vaccinations for tetnus, hepatitas and typhoid but was wondering if it is really nessesary to take tablets for malaria or just cover up with insect repellant.

[graeme]

Hi Cathy

I too am trekking in June (19th). The research I have done suggests anti-malarial tablest are a must as PNG is one of the hot spots in the world for malaria. Doxycyline or atovaquone (malarone) appears the most appropriate but am speaking with my GP on Wednesday.

[Dave]

THe

The advice I was given, is below…

"It only takes one Bite to get Malaria",

So I you are Unlucky you may just get bitten once in PNG,
but you never know. It may be the only bad mossie on the track…..

My advice (suggestion) … Get Malaria medication before you leave.

I was given a small prescribed test dose of doxi.
I did not suffer any problems. So when I go I will be using
that type.

Not all medications are the same, and most have
some side effects on different people. Check it out before you go.

Nothing is perfect, so use medication and Insect repellant and cover both bases.

Regards
Dave

[phantom]

Hi, Couldn't agree more. I had a lot of PNG boys at boarding school with me years ago and they ALL swore that you HAD to have the treatments. I am using Doxy as well, my neighbour is a chemist and he says you are crazy if you don't use it and the only possible side effect is with some people it makes their skin a bit blotchy or sensitive to sunlightbut as previously mentioned use a test dose first and be prepared in advance. Great to see you on the forum.

[Author]

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