Are you heading off on an adventure? While you’re busy planning your itinerary and packing your bags, there’s another important aspect you shouldn’t overlook—your health.
Travel can expose you to various illnesses, and understanding the risks associated with these illnesses is important to staying healthy on your trip.
Two major concerns for travellers are malaria and typhoid fever. Let’s discuss what these illnesses are, how you can prevent them, and what to do if you find yourself unwell.
What are travel-related diseases?
When you travel, particularly to regions where specific diseases are more common due to local conditions or environmental factors, you might encounter illnesses that are less of a concern back home.
These travel-related diseases can range from mild and manageable to severe and life-threatening, but many are preventable with the right precautions. For example, malaria and typhoid fever are two such diseases that pose unique risks to travellers. However, by understanding these risks and taking appropriate preventive measures, you can protect your health and ensure a safer, more enjoyable trip.
Things you need to know about malaria
What is malaria?
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by parasites belonging to the Plasmodium genus. These parasites are transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, which are prevalent in many tropical and subtropical regions. Once in the bloodstream, the parasites multiply in the liver before infecting red blood cells, leading to the symptoms of malaria.
Symptoms of malaria
The symptoms of malaria can vary, but commonly include:
- A high temperature, accompanied by sweats and chills: Fever is often cyclical, with periods of high temperature followed by sweating as the body attempts to regulate its temperature.
- Headaches and confusion: The infection can cause severe headaches and sometimes affect cognitive functions.
- Extreme tiredness and sleepiness, particularly in children: Malaria can lead to significant fatigue, making people feel unusually tired and lethargic.
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea: Gastrointestinal symptoms are common and can make the feeling of illness worse.
- Loss of appetite: Affected people may experience a reduced desire to eat.
- Muscle pains: Generalised muscle aches are also a common symptom.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice): This indicates liver involvement and can be a sign of severe malaria.
- Sore throat, cough, and difficulty breathing: Respiratory symptoms may occur, especially if the infection becomes severe.
Complications of malaria
If not promptly treated, malaria can lead to severe complications, including:
- Anaemia: Caused by the destruction of red blood cells.
- Cerebral malaria: A serious condition where malaria parasites affect the brain, leading to seizures or coma.
- Organ failure: The parasites can affect various organs, including the liver and kidneys.
Prevention and treatment
To prevent malaria, follow these guidelines:
- Seek professional advice before travelling: Consult with a GP, nurse, pharmacist, or visit a travel clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to discuss preventive measures.
- Take antimalarial medication: If prescribed, start taking the medication as directed before your trip and continue for the specified duration after your return.
- Use insect repellent: Apply a DEET-based repellent (50% concentration) to exposed skin to ward off mosquitoes.
- Sleep under treated mosquito nets: Use nets that are impregnated with insecticide to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
- Wear protective clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and trousers are recommended during the evening and night when mosquitoes are most active.
Available treatments and medications
If you contract malaria, it is considered an emergency and needs swift treatment. The treatment typically involves:
- Antimalarial medicines: These are prescribed based on the specific type of malaria and its severity.
- Hospitalisation: In severe cases, you may need hospital care for intravenous medications and monitoring.
- Follow-up treatment: Malaria can recur, so it is crucial to adhere to follow-up treatments and check-ups if needed.
Things you need to know about typhoid
What is typhoid?
Typhoid fever is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. It spreads through contaminated food or water, particularly in areas with poor sanitation. The bacteria infect the intestines and bloodstream, leading to various symptoms.
Symptoms of typhoid
Symptoms usually develop 1 to 2 weeks after infection and can include:
- A persistent high fever: The fever often rises gradually, reaching high temperatures each day.
- Headache: A common symptom associated with typhoid fever.
- General aches and pains: Muscle and body aches are frequent.
- Extreme fatigue: Affected people may experience significant tiredness and weakness.
- Cough: Respiratory symptoms like coughing may accompany other signs.
- Constipation: This is a common gastrointestinal symptom of typhoid fever.
- Loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea: As the infection progresses, appetite decreases, and gastrointestinal distress can occur. A rash may develop in some cases.
Complications of typhoid
If left untreated, typhoid fever can lead to serious complications such as:
- Intestinal bleeding or perforation: This can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical intervention.
- Long-term health issues: Without treatment, recovery can be prolonged, and symptoms may persist or recur.
Prevention and treatment
To prevent typhoid, consider the following:
- Vaccination: Get vaccinated against typhoid before travelling to areas where the disease is common.
- Safe food and water practices: Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid raw or undercooked foods.
- Hygiene: Regular handwashing can reduce the risk of infection.
Available treatments and vaccinations
Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics, and early treatment can lead to a swift recovery. Vaccination is an effective preventive measure, and it should be administered well in advance of travel to ensure its efficacy.
Difference between malaria and typhoid
While malaria and typhoid share some common symptoms like fever and fatigue, they differ significantly in their causes, transmission methods, and treatments:
- Symptoms: Malaria often presents with intermittent fevers and flu-like symptoms, whereas typhoid fever usually involves a persistent high fever and gastrointestinal issues.
- Transmission: Malaria is spread by mosquito bites, while typhoid is transmitted through contaminated food and water.
- Treatment: Malaria is treated with specific antimalarial drugs, whereas typhoid requires antibiotics.
Similarities and overlaps
Both diseases can cause fever and extreme fatigue, making it challenging to distinguish between them based solely on symptoms. Preventive measures for both include vaccinations, medications, and maintaining good hygiene practices.
How to protect yourself from travel-related illnesses?
General tips for prevention
- Research your destination: Understand the health risks associated with your travel location.
- Follow health recommendations: Adhere to vaccination schedules and health advice specific to your travel destination.
- Practice good hygiene: Regular handwashing and safe food and water practices are essential.
Importance of vaccinations and medications
Vaccinations and preventive medications are important for avoiding serious travel-related illnesses. Make sure you follow the advice of healthcare professionals to protect yourself effectively.
When to seek medical advice?
If you develop symptoms suggestive of malaria or typhoid during or after travel, seek medical advice immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing these illnesses effectively.
Visit Anna Pharmacy for travel clinic services
When you are well-acquainted with travel-related illnesses such as malaria and typhoid, you are more likely to have a safe trip.
For tailored advice and travel health services, book an appointment with us and prepare yourself to travel safely and enjoy your trip.