Going to Thailand in 3 weeks and looking for advice on the necessity of taking anti-malaria tablets
Hey there!
I'm heading off to Thailand in 3 weeks for a 4 week holiday in Thailand- my trip will include both the northern and southern areas of Thailand but I'll be sticking mostly to the main cities and tourist attractions: Bangkok, Chaing Mai, hilltribe trek, Golden triangle, Ko Tao, Ko Samui, Phuket. Do I need to take anti-malaria tablets for these areas? I really don't want to be taking medication unneccessarily, especially given the side effects of malaria tablets. What have other people's experiences been? If you've travelled to the areas I've listed I'd really love to hear what you recommend.
Thanks!
(And yes, I've asked my local GP but I'd like to hear what other travellers have to say)
Reply to this I went to Thailand in April this year - went to both southern beach areas and Chiang Mai, including a one day 'jungle trek'. I didn't take anti-malaria tablets. Recommend insect repellant (with Deet) and sunblock. You can get both over there.
Reply to this 4 years ago we went to africa and was recomended not to take malaria tablets. 10 days after we came back home my husbond got very ill. He was infected with malaria(falciparum) He almost died - 35 years old - with 2 small children... It took him 3 months to get well again.
I recomend that you make sure that malaria is not an option in the area that you are going to travel in. Life is not worth loosing because of stupid choises.
have a nice trip.
best regards Mette
Reply to this In my experience, being careful with clothing and insect repellants or creams are enough. But Kamelach's post above does raise a valid point. So I would suggest that when you go to more rural or jungle areas, it wouldn't hurt to swallow some medication. I would imagine the cities to be alright, just have those repellants.
Take care and enjoy your trip!
Reply to this Thanks for everyone's advice! I've decided to just bite the bullet and take them- after Mette's post I realised that as low as the risk is, I'd rather not take the gamble.
Cheers!
Reply to this In Thailand you can pick up some Doxycycline real cheap. Doxy is used for malaria prevention. The price per tab is around 3 baht to 7 or 8 baht each depending on where it is made. Check with your doctor and see if you can use them. If you purchase any medicine in Thailand always check the manufacture date and the data sheet that comes with the main container for directions and possible complications. With Doxy there is some sun sensitivity along with the normal stuff that come with using antibiotics .
http://www.bchealthguide.org/kbase/topic/detail/drug/hw118869/detail.htm
When in doubt do what your doctor recommends.
Good luck.
Reply to this na no need!dont bother, they just a hassle. Heaps of people end up stopping taking them anyway
Reply to this 
