Malaria
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 5, 2023.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Malaria
is a disease that is caused by a parasite. It is usually spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Malaria can also spread through infected blood products or shared needles.
Common symptoms include the following:
- Fever
- Shaking chills
- Sweating
- Headache and muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain or diarrhea
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have a seizure.
- You have sudden shortness of breath.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a severe headache.
- You are confused or sleepier than usual.
- Your skin and the whites of your eyes are yellow.
- Your signs and symptoms get worse or do not go away, even after treatment.
- Your signs and symptoms return after treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Malaria medicine is given to kill the parasites that are causing your infection.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Prevent malaria:
- Use an insect repellant. Apply an insect repellant to your skin, clothing, and other fabrics, such as blankets. Ask your healthcare provider which insect repellant is best to use.
- Cover your skin. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to keep your skin covered.
- Sleep under a mosquito net. Spray insect repellant on your mosquito net. Check your net for holes often.
- Protect your home. Put screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Use insecticide inside your home to kill mosquitoes that come into your house.
- Remove all standing water around your home. Mosquitoes lay their eggs and mature in water.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Prevent the spread of infections:
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- Wash your hands often. Wash your hands several times each day. Wash after you use the bathroom, change a child's diaper, and before you prepare or eat food. Use soap and water every time. Rub your soapy hands together, lacing your fingers. Wash the front and back of your hands, and in between your fingers. Use the fingers of one hand to scrub under the fingernails of the other hand. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds. Then dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol if soap and water are not available. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands first.
- Cover a sneeze or cough. Use a tissue that covers your mouth and nose. Throw the tissue away in a trash can right away. Use the bend of your arm if a tissue is not available. Then wash your hands well with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer. Do not stand close to anyone who is sneezing or coughing.
- Ask about vaccines you may need. A vaccine for the new coronavirus is not yet available. Any infection can affect your immune system. A weakened immune system makes you more vulnerable to the new coronavirus. Talk to your healthcare provider about your vaccine history. He or she will tell you which vaccines you need, and when to get them.
- Get the influenza (flu) vaccine as soon as recommended each year. The flu vaccine is available starting in September or October. Flu viruses change, so it is important to get a flu vaccine every year. A flu infection can make COVID-19 worse if you have them at the same time. The flu can also cause signs and symptoms that are similar to COVID-19.
- Get the pneumonia vaccine if recommended. This vaccine is usually recommended every 5 years. Your provider will tell you when to get this vaccine, if needed.
Follow up with your doctor as directed.
Write down your questions so remember to ask them during your visits.
© Copyright Merative 2023 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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Symptoms and treatments
Further information
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