If you take time to read what I have already said on malaria, numbers are probably about twice World Health Organization estimates ( http://filipinaroses.com/showthread....ngue-Fever-Map ... #53 ).
Advice for those members who do decide to take antimalarials for the Philippines ( already posted in the Health Issues section ) is to take either :-
• Mefloquine ( Lariam ) 250 mg weekly, preferably starting 2-3 weeks before travelling
• Or Doxocycline 10 mg daily, preferably starting 1-2 days before travelling.
• Continue taking the tablets for 28 days after returning.
• You have to pay for the tablets.
• If you decide not to take them, and malaria is diagnosed when you return to UK, the NHS provides free treatment.
The risk of malaria is mostly very low or non-existent in Philippines, unlike other areas of South-East Asia, where it is substantial. The latest Lancet article is of interest and worrying – raising the possibility of drug-resistant malaria parasites either arising spontaneously and / or spreading by mosquitoes to other parts of the world.
( http://www.thelancet.com/journals/la...484-X/fulltext ). The media – even the BBC – don’t always report accurately. It’s far easier to cut and paste than interpret in plain English ( try reading original articles ) !
However, there are DAILY publications on health – on a non medical forum I have to be selective. I could list many other health issues – major, like drug resistance to TB; epidemic obesity ; alcohol abuse; increasing cancer rates / scare stories ( overdiagnosis of breast cancers by screening / alleged cures … and minor, like homeopathic or herbal remedies.
Perhaps I should be selective and not respond to every health topic raised !. Members can decide for themselves what they require on health issues. Some may rather obtain their information from alternative sources than an “ in house “ doctor.
