Injection for malaria and typhoid: what to know

Malaria is caused by parasites spread by infected mosquitoes. Typhoid is a bacterial infection usually linked to contaminated food or water. A vaccine may help prevent typhoid, while malaria prevention commonly combines mosquito precautions with prescribed prophylaxis; neither approach should be assumed to treat an unexplained fever.

In someone who has returned from an area where malaria occurs, fever, chills or muscle aches need medical attention because malaria can worsen quickly. A blood test may be needed, and treatment is selected according to the suspected infection, travel details and examination.

Arrange a Travel Health Consultation well before departure. Share your itinerary, dates, accommodation, activities, pregnancy status, allergies and current medicines. Ask whether a typhoid vaccine is appropriate and whether malaria prophylaxis is needed; use insect repellent, clothing that covers skin and suitable sleeping protection where advised.

After travel, tell a clinician where you have been even if symptoms begin later. Do not use leftover antibiotics or request a single injection without diagnosis. Drink fluids if you can and follow the treatment plan provided after assessment.

Seek urgent medical assessment for fever after travel to a malaria-risk area, especially with chills, confusion, marked weakness, repeated vomiting, breathing difficulty, fainting or a seizure. Emergency help is appropriate if someone is difficult to wake or rapidly deteriorating.

Ask which infection is being prevented or investigated, whether testing is needed, when protection begins, what to do after a missed dose, and which fever symptoms should trigger emergency care.