The monsoon is arriving and so have the mosquitos. In the joy of monsoon, we often forget to protect ourselves and our children neglecting protection, making it easy to get bitten. This increases the risk of contracting malaria. But you can prevent the infection and can support your recovery with some home remedies. Before diving into prevention, let’s first understand what causes malaria.
What is Malaria?
Malaria is a serious parasitic infection caused by the plasmodium species, which are cellular protozoa and are transmitted by the female mosquito named Anopheles. Once it enters the bloodstream, it damages the hepatocytes liver cells and red blood cells, which can cause a variety of symptoms or even death.
The groups most commonly affected by malaria include young children, pregnant women, people with certain health conditions such as AIDS, and travellers. It is a global health problem especially in tropical countries.
What are the Symptoms of Malaria?
The symptoms of malaria vary from person to person and can take up to 7-10 days to appear. The early-stage symptoms can be mild fever or headache. However, if the infection spreads, the symptoms may get more severe, including:
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Chills
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Dark or bloody urine
- Jaundice
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Seizure
- Abnormal bleeding
It is important to get yourself tested before the symptoms worsen. If you find it challenging to understand the malaria report on your own and are curious about it, check out how to read a malaria report here.
What are the Causes of Malaria?
There are 5 identified Plasmodium species known to cause malaria. These are:
- Plasmodium falciparum: Causes an irregular fever pattern every 48 hours with severe symptoms.
- Plasmodium vivax: Fever spikes every 3rd day
- Plasmodium ovale
- Plasmodium malariae: Fever spikes every 4th day
- Plasmodium knowlesi (transmitted by infected monkeys)
Malaria is transmitted when a mosquito bites the infected person, picks up the parasite and bites another person, transferring the parasite to their bloodstream. The parasite then multiplies, causing malaria. It is important to note that the infection can also be transmitted through contaminated needles or blood transfusion.
How to Diagnose Malaria?
To diagnose malaria, your doctor may recommend the following tests:
- Blood smear test: It confirms the presence of parasites in blood and determines the plasmodium species.
- ELISA test– Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Complete blood count test: It helps identify low haemoglobin, low platelets, and high LDH.
Also, make sure to inform your doctor about your symptoms and travel history, if any.
Complications
If left untreated, malaria can lead to serious complications, including:
- Cerebral Malaria
- Breathing problem
- Anaemia
- Low blood sugar
- Organ failure
- Even death
Fortunately, malaria can be prevented with simple precautions.
How Can I Prevent Malaria?
You can prevent malaria with some simple steps; let’s look at how:
- Use a mosquito net while sleeping.
- Apply mosquito repellent such as DEET or Icaridin on your skin.
- Close the windows and doors with a net to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
- Cover your skin during the daytime and wear full-sleeved clothes and long pants.
- Avoid travelling to a place with a malaria outbreak.
- Use coils and vaporizers.
What is the Treatment for malaria?
For the treatment of malaria, it is important to consult your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe antimalarial medications that can treat the infection. Some common antimalarial medications include:
- Chloroquine
- Primaquine
- Artemisinin
- Atovaquone
- Doxycycline
- Mefloquine
- Quinine
Recently, vaccines like RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) have been developed for malaria.
Note: Do not take medications without the prescription of your doctor.
Home Remedies to Support Recovery from Malaria
While medications are crucial to treat malaria, some home remedies can aid recovery by alleviating symptoms such as headache, boosting the immune system, and helping manage fever. These remedies include:
Ginger: Ginger is known to have anti-microbial properties. Boil it in water or incorporate ginger into your meal or herbal tea.
Basil leaves (tulsi): Tulsi is known to have antibacterial properties. It is also used in ayurvedic medicine. Boil it in water with ginger or chew the leaves directly.
Apple cider vinegar: Mix apple cider vinegar with water. Soak a towel in it and place it on your calves. This provides you relief from nausea and vomiting.
Citrus fruit: Citrus fruits contain Vitamin C that is helpful in boosting your immune system. A few choices can be orange juice, lime water, or sweet lime juice.
Hydration: Maintain the amount of water in your body and stay hydrated. If you are curious about why hydration is important, check out Why Staying Hydrated Is Your Body’s Best Defense?
Remember, home remedies support recovery but do not replace medical treatment for malaria.
Conclusion
Malaria is a life-threatening disease, especially in tropical countries. If you have ever travelled or are living in a country that reports higher cases of malaria, it is advisable to follow the prevention methods and take treatment when you feel any similar symptom. Stay protected, stay informed, and enjoy a healthy monsoon.
See Also: Early 7 Warning Signs Of Dengue Fever
