On Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:59:20 +0200, Marc Lurie
wrote:

On Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:30:23 GMT, grant kinsley
wrote:


I would suggest malarone over doxy as doxy needs to be taken 2 weeks
before and 6 weeks after travelling to risk areas. malarone is 1 week
prior and 2 weeks post.

As well photosensitivity can be an issue with doxy, and who wants to
have their vacation ruined by the sun...

Grant Kinsley (MD)

Hi Grant,

I'm not a doctor, so I don't speak with any authority on the subject,
but AFAIK, current medical opinion in South Africa regarding doxy is
that it can be taken 24 hours prior to entering a malarial area, and
need only be taken for 21 days after leaving the area.

that schedule can be used as well, however malaria parasites can
outlive the cycle and delayed infection can occur months later. The
important thing to remember about all antimalarials is that none of
them are effective against all stages of the life cycle and malaria
can occur even if prophylaxis is taken. My advice is to remember if
one gets sick 4 or 6 months after a trip to make sure you let the
doctor know if you have been in a malaria endemic area.

I experience sun sensitivity on doxy, but that's insignifacnt compared
with the side effects of mefliam. I haven't tried malarone yet. I've
found doxy easy to tolerate, VERY cheap, and also protects me agains
other nasties like tick bite fever etc.

Also, doxy is easy to replace in most countries if you happen to lose
your luggage. ;-)

Both true, the only caveat to that is that some people are much more
sun sensitive with doxy. I wouldn't want to risk my vacation to that
SE, the not inconsiderable extra expense of malarone is worth it
compared to the cost of the vacation involved.

BTW, I saw Kingsley Holgate's series just played on PBS over here. I
didn't get to see it, but thought you might be interested.

Best,
Grant

Cheers,
Marc