Malaria Meds While Living In Thailand?

[shikonjewel]

This is kind of a revisited topic I realize but I'm coming back to Thailand for a longer stay and my doctor is insisting I take malaria meds with me. I'll be living and working in Southern Thailand. Around the Nakorn Sri Thammarat, Surat Thani, Koh Samui area. I didn't bother taking them last time I travelled in Thailand (a months stay all over the country). But this time I'm going to be living there so I'm reconsidering. I'm not really the outdoorsy type of gal and tbh I hate mosquito repellent but will put it on if I'm going outside for a long period of time. Dengue fever is also a worry...

I'm just wondering if either is really an everyday necessity? Do I have to worry about spraying myself every time I go out the door? Should I sleep with a bug net at night? Just wondering how you all live here and whether or not you worry much about it.

Thanks for any responses in advance.

[Yahooka]

The nasty side effects of most malaria medicines far outhweighs the risk of getting the disease.The only things that Im(and others) are more aware of nowadays is dengue-fever which has been on a increase the last couple of years.Got it myself 4 years ago and has just gotten rid of some of the side effects of that.

So regarding malaria you should be fine,but spray yourself with mosquito spray in DAYTIME if you stay in an area that has high outbreaks of dengue..

[MrRealDeal]

I am not in the least bit worried about it.

[cooked]

One child from Cambodia died of dengue in our province last year, no joke. There were several cases here recently.

However I don't know anyone that takes malaria medicine regularly, if I went camping in the jungle that would be another matter.

Your doctor has looked on a website somewhere and come up with a whole list of vaccinations and stuff you should be doing. I did a rabies shot, so many dogs wandering around, and that's it.

[Sheryl]

No, it is not in the least necessary. Malaria transmission ion Thailand is limited to deep jungle areas. There is no transmission in cities or towns. Unless you plan to overnight in the jungle, you are not at risk.