10 Common FAQS On Malaria
1. What is Malaria?
Malaria is a life-threatening disorder caused by plasmodium species. It is characterized by symptoms like chills, fever, and profuse sweating.
2. Is Malaria a Virus?
Malaria is not caused by a bacteria or virus. It is caused by a parasite that normally resides in mosquitoes and is spread to humans when the infected mosquitoes bite.
3. Is Malaria Contagious?
No, Malaria is not a contagious disease, it doesn’t spread from person to person like cold or flu.
4. What Is the Best Treatment for Malaria?
Treatment of malaria includes killing the parasite. The length and type of treatment may vary depending on the type of malaria, symptoms, age of the person, and pregnancy. However, the first-line treatment for malaria includes Artemisinin-based combination treatment which is considered the best treatment for malaria.
5. Can Malaria be Cured by Antibiotics?
Some antibiotics like quinine can be used in treating Malaria, but it cannot be used as a prophylaxis treatment. Other antibiotics that can be used for drug-resistant parasites involve doxycycline, pyrimethamine tetracycline, sulfadoxine, or clindamycin.
6. How do I Know If I am Suffering from Malaria?
Symptoms like fever, chills, vomiting, muscle aches, severe headaches, and malaise can be experienced at the very beginning. These symptoms can often lead to life-threatening forms if not treated on time. Make sure you undergo a test for malaria after consulting with your doctor.
7. How Long Will it Take to Recover from Malaria?
Malaria can be cured within two weeks if provided with proper treatment. You can start feeling good after one week of your treatment. However, it is good to take your medicines to avoid relapse of the disease.
8. Can You Survive Malaria Without Treatment?
No, not necessarily. Malaria can return periodically over a period of years if not treated properly and may lead to a severe form.
9. What Foods to Avoid With Malaria?
Foods that are rich in fibres, fried or processed foods, or caffeinated beverages should be avoided if you have malaria
People do not like to eat and drink due to loss of appetite in malaria. In such a case its good to have instant energy liquids like coconut water, or sugarcane juice, and many other energy-boosting drinks except for those which are caffeinated
10. How Does Malaria Kill?
After infected mosquito bites, the malarial parasite enters into the liver to grow and multiply. It then travels into the bloodstream and destroys the blood cells. If not treated on time, it can cause severe anaemia, hypoglycemia, repeated seizures, coma, or multiple organ failure and may finally lead to death.
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