I’m in India! I’m getting conflicting advice from both locals and travelers about the need for anti-malarial medication. I hate taking the pills because they make me feel sick but obviously malaria is worse. I’m in Mumbai now and will be heading to Hyderabad and Mangalore. What should I do?
Anti-Malaria Pills: Yes or No?
Johnny Jet
March 30, 2012
I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more.
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Hey Johnny, I know I’m a bit late to the party with this comment – but it might benefit some of your readers, and nobody has commented yet.
First, which malaria pills do you usually take? They all have different side effects and affect everyone differently. Second, the need for anti-malarial pills depends on which parts of India you will be visiting. It is recommended to take prophylaxis (pills) for Mumbai if you are going to be outside the central urban areas of Jodhpur, Udaipur and Bhopal. While in Hyderabad, insect precautions only are recommended (DEET, long pants, etc.). Malaria pills are recommended for parts of the Karnataka state (where Mangalore is located), and I would advise my travel patients to have prophylaxis for this area.
What did you end up doing?