I have been told that a certain type of vitamin B tablet makes your
sweat smell repulsive to mosquitos, and is therefore a Malaria
deterrent.
Is this true, and if so, what type of Vit. B and what dosage do i need
to take? I will be visiting a Malaria area and I always feel nauseated
whilst on Malaria pills

Dear Tony,

Malaria is a very serious illness and its preventive measures should
be discussed with your doctor.  According to the Center for Disease
Control(CDC), Vitamin B tablets are not effective in preventing
malaria.  Taking vitamin b and using ultrasound devices to prevent
malaria are two common myths.  Anti-malaria drugs are extremely
important when traveling in malaria-risk areas, and vitamin b is not
an effective substitute.

Other measures along with anti-malaria drugs should be taken in order
to prevent mosquito bites.  Skin should be protected with an insect
repellent, as well as clothing.  Clothing should cover as much of the
body as possible.  If the room you sleep in is not shielded from the
outside (it does not have screens) then sleep with a mosquito net
covering your bed.  Also, your room should be sprayed with an
insecticide before going to sleep.  While taking all of these measures
may seem extreme, they are important.  For example, only wearing long
clothing may cover the skin, though misquotes can bite through some
fabrics ? that?s why it is important to spray clothing with repellent.

Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and headaches are the most common side
effects of anti-malaria drugs.  Talk to your doctor about nausea
prevention while on anti-malaria drugs.
There are many different types of anti-malaria drugs available.  Some
are only effective in certain areas of the world.  If one drug causes
intolerable side effects, it is possible that there may be an
acceptable substitute that does not cause nausea.  Your doctor can
advise you on possible alternatives. The Center for Disease Control
(CDC) also advises that may be possible to take the drugs three to
four weeks before traveling, and adjustments can then be made to find
a suitable drug.


Additional Links/Sources:
The University of Maryland Medical Center ? Travel Drugs
http://www.umm.edu/travel/malaria.htm

CDC Brochure Publication - Preventing Malaria in Travelers
http://wonder.cdc.gov/wonder/prevguid/p0000409/p0000409.asp

CDC ? Prescription Drugs for Malaria 
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malariadrugs.htm


Search Strategy:
Malaria Vitamin B  anti malaria drugs  nausea side effects

I hope this information helps to answer your question though it is
extremely important to consult your doctor about malaria prevention
before you trip.  If you need clarification or further information,
please ask for clarification before rating.

Safe Travels!

A mosquito repellant is a good idea to be used in conjunction with
anti-malarials such as quinine. Avon's Skin So Soft body oil is a
known repellant (And less toxic. However, the type of anti-malarial
you need, depends on the region  to which you will be traveling. Don't
depend solely on a mosquito repellant. All it takes is one mosquito
bite to contract malaria.


"It should be noted that no prophylactic regimen is 100% effective and
advice on malaria prophylaxis changes frequently. There are currently
five prophylactic regimens used (A,B,C,D & E), due to the differing
resistance that exists by the malaria parasites to the various drugs
used. (See the above map of Malaria Endemic Areas).

The tablets you require depend on the country to which you are
travelling (see the table page). Start taking the tablets before
travel take them absolutely regularly during your stay, preferably
with or after a meal and continue to take them after you have
returned. This is extremely important to cover the incubation period
of the disease."
http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/malaria.htm


Your doctor can also prescribe anti-emetics to help with the nausea.

Good Luck, Crabcakes

Wow!!!

Rapidresponse has answered/commented on a  a total of 2 questions here on GA!!!

Where have you been?

Steph53