Hey Fam (@ PLWSCD)
Copied!
Don’t Be Like Me – Take Your Malaria Prophylaxis Seriously
I haven’t been in excellent health lately, hence the pause in my writing, but I’m much better today. Ironically, a friend suggested I write about malaria prophylaxis on Friday, and by Saturday night, malaria showed up as if to remind me, “Hey, you haven’t done anything in a while to prevent me!”
Let’s talk malaria prophylaxis because it matters, especially for people living with sickle cell disease (PLWSCD).
What is Malaria Prophylaxis?
Malaria prophylaxis refers to preventive measures, especially medications, taken to reduce the risk of contracting malaria. While it doesn’t offer 100% protection, it significantly lowers your chances of infection, which is particularly crucial in malaria-endemic areas.
Why is it Vital for People Living with SCD?
PLWSCD face higher risks of severe malaria complications such as:
Life-threatening anemia
Cerebral malaria
Acute chest syndrome
Malaria accelerates the destruction of red blood cells (both sickled and normal), leading to haemolysis; something that already occurs more frequently in sickle cell patients. It’s like adding salt to an already open wound. This can trigger a crisis, cause a drastic drop in haemoglobin, and further worsen anemia.
Malaria also impairs the bone marrow’s ability to produce new red blood cells, making recovery even more difficult. That’s why malaria in PLWSCD is far more than just "a fever"; it’s a serious threat.
The Benefits of Prophylaxis
Consistent malaria prophylaxis can:
Reduce malaria infections
Minimize sickle cell crises
Improve haemoglobin levels
Lower the need for blood transfusions
Decrease hospitalizations
Recommended Prophylactic Options
Proguanil (Paludrine)
Common first-line option for PLWSCD
Taken daily
Fansidar (Pyrimethamine + Sulfadoxine)
Taken monthly
Useful in areas with drug resistance
So, learn from my moment of forgetfulness: don’t slack on your malaria prevention routine. With grasses growing fast and stagnant water creating mosquito breeding grounds this season, it’s even more important to stay vigilant.
Most blood transfusions in PLWSCD are triggered by malaria.
Let’s protect ourselves, stay consistent with prophylaxis, and reduce unnecessary crises.
Don’t be like me, be better.
#liveyourlifenotyourgenotype
#plwscd
Chika Okeke
Copied!
Don’t Be Like Me – Take Your Malaria Prophylaxis Seriously
I haven’t been in excellent health lately, hence the pause in my writing, but I’m much better today. Ironically, a friend suggested I write about malaria prophylaxis on Friday, and by Saturday night, malaria showed up as if to remind me, “Hey, you haven’t done anything in a while to prevent me!”
Let’s talk malaria prophylaxis because it matters, especially for people living with sickle cell disease (PLWSCD).
What is Malaria Prophylaxis?
Malaria prophylaxis refers to preventive measures, especially medications, taken to reduce the risk of contracting malaria. While it doesn’t offer 100% protection, it significantly lowers your chances of infection, which is particularly crucial in malaria-endemic areas.
Why is it Vital for People Living with SCD?
PLWSCD face higher risks of severe malaria complications such as:
Life-threatening anemia
Cerebral malaria
Acute chest syndrome
Malaria accelerates the destruction of red blood cells (both sickled and normal), leading to haemolysis; something that already occurs more frequently in sickle cell patients. It’s like adding salt to an already open wound. This can trigger a crisis, cause a drastic drop in haemoglobin, and further worsen anemia.
Malaria also impairs the bone marrow’s ability to produce new red blood cells, making recovery even more difficult. That’s why malaria in PLWSCD is far more than just "a fever"; it’s a serious threat.
The Benefits of Prophylaxis
Consistent malaria prophylaxis can:
Reduce malaria infections
Minimize sickle cell crises
Improve haemoglobin levels
Lower the need for blood transfusions
Decrease hospitalizations
Recommended Prophylactic Options
Proguanil (Paludrine)
Common first-line option for PLWSCD
Taken daily
Fansidar (Pyrimethamine + Sulfadoxine)
Taken monthly
Useful in areas with drug resistance
So, learn from my moment of forgetfulness: don’t slack on your malaria prevention routine. With grasses growing fast and stagnant water creating mosquito breeding grounds this season, it’s even more important to stay vigilant.
Most blood transfusions in PLWSCD are triggered by malaria.
Let’s protect ourselves, stay consistent with prophylaxis, and reduce unnecessary crises.
Don’t be like me, be better.
#liveyourlifenotyourgenotype
#plwscd
Chika Okeke
Hey Fam (@ PLWSCD)
Copied!
Don’t Be Like Me – Take Your Malaria Prophylaxis Seriously
I haven’t been in excellent health lately, hence the pause in my writing, but I’m much better today. Ironically, a friend suggested I write about malaria prophylaxis on Friday, and by Saturday night, malaria showed up as if to remind me, “Hey, you haven’t done anything in a while to prevent me!” 😅
Let’s talk malaria prophylaxis because it matters, especially for people living with sickle cell disease (PLWSCD).
What is Malaria Prophylaxis?
Malaria prophylaxis refers to preventive measures, especially medications, taken to reduce the risk of contracting malaria. While it doesn’t offer 100% protection, it significantly lowers your chances of infection, which is particularly crucial in malaria-endemic areas.
Why is it Vital for People Living with SCD?
PLWSCD face higher risks of severe malaria complications such as:
Life-threatening anemia
Cerebral malaria
Acute chest syndrome
Malaria accelerates the destruction of red blood cells (both sickled and normal), leading to haemolysis; something that already occurs more frequently in sickle cell patients. It’s like adding salt to an already open wound. This can trigger a crisis, cause a drastic drop in haemoglobin, and further worsen anemia.
Malaria also impairs the bone marrow’s ability to produce new red blood cells, making recovery even more difficult. That’s why malaria in PLWSCD is far more than just "a fever"; it’s a serious threat.
The Benefits of Prophylaxis
Consistent malaria prophylaxis can:
Reduce malaria infections
Minimize sickle cell crises
Improve haemoglobin levels
Lower the need for blood transfusions
Decrease hospitalizations
Recommended Prophylactic Options
🔹 Proguanil (Paludrine)
Common first-line option for PLWSCD
Taken daily
🔹 Fansidar (Pyrimethamine + Sulfadoxine)
Taken monthly
Useful in areas with drug resistance
So, learn from my moment of forgetfulness: don’t slack on your malaria prevention routine. With grasses growing fast and stagnant water creating mosquito breeding grounds this season, it’s even more important to stay vigilant.
Most blood transfusions in PLWSCD are triggered by malaria.
Let’s protect ourselves, stay consistent with prophylaxis, and reduce unnecessary crises.
Don’t be like me, be better.
#liveyourlifenotyourgenotype
#plwscd
Chika Okeke ✍️
