Health and safety forum

Where in Indo and Malaysia are you going? I travelled through Bali, Lombok, Flores and other smaller islands for 2 months without taking tables and had no problems. I had them with me, but didn't like the idea of taking them, so didn't. But of course, it only takes one hungry mozzie.....

To be honest, unless you are deep in jungle and/or it's rainy season, I wouldn't bother. You are just as likely (more likely?) to catch Dengue Fever, also caught from mosquitoes, and for which there is no protection other than repellant. So you need to protect yourself regardless.... repellant, long pants, etc in evenings. Ok, I didn't even bother the long pants. Just lots of repellant - and not the Deet stuff, either. Normal store-bought repellant.

Maybe I was just lucky.....

You always have to weigh up the risks and make decisions that are best for you. But make informed decisions - so do your research.

I think some people's skin doesn't take too kindly to DEET. I couldn't speak for Busylizzy though but I think that is a general complaint.

I would say that I hardly got any bites and I was using about 18-22% deet for most of the time. If I left it on overnight it would make me itch a bit but that only happened once or twice. The idea you need 90% DEET as you can buy in the UK is pretty crazy. I don't see how this is relevant to most travellers yet it is marketed as such.

Personally, I buy and take malarials but its seems quite a few on forums don't.

I would think DEET spray would be better than bands also. You can just get the local brand when you go to Thailand/SE Asia though.

There are many debates on TF about malaria medication so just have a scout around.

Citronella (Lemon Grass) spray works well... you can find in most chemist shops in Thailand or at Tesco... probably the same in Malaysia etc. I am not sure about mosquitoes in Indonesia, but Citronella would still work...

Malaria not common in built tourists built up areas, although occasionally there are reports, but areas usually sprayed with fermons (SP) to prevent breeding... It is usually the locals who get Malaria, if there is a rare break out... as they don't use sprays!

As Thomas 922 says avoid too much sweets & bright clothing & after shave / perfume! ...

Mosquitoes are usually only out in the early morning, and evening/ night.... most areas not heavy infestations that I have ever found.

Malaria carrying mosquitoes are smaller and out during the day, but as said not common...

I'd save your $200 .... they tend to over react .... I went through that on my first visit here, and now lived here nearly four years, it is not a major problem....

I would suggest avoiding "street food" though.... you'll more likely get upset stomach from that!

Doxy is available everywhere in Bangkok.....