Should my child take malaria medication when going on a school trip?

In South Africa, as in most other parts of the world, the threat of malaria is slowly being weakened by the use of preventative measures such as prophylaxis, awareness, use of mosquito nets, etc. 

 

 

However, it is always challenging as a parent to decide on whether or not it will be necessary for our children to be protected against it when they go away on school trips, many of which take place in areas with relatively high risk.

 

In South Africa, the risk of malaria infection is highest from October to May, the most likely time for thunderstorms and humid conditions to occur, a thriving ecosystem for mosquitoes. Areas commonly known to carry a threat of malaria include the Kruger National Park, Limpopo Province, and northern KwaZulu-Natal.

 

Children going on school trips will usually be informed of whether or not the area they are visiting carries any risk of diseases such as malaria, but if you are a concerned parent, it is always best to find out for yourself, both from the school and the destination where the trip is planned, whether or not it is needed. 

 

You should also find out what the best course of treatment will be for your child, as many of the medications available may bring about side effects that could affect your child’s experience on the trip such as nausea, dizziness, insomnia, vomiting and in some cases even nightmares and hallucinations.

 

Your GP or any experts in the area in question will be able to advise you as to the best method to follow when preparing your child for a school trip.

 

 

Written by Wesley Geyer

Creative writer at ATKA SA 

Pack your bags for a school trip

 

Outdoor Education Africa School Tours recognize the value and undeniable success of educational school tours. 

 

Students gain exposure to new and exciting aspects outside of the classroom, which creates within them a thirst for knowledge regarding Human and Environmental Sciences. Moreover it fosters a healthy sense of self in the leaders of tomorrow. 

 

With all your arrangements being taken care of by Outdoor Education Africa, the only thing you need to concern yourself with, is packing The Bag.

 

The typical mom thinks about the hygiene first, which is really important. The list is endless – toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, body lotion, face cloth, pads/tampons for the girls, shaving cream, razor, shampoo, towels, hair brush, sun screen, hairdryer (if there’s still space in your bag left!) and the list goes on. Remember to also pack allergy medication if you have any known allergies.

 

Clothing wise, you will need to check the weather a few days prior to your departure. Make sure you take extra clothes as you might be required to complete obstacle courses that will see you crawling through mud and such. No matter what the weather report says – always pack a sweater. 

The evenings might be cold and you might have to spend part of them outside. Pack a rain jacket as well and never forget the necessities – underwear, tank tops, socks, boxers and most times you will need a swimsuit too! Pack a few plastic bags to pack your muddy, dirty or wet clothes in, to make sure it doesn’t dirty your clean clothes.  

 

Although you might want to, don’t pack your best clothes. Remember that these trips will more than likely be taxing on your clothing, so pack clothes that you feel comfortable in and that allows you to partake in physical activities.

 

Check with your educator whether you are allowed to take your phone, MP3 player, camera or iPod. Also be aware that you might not be able to lock these things away while you’re busy with the tour activities. If you are allowed to take these, remember their chargers. Also always remember money – you might stop at a shop on the way and many camp terrains have tuck shops available to their visitors. Take a water bottle – chances are you will be spending most of your time outside in the sun and you don’t want to cut your tour short due to dehydration. 

 

Make sure the bag you pack your stuff in is durable and preferably has wheels. You might need to walk quite a bit from the bus to your allocated rooms, so having wheels will save you from carrying your bags all the way. Also don’t take too many bags – for your own comfort and to avoid a sermon from your educator!

 

School tours are meant to be fun and educational. Don’t be left behind because you didn’t pack everything you need! The night before your depart, double check that you’ve packed all you might need and remember to set an alarm so you don’t miss the bus! 

 

Above all – enjoy your trip and allow yourself to be educated.

 

 

Written by Marleen Theunissen

Creative Writer at ATKA SA