You treated malaria last month. You felt better. Then, somehow, the headache, fever and weakness are back again.

If this sounds familiar, you may be wondering: “Why do I keep getting malaria?”

The truth is that recurring symptoms don’t always mean you simply need another dose of malaria medication. There could be several reasons why you keep feeling unwell, and getting the right diagnosis is an important first step.

Is It Really Malaria?

Before anything else, it is important to confirm that what you’re experiencing is actually malaria.

Fever, headache, weakness, chills and body aches can occur with several illnesses. Assuming every fever is malaria and treating yourself without proper testing may mean the actual cause isn’t being addressed.

If symptoms keep returning, speak with a healthcare professional and get tested rather than repeatedly self-medicating.

Why Might Malaria Keep Coming Back?

There are a few possibilities.

You may be getting bitten again. Malaria is transmitted through infected mosquitoes, so previous treatment does not prevent another infection. Spending time outdoors at night or inadequate protection from mosquitoes can increase your exposure.

The original infection may not have been completely cleared. This is one reason it is important to take malaria treatment exactly as prescribed by a healthcare professional.

It may not be malaria at all. Similar symptoms can be caused by other infections or health conditions, so going for a proper check is important.

Whatever the cause, recurring symptoms are a good reason to stop guessing and speak to a healthcare professional.

Don’t Just Treat the Symptoms

If you find yourself treating “malaria” every few weeks, it may be time to look beyond the next dose of medication.

Getting medical advice, appropriate testing and treatment can help you understand what is actually happening with your health. And this is where having a healthcare plan can be useful.

With Leadway Health, you can have access to healthcare services through a network of healthcare providers, depending on the health plan you choose. Instead of waiting until you’re feeling unwell before figuring out where to go or how to manage the cost of care, having health insurance can help you plan ahead.

Your health needs won’t always be predictable. Your access to healthcare can be.

So, the next time you find yourself saying, “This malaria again?”, don’t just reach for the same medication. Get the right medical advice, understand what’s causing your symptoms and make sure you have a plan for accessing healthcare when you need it.

Take your health seriously. Get covered with a Leadway Health plan that works for you.