Understanding and Treating Ague (Malaria) Symptoms & Recovery

Ague is a condition that occurs when someone has been affected by malaria or other diseases of the blood. Malaria is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Ague is pronounced as "egg." It is characterized by bouts of fever, extreme shivering, chills, sweating, and pain in the bones and joints. Early diagnosis of malaria is necessary to ensure full recovery.

Instructions

Diagnosis and Curing Ague

• 1

  Watch for symptoms of ague after being in an area known for malaria. Any fevers, sweats, shaking chills, headaches, tiredness, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea should be taken seriously, and medical attention should be obtained immediately. Many times these symptoms are mistaken for a cold or the flu. The malaria incubation period, before symptoms begin, is 10 days to 4 weeks after infection.

• 2

  Give a complete medical history, including recent travels, to your doctor. Your doctor will give you a physical exam and test your blood by taking a drop of your blood and examining it for the malaria parasite. This test is called a blood smear.

• 3

  Start treatment for malaria as soon as you are diagnosed. Malaria left untreated can be fatal. After being diagnosed, you will be prescribed one or more malaria medications, such as chloroquine, mefloquine or quinine.

• 4

  Rest in bed for at least five weeks after starting the treatment for malaria. Ague is exhausting and painful. The recovery period is necessary to prevent relapse.