Still Feeling Sick After Malaria? Recovery Can Take Weeks—Or Even Months! Here's Why (Image Credits: iStock)
Have you been treated for malaria but still not feeling at your best? You're not alone. By the time the fever, chills, and body aches subside, most people assume they’ve left malaria behind. But for many, that’s just the beginning of a longer journey — the recovery phase. Despite timely treatment, it can take weeks or even months to feel completely back to normal. But why does this happen? We got in touch with an expert who explains why post-malaria recovery can take longer than expected — and how to manage it better.
“People often think that once the anti-malarial medication is done, they should feel fine,” says Dr Sanah Merchant, Consultant Physician and Infectious Disease Specialist at Holy Family Hospital, Mumbai. “But the body takes time to recover from the stress of the infection. This can depend on the severity of the illness, pre-existing conditions, and nutritional status.”
The First Few Days: Quick Relief, But Not Full Recovery
According to Dr Merchant, patients typically start feeling better between the second and fourth day after starting medication. The fever drops, the chills go away, and the body pain begins to ease. However, the internal recovery has just begun.
“In the first couple of weeks, it’s very common to experience fatigue, weakness, low appetite, and even some digestive issues like nausea or loose motions,” she explains. “This phase can last up to two weeks — or even longer in some people.”
What You Should Focus On During Recovery
Dr Merchant explains that hydration and rest are crucial during the initial recovery period. But that’s not all. Supporting your body with the right nutrition and gentle movement is key.
She recommends:
Eating iron, protein, and vitamin-rich foods to help combat post-malaria anaemia. Think leafy greens, eggs, lean meats, legumes, and fruits.
Long-Term Recovery: It May Take a Month or More
Not everyone bounces back quickly. Some people may continue to feel unwell even a month or two after treatment. Dr Merchant says several factors can delay recovery, including:
Severe malaria affects organs like the kidneys or liver.
To support long-term recovery, Dr Merchant suggests regular follow-ups and blood tests to monitor for complications. “Supplementing with iron, folic acid, and multivitamins can also speed up the rebuilding process, especially for people with anaemia,” she adds.
She also encourages stress reduction practices, such as meditation or yoga, to combat lingering fatigue and improve mental health during the healing phase.
Watch Out for These Red Flags
While tiredness and low energy can be part of normal recovery, some symptoms may indicate complications. Dr Merchant advises seeking medical attention if you experience:
Persistent or returning high fevers.
These could signal complications like post-malarial anaemia, liver or kidney issues, or even a relapse.
“Recovery from malaria is a process, not an event,” says Dr Merchant. “Even if you feel better, your body may still be healing inside. Respect the recovery period, eat well, stay hydrated, and don’t hesitate to consult your doctor if symptoms linger.”
Malaria might be gone from your bloodstream, but don’t ignore what your body is telling you. With the right care and patience, full recovery is possible — just give it some time.
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