[Red Badger]

Get checked out ASAP.

A friend of mine returned from a missionary trip to New Guinea and thought he had a cold and it was malaria. He damn near died................

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Thanks. I just looked it up. It's got quite a range of flu-like symptoms that can range from mild to life-threatening. Symptoms often start 7–30 days after an infected mosquito bite, though some parasite species can remain dormant in the liver and cause illness months or even a year or more later. Common (uncomplicated) symptoms often resemble influenza or another viral illness:

• Fever (sometimes high)
• Chills and shaking
• Sweats
• Headache
• Muscle and joint aches
• Fatigue or general malaise
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Abdominal pain Some people experience classic “attacks” or paroxysms: a cold/shivering stage, followed by high fever, then profuse sweating as the fever breaks. These cycles can occur every 48 or 72 hours depending on the Plasmodium species, though early illness is often irregular.

  Others can experience anemia, mild jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), an enlarged spleen or liver, and a faster breathing or heart rate. Severe disease can lead to coma or death and is a medical emergency. Young children, pregnant people, and travelers without prior immunity are at higher risk.

  Seek medical care immediately if you develop fever or flu-like symptoms during or after travel to a malaria-endemic area (even up to a year later).

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  I've had classical cold symptoms...started with a sore throat, progressed to head congestion, run-down feeling, now a cough and phlegm. Don't think it's malaria, but I'll keep a watchful eye.