call a doctor immediately if you have been in an area where malaria is present were exposed to mosquitoes and develop flu -like symptoms (such as fever chills headache and nausea ). watchful waiting watchful waiting is a wait-and-see approach. if you get better on your own you won't need treatment. if you get worse you and your doctor will decide what to do next. do not wait to call a doctor if you think you have malaria. call a doctor immediately. for people who live for many years in countries where malaria is common and have some immunity to malaria watchful waiting is okay for mild malaria symptoms. flu-like symptoms may also be caused by many other diseases or health conditions. watchful waiting is not appropriate for most travelers. if you have a question about your symptoms call your doctor. who to see health professionals who can check out symptoms that may be caused by malaria include: physician assistants or nurse practitioners. family medicine physicians. pediatricians. internists. infectious disease specialists. in the united states call the centers for disease control and prevention (cdc) toll-free at 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-cdc-info) or visit the cdc's malaria web site (wwwn. cdc. gov/travel/yellowbookch4-malaria. aspx) to receive the most current information about malaria and appropriate travel precautions. your doctor or local health department may also have this information. to prepare for your appointment see the topic making the most of your appointment. webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
i have or think i have malaria when should i contact my doctor?