I Have a Headache and Fever — Is It Malaria or Something Else? What Every Nigerian Should Know

One of the most common health questions in Nigeria — and one of the most important to get right before you self-medicate.

You wake up feeling hot. Your body is aching. You have a throbbing headache and you feel very weak. The first thing most Nigerians think is: "I have malaria." But is it really malaria? And if it is, what should you take?

This post will answer that question plainly, explain what malaria actually is, what the symptoms look like, and what genuine antimalarial medicines are available in Nigeria today — so you can make a smart and safe decision for yourself and your family.

Quick Answer 

Fever + headache + body pain + chills + sweating = possible malaria. But these symptoms also match typhoid, flu, and other infections. The safest thing to do is test first, then treat. If you can't test, speak to a pharmacist before buying any medication.

What Is Malaria and How Do You Get It?

Malaria is a disease caused by a tiny parasite called Plasmodium. You get it when a female Anopheles mosquito bites you and passes the parasite into your blood. It is very common in Nigeria — in fact, Nigeria accounts for about 27% of all malaria cases in the world. That means if you are Nigerian, you have likely had malaria before, or know someone who has.

The parasite gets into your red blood cells, destroys them, and causes all the symptoms you feel. If you leave malaria untreated, it can become severe and affect your brain, kidneys, and liver. Children and pregnant women are the most at risk of serious complications.

What Are the Real Symptoms of Malaria?

Malaria symptoms usually show up 7 to 14 days after you are bitten by an infected mosquito. Here is what to look for:

• Fever — your body temperature goes above 38°C (100.4°F)
• Chills and shaking — you feel very cold and start shivering even when the weather is hot
• Sweating — after the chills, you sweat heavily
• Headache — a pounding headache that does not go away easily
• Body pain and weakness — your joints and muscles ache
• Nausea and vomiting — you feel like throwing up or you actually vomit
• Tiredness — you feel too weak to do anything

These symptoms come and go in cycles — meaning you might feel okay for a few hours and then the fever returns. This cycling pattern is a key sign that points specifically to malaria.

How Is Malaria Different from Typhoid?

Many Nigerians confuse malaria and typhoid because they share similar symptoms. But there are some important differences that can help you tell them apart before you see a doctor or pharmacist:

The bottom line: do not guess. A simple malaria rapid test (RDT) or blood test at a clinic or laboratory takes less than 20 minutes and tells you exactly what you are dealing with. You can also buy clinical test kits from our Clinical Laboratory Tools section if you want to test at home.

What Antimalarial Drugs Are Available in Nigeria?

If your test confirms malaria, you need to start treatment immediately. Here are the most common and trusted antimalarial medications available in Nigeria today:

1. Artemether-Lumefantrine (Brand names: Coartem, Lonart)

This is the most recommended first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in Nigeria by the Federal Ministry of Health. It works by killing the malaria parasite at different stages. It is taken twice daily for 3 days. It should always be taken with food or a fatty drink like milk because this helps the body absorb it better.

2. Artesunate-Amodiaquine (Brand name: Camosunate, Coarsucam)

Another effective combination used to treat malaria. It is also taken for 3 days. Some people prefer this option if they have had side effects from Coartem before.

3. Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine (Brand name: Duo-Cotecxin)

A good option for people who need an alternative to the above combinations. It is taken once daily for 3 days, which some people find easier to remember.

4. Artesunate Injection (for severe malaria)

If malaria becomes severe — meaning it affects the brain, causes seizures, or the person cannot swallow tablets — artesunate injection is given in a hospital. This should never be handled at home. If someone has severe malaria, go to the hospital immediately.

⚠️ Important: Do not take chloroquine or SP (Fansidar) as the main treatment for malaria in Nigeria anymore. The malaria parasite in Nigeria has become resistant to these older drugs and they often do not work. Stick to the artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) listed above.

Can I Buy Antimalarial Drugs Online in Nigeria?

Yes, you can — but only from a licensed, verified pharmacy. Counterfeit and fake antimalarial drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. The only safe way to buy online is from a PCN-licensed pharmacy that sources directly from NAFDAC-approved manufacturers.

At Sanlive Pharmacy, all our antimalarial medications are genuine, NAFDAC-approved, and sourced from verified manufacturers. You can browse and order from our Anti-Malaria category and have them delivered to your door in Lagos within hours, or nationwide within 1–3 working days.

How Do You Prevent Malaria?

Treatment is important, but prevention is even better. Here are practical steps every Nigerian family should take:

1. Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net every night
2. Use mosquito repellents — sprays, coils, or plug-in devices
3. Eliminate standing water around your home (mosquitoes breed in stagnant water)
4. Use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out
5. If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about malaria prevention medication (IPTp)
6. If you are travelling to a high-malaria area, ask about preventive medication

You can find mosquito repellents and household hygiene support products in our Household Hygiene Support section.

Ready to Order Genuine Antimalarial Medication?

All products are PCN-licensed and NAFDAC-approved. Lagos same-day delivery available.

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❓ Can malaria kill you?

Yes, severe malaria can be fatal — especially in young children, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems. This is why early treatment within 24 hours of symptoms is so important. Do not wait days before getting treatment.

❓ Can I give an adult dose of Coartem to a child?

No. The dose of Coartem and other antimalarials depends on body weight. Children need a much smaller dose. Always check the dosing table on the pack or ask our pharmacist to advise you on the correct dose for your child's weight.

❓ What should I eat while taking malaria medicine?

Eat food with every dose — especially fatty food like milk, pap with milk, or any meal with oil. This is especially important for Coartem (artemether-lumefantrine) because the drug needs fat to be properly absorbed into your body.

⚕️ Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult a registered pharmacist or doctor before starting any medication, especially for children, pregnant women, or people with other health conditions.