Immunization and Health
Yellow fever certificates must be shown by
travellers arriving from Africa, Latin, America
and Papua New Guinea. Other shots, although
not officially required, are advisable. Typhoid
, Polio and tetanus are important. A gamma
globulin injection for hepatitis immediately
before departure is also advisable. Many countries
require arrivals from India to have an up-to-date
cholera vaccination.
A Vaccination against rabies is now available
but you must still visit the nearest hospital
immediately following any bite from a dog
or monkey for a further course of injections.
Malaria is still widespread in many part of
India. Advice as to which pills to take is
constantly being revised but at present one
suggested regime is Niva-quine (or Avloclor)
twice a week and one or two paludrine daily
. both courses must be continued for four
to six weeks after leaving an affected area.
Most modern medicines are available over the
counter in India but it is wise to have your
own small reserve stock. If prescription drugs
are required bring enough for the duration
of your visit . It is advisable, to keep a
second stock of these packed in a separate
bag in case you lose your baggage.A small
kit should include a remedy for 'Delhi-belly'
(upset stomach), some antiseptic cream, lip
salve, mosquito cream , suntan lotion for
log days on Goa' s beaches, water purifying
tablets if bottled water is not available,
elastoplasts, etc.
Many tourists develop problems on their second
or third day because of 'climate shock' (heat
exhaustion rather than contaminated food and
water), ut if a upset stomach persists seek
medical advise (big hotels have a doctor o
call). Many people in India advise drinking
lots of fluids (boiled and filtered water
with a little salt ad sugar) and keeping to
a diet of rice and yoghurt for a couple of
days.
Be careful about following things
in India about healthwise :
- Drink plenty of fluids but never drink tap
water.
- The flask in hotel rooms contains filtered
water and bottled water and now available
almost every hotel.
- Avoid fresh salads even in hotel
- Avoid eating street food
Prepare Your Medical Kit
In India good medical facilities are available
in all major cities. Some of the hospital
in India provides medical facilities best
in the world. But it is always sensible to
carry a handy medical kit with you. For the
normal condition a good medical kit should
include the following :
Aspirin or paracetamol (acetaminophen
in the US) Useful for pain or fever.
Antihistamine, a decongestant
for colds and allergies, to ease the itch
from insect bites or stings and to help prevent
motion sickness. There are several antihistamines
on the market, all with different pros and
cons (eg a tendency to cause drowsiness),
so it's worth discussing your requirements
with a pharmacist or doctor. Antihistamines
may cause sedation and interact with alcohol
so care should be taken when using them.
Antibiotics, useful if you're
travelling well off the beaten track, but
they must be prescribed and you should carry
the prescription with you.
Loperamide (eg Imodium)
or Lomotil which is useful for diarrhoea;
prochlorperazine (eg Stemetil) or metaclopramide
(eg Maxalon) for nausea and vomiting.
Rehydration mixture useful
for treatment of severe diarrhoea; this is
particularly important if travelling with
children.
Antiseptic useful for cuts
and grazes such as povidone-iodine (eg Betadine).
Multivitamins, especially
for long trips when dietary vitamin intake
may be inadequate.
Calamine lotion or aluminium
sulphate spray (eg Stingose spray) to ease
irritation from bites and stings.
Bandages and Band-aids are
useful for minor injuries.
Scissors, Tweezers and a Thermometer
(note that mercury thermometers are prohibited
by airlines).
Insect repellent, sunscreen, chap stick and
water purification tablets.
Cold and Flu tablets and throat lozenges,
in the changed environment these
are comon health problems so,
Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (Sudafed) may
be useful if flying with a cold to avoid ear
damage.
Syringes and needles, take
a couple of each in case you need injections
in a country with medical hygiene problems.
Ask your doctor for a note explaining why
they have been prescribed.
