India Travel Health Issues

Temperature, altitude, food, parasites and malaria are just a few of the issues to be concerned fabout, but please don't let this article alarm you. These are probably not things that will happen to you but are rather things that any responsible traveller should be aware of before embarking on such an adventure.

Nothing is more important than a bit of common sense and adequate preparation!

These articles are not designed to tell you what you should do although I have of course highlighted the more important aspects. These articles are simply to make you aware that travelling in India is not like travelling in to Europe or America - far from it - India is a wild place at best so read and have sense and you will no doubt be absolutely fine (except of course the inevitable deli belly)!

Follow the links for information about Mosquitoes, Insect bites and stings, Diarrhoea in India, Sunburn and Heatstroke in India, Food Issues, altitude and water. It's all practical stuff that I learnt the hard way so you don't have to!

Before you go

The availability of healthcare in India is patchy and the quality varies tremendously. Women travelling in India have to take extra precautions regarding their personal health and for their own safety, so, follow these links for Women's health and Women in India.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition and/or require medication then follow the this Medication link for more Information.

Immunisations and Vaccinations for India

You can find more detailed information by following Vaccinations for India.

When I was India I stopped taking my malaria tablets purely out of laziness and I am fine but it is really up to you. There is malaria in India so think wisely about the pros and cons of this topic. Visit this link for more information:

It is usually a good idea to make sure your tetanus shot is updated before you depart.

Lots of people who go to India go and get shots for everything but soon realise that most of it really isn't necessary. On Vaccinations for India I have listed all of the appropriate immunisations along with the risk / necessity ratio factored in.

Other India travel health problems are Stomach and Diarrhoea problems which are very common in India and you will be recognised as some form of god if you visit and remain unaffected. Immodium is a must! There is a link at the bottom of this page covering the ins-and-outs of Diarrhoea in India.

Always ensure that you have a well pack first aid kit before you go to India - Appropriate contents are listed on this page:

www.all-about-india.com/First-Aid-Kit-Contents-India.html

When you get back

When you get back home from India make sure that you paying attention to your health. Some symptoms can wait for sometimes a few weeks before you know you are ill.

If you find that you are not well when you get back from India then you should consult your doctor immediately. It's so important to hit any problems on the head as soon as possible to avoid any serious health complications.

For anybody who has visited a well known malaria area it is advisable to continue taking you medicine for at least three weeks after you return home. Malaria is an incredibly serious illness and no chances should be taken. The symptoms of Malaria can wait for up to one year after you were infected before they arise so always be aware of any flu like symptoms.

Health Warning

Mumbai is becoming a hotspot for malaria in India with an increase of 20% this year alone (2011). Follow this link for more information.

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