India Travel Health Issues

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The huge geographical differences in India, from the high mountains and golden beaches, to the arid deserts and tropical rain forests means that India travel health is a potential nightmare and the possible implacations of lack of preparation can be terrible but only if you are under-prepared and uneducated.

Temperature, altitude, food, parasites and malaria are just a few of the issues to be concerned with but please don't let this article alarm you. These are not things that will happen to you but merely things that any responsible traveller should simply 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, Heatstroke, Food Issues, altitude and water. It's all practical stuff that I learnt the hard way so you don't have to!

In an emergency

International SOS is the world's leading medical and security assistance company specializing in emergency evacuation and 24-hour help for any travel emergency. Comes highly recommended!

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 Womens 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

The first thing you need to do before you consider getting immunised is to check the 'Disease control centre for India which you can find if you follow this link: wwwnc.cdc.gov

Here you will find all the latest epidemics and diseases are listed along with recommended along with appropriate precautions.

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 this page

I have listed all of the appropriate immunisations along with the risk / necessity ratio factored in.

Stomach and Diarrhoea problems 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

Health Warning

Mumbai is becoming a hotspot for malaria in India with an increase of 20% this year alone (2010). Follow this link for more information.

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