Over the years both in traveling India and time spent on travel forums about India, you see there are certain questions that crop up all the time. Similar question but on a wide range of topics from taxis to health. This section is an attempt to answer these question in a clear, one stop site.
It's not exhaustive but with luck it will answer most queries newbies might have and a few for the more experienced amongst you. Please let us know if there's something you think we've missed!!
HEALTH
Are vaccinations obligatory in India?
No, the only obligatory vaccination is for Yellow fever should you be arriving from a country where Yellow Fever is prevalent
What vaccinations do I need for India?
The list is as follows
PLEASE ASK YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISIONS
Recommended for all travelers
One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult
Required for all travelers arriving from or transiting through a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas. Not recommended otherwise.
For long-term (>1 month) travelers to rural areas or travelers who may engage in extensive unprotected outdoor activities in rural areas, especially after dusk
For travelers who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6 months
For travelers who may have direct contact with animals and may not have access to medical care
Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given
Revaccination recommended every 10 years
For travelers who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6 months
MALARIA
Is malaria present in India.
Yes Malaria IS present in varying degrees, in around 93% of the country. The only areas being truly free of the parasite, being places at an altitude of 2000 meter and beyond!
Do I need to take anti Malarials?
The choice is of course yours. Some prefer to try and avoid bites. Official policy seems to be changing on this but most health bodies seem to still find the need to use anti Malarials in order to reduce your chances of contracting the parasite.
It only takes one bite from the wrong Mossie....................
Is Choloroquinine useful in India?
Used on it's own Choloroquinine is no longer considered a safe option. However in combination with proguanil it is still considered a good choice, Apart from travelers to the North East area near Burma, where the combination is not recommended
What other anti Malarials can I use in India?
Mefloquine Hydrochloride (brand Name Larium)
Atovaquone and Proguanil hydrochloride ( Brand Name Malarone)
doxycycline
Is there a homeopathic solution?
No nothing tried and tested!
Do these drugs have side effects
Yes most do Malarone seeming to offer the fewest, Talk this over with your doctor or see below
Proguanil (Paludrine) can cause nausea and simple mouth ulcers.
Choloroquinine (Nivaquine or Avloclor) can cause nausea, temporary blurred vision and rashes.
Patients with a history of psychiatric disturbances (including depression) should not take mefloquine as it may precipitate these conditions. It is now advised that mefloquine be started two and a half weeks before travel.
Doxycycline does carry some risk of photosensitisation i.e. can make you prone to sunburn.
Malarone is a relatively new treatment and is virtually free of side effects. It is licensed for use in stays of up to 28 days but there is now experience of it being taken safely for up to three months.
Can Malaria Be Fatal?
In the right set of circumstance YES. Take the time to have any fever or flu like symptoms checked out, you never know!
Can Malaria be COMPLETELY cured?
These days YES, with prompt and proper attention the parasite no longer dwell in the liver. Only to reappear sometime later
How long before travel do I have to start these medication and how long must I continue upon return to my own country or Malaria free environment?
The regimes are as follows
Choloroquinine, Proguanil
Start one week before travel, throughout your stay in an endemic area and continue for four weeks after return.
Mefloquine (Lariam)
Start two and a half weeks before travel, throughout your stay in an endemic area and continue for four weeks after return.
Doxycycline
Start two days before travel, throughout your stay in an endemic area and continue for four weeks after return.
Malarone
Start two days before travel, throughout your stay in an endemic area and continue for one week after return.
Are Anti malarials available in India?
Yes but not all of them,Malarone isn't available anywhere as far as we know and Proguanil is very hard to track down. All other anti malarials are available and at a fraction of the cost you would pay at home!
TRAVELER'S DIARRHEA
Is it possible to avoid Travelers Diarrhea?
Unfortunately not!
Following some simple rules can however mimimise the chances. Eat in restaurants at designated eating times, will avoid eating food that has been lying around for too long. Washing you hands before meals and if you find a good place to eat stick with it!!
Should I use Immodium to treat it?
No, Immodium simply cramps the lower bowel, in order for you to travel. It does nothing to eliminate the disease or parasite!!
Are antibiotic available and safe in India?
Yes pretty much all Antibiotics are available and cheap.
Though there are instances of fake medicines finding their way onto chemist's shelves. We've never personally experienced this and as such feel fine about recommending the use of local medicines!!
What should I do if I contract this?
If the symptoms are low level and without fever then give it 24 hours, before seeing a doctor. If the symptoms are severe, see a doctor straight away and take a stool sample. Begin directly with the prescribed treatment and after you've finished you course of mediciens then take another stool sample to check the parasite/disease has been eradicated!!
Drink plaetny fuild coupled with packs of Oral Rehydration Treatments. Which help the body retain much needed fluids!
Follow the advice of the doctor. Staying away from certain food groups, he will point out to you!!
Is Diarrhea deadly
Diarrhea can be very serious indeed, if left alone. Dehydration is a big factor ,that has to be addressed. But other complications can follow if left untreated. Take this seriously!!
DOCTORS and HOSPITALS
What standard of care can I expect in India.
In our experience the health care from doctors is usually very good and inexpensive. Doctors take time with you and are well versed in the common diseases we see as tropical!!
Practises vary but often have some basic X ray equipment and the like.
Hospital vary from the very good, to the dire, underfunded Government hospitals!!
Is health care cheap
Yes it's very cheap, buying eye glasses, dental treatment and lasic treatnment being just a few areas where you could save major amounts of money, compared to home!!
