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It is necessary to get vaccinated, please consult your Doctor some weeks before depature to India. The following information might help you prepare yourself. The WTO suggests: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio and Hepatitis A, for longer stays also Hepatitis B. If you are exposed to special situations (being in the countryside, hunting, jogging, backpacking etc.) it is a good idea to be protected against Rabies, Typhoid Fever and Neisseria meningitides, as well as Japanese Encephalitis. Rabies bares a high risk as in some regions of India there are not always vaccines available. A prophylactic vaccination might be advised. We advice you to contact your closest Tropical Medicine doctor or Institute before leaving for India to discuss your specific situation. If you come from: South Africa, Zimbabwe or Trinidad/Tobago there is a mandatory vaccination against yellow fever to be proved before entering India. HIV / Aids is a relevant problem in India and there are certain risks of infection. Unprotected sexual encounters, injections and blood transfusions bare high risk. Please keep that in mind. Prognosis: by taking care of hygiene; especially concerning food and drinks many of the risks of tropical infections as well as diarrhea can be limited. "Peel it, boil it or forget it!" Do not drink tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered, or chemically disinfected. Do not drink un-bottled beverages or drinks with ice. Do not eat fruits or vegetables unless they have been peeled or cooked. Avoid cooked foods that are no longer piping hot. Cooked foods that have been left at room temperature are particularly hazardous. Avoid un-pasteurized milk and any products that might have been made from un-pasteurized milk, such as ice cream. Avoid food and beverages obtained from street vendors. Do not eat raw or undercooked meat or fish. Wear long sleeves, long pants, hats and shoes (rather than sandals). For rural and forested areas, boots are preferable, with pants tucked in, to prevent tick bites. Apply insect repellents and for additional protection, apply Permethrin-containing compounds to clothing, shoes, and bed nets. Don’t sleep with the window open unless there is a screen. If sleeping outdoors or in an accommodation that allows entry of mosquitoes, use a bed net, preferably impregnated with insect repellent, with edges tucked in under the mattress. The mesh size should be less than 1.5 mm. If the sleeping area is not otherwise protected, use a mosquito coil, which fills the room with insecticide through the night. In rural or forested areas, perform a thorough tick check at the end of each day with the assistance of a friend or a full-length mirror. Ticks should be removed with tweezers, grasping the tick by the head. Many tick-borne illnesses can be prevented by prompt tick removal. General advice Bring adequate supplies of all medications in their original containers, clearly labelled. Carry a signed and dated letter from your primary physician describing all medical conditions and listing all medications, including generic names. If carrying syringes or needles, be sure to carry a physician's letter documenting their medical necessity. Pack all medications in hand luggage. Carry a duplicate supply in the checked luggage. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring an extra pair. If you have significant allergies or chronic medical problems, wear a medical alert bracelet. Make sure your health insurance covers you for medical expenses abroad. If not, supplemental insurance for overseas coverage, including possible evacuation, should be seriously considered. Avoid contact with stray dogs and other animals. If an animal bites or scratches you, clean the wound with large amounts of soap and water and contact local health authorities immediately. Wear sun block regularly when needed. Use condoms for all sexual encounters. Ride only in motor vehicles with seat belts. Do not ride on motorcycles. Additional Health Information Make sure your health insurance covers you for medical expenses abroad. If not, supplemental insurance should be contracted for overseas coverage, including possible evacuation, should be seriously considered. |
