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
There are a few things to be careful about in India health-wise. Drink
plenty of fluids but never drink tap water. the flask in hotel rooms
contains filtered water and bottled water is now available almost every
where. Avoid fresh salads even in hotel, and do not eat street food
until you know how much you can abuse your body for the sake of your
palate.
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