With a cultural history over 4,500 years
old and the world’s second largest population, it’s no wonder that India has
become an increasingly popular destination attracting travelers for both
business and pleasure. From the Taj
Mahal to the Himalayas, there is much to see, do and learn. But before you go, there are important
health-protecting preparations to be made; travelers need travel immunization to India, procure prescriptions, and educate themselves about potential health
risks.
With regard to vaccinations, the Center for
Disease Control recommends that travelers to India receive the immunizations against hepatitis A and B
and Typhoid. Those travelers who expect
to spend time in rural areas are also advised to get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis and rabies. Most
people in the United States receive a measles or MMR vaccination as children,
and while measles is no longer an active disease in the States, it is still
prevalent in India and many other countries, so talk to your doctor about
whether you’re up to date on this and all other routine vaccines; some recent
cases of polio have been reported in India as well. It is recommended that travelers are
immunized four to six weeks before they leave, so plan ahead!
But essential travel health information
isn’t just limited to vaccinations.
Travelers visiting nearly all areas of India, including urban areas like
Delhi and Bombay, could be exposed to malaria, and so are advised to undergo an
antimalarial prescription drug regimen before and during their time in India; note
that Chloroquine is not effective against the strains of malaria present in
India and some other South Asian countries, and should therefore not be used as
an antimalarial treatment. Again, most
antimalarial drugs need to travel through the bloodstream for several weeks
before they take effect, so visit your travel health provider early. Travelers should talk with their physicians
about their specific travel itinerary.It is important for travelers to purchase
the antimalarial drugs they will need for their time away while they are still
in the United States, as some drugs produced outside the US do not meet FDA
standards and have adverse side-effects, contain contaminants, or are
altogether ineffective. The Center for
Disease Control advises travelers against using risky antimalarial drugs,
particularly Halfan, unless they have already contracted malaria and has no
other available options.
The same rules apply for any other
prescription medicines you may take on a daily basis; plan to bring enough for
your entire trip, as you may not be able to refill your medication abroad. It is also a good idea to pack your preferred
over-the-counter drugs, such as anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, allergy medication,
sunscreen and insect repellent, since availability will vary, particularly in
rural areas.
Other diseases widespread in India for
which there are no vaccines available include dengue and avian flu. The CDC recommends preventative measures
(insect repellent and avoiding contact with local bird life, respectively) as
the means of protecting oneself from these diseases. The CDC also advises travelers to the South
Asian region to be careful about their food and water intake to avoid food
poisoning, and, if they do plan to visit those majestic Himalayas, to pay
attention to signs of altitude sickness.
Symptoms include insomnia, nausea, headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite
and confusion, and should be taken seriously; untreated altitude illness can be
fatal.
As you can see, there’s a lot to think
about when planning a trip, so it’s important to visit a certified travel
health provider for treatment and advice before you go. Whether you need travel immunization to India or any other far-off destination, if you’re New York
based check out the Travel Clinic of New York. At the Travel clinic NYC doctors
specialize in travel consultations, vaccinations and prescription medications
for travel, and offer flexible hours and treatments tailored to fit your
specific itinerary.
