Travelling to any new country comes with challenges, and India is no different. A change in the landscape is accompanied by changes in weather, food and, most importantly, water. These sudden changes can sometimes lead to adverse effects, even in the most seasoned travellers. While nothing can prepare travellers and tourists for the onslaught of transformed conditions, there are some precautions like medications and vaccinations that tourists to the country can arm themselves with to ensure that their trip is a beautiful and smooth experience. Here's a look at some of them.
Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food or water. It is a high-risk disease if you are travelling to India. If you maintain a good standard of hygiene and eat and drink from places, you do not have much to fear. However, this is one of the most essential vaccines for travelling to India.
Typhoid: Typhoid fever occurs through the consumption of contaminated food and water and poor sanitary conditions. Caused by bacteria, it can be life-threatening if not treated properly. It’s recommended for anyone travelling to South East Asian countries, including India, especially if they are visiting rural areas or spending time in small towns.
Diptheria-Tetanus: Diptheria is a contagious bacterial respiratory disease that a vaccine can easily prevent. Its toxins are fatal. It is spread by coughing and sneezing. The vaccine for diphtheria is TDAP, which is also a polio-tetanus vaccine. It needs to be administered if you are travelling to the Indian or African subcontinent and taken around two weeks before departure for it to be effective.
Apart from your medical prescriptions, here are a few general medicines you should take along on your trip to India.
Pepto Bismol or Imodium: Dietary preferences in the country change every 100 kilometres, and Indian food habits are vastly different from those in the West. Stomach or digestion issues are the most common grievances that plague most travellers, and hence, a laxative or Pepto Bismol is one of the most important medicines to carry.
Antihistamines: Travelling to a new country means you are bound to be exposed to new elements that are unfamiliar to your body’s immune system, not to mention the high levels of pollution and dust prevalent in India. Allergies can very easily breakout, and to ensure that the trip proceeds smoothly and you do not face something even more serious, carry the common antihistamines in your medical bag.
Malaria: If you are travelling to certain parts of the country, like the interiors, rural areas, or high-risk areas, the CDC advises you to take prescription medicine along with you. Depending on the medicine, you will have to take it before, during, or even after the trip in some cases. Consult a doctor before taking these medicines.
Besides these specific prescriptions, vaccinations and precautions, it is recommended that you carry a first aid kit if travelling to the mountains and your eye medicines along with you. Most importantly, travel safely and cautiously for a trip that leaves you with no regrets.