:: :: :: H O L I D A Y S U N L I M I T E D ::: TRAVEL TIPS INDIA - Health Tips -- ::: :: :: :: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Though no inoculations are legally required for entry into India, it is recommended that the following vaccinations are obtained at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect:

Japanese Encephalitis

Meninogococcal Meningitis

As needed, booster doses for tetanus (a fatal wound infection), diptheria (a fatal throat infection) and measles, and a one-time dose of polio for adults. All vaccinations should be recorded on an International Health Certificate, usually available from your doctor or government health department.

An International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever may be demanded as a condition of entry when visiting India if you are coming from countries in tropical South America or sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is no risk for yellow fever in the Indian subcontinent.

Malaria Medication, Before starting anti-malarial medication, consult a doctor.

In addition to using drugs to prevent malaria, travellers should protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing clothing that covers most of the body, using mosquito netting, i.e. bed nets, and applying insect repellent to exposed skin, particularly between the cooler hours of the dusk and dawn, when most mosquitoes are known to feed. The most effective repellents contain the active ingredient DEET (N,N-diethyl meta-toluamide). Check for local brand names like good Night, All Out, Tortoise or Rooster mosquito coils.

Because of the potential for other mosquito-borne diseases in India - such as Dengue, Lymphatic Filariasis, and Japanaese Encephalitis -- all travellers are advised to use these precautions to avoid mosquito bites in general.

Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke & Sunburn

Dehydration and salt deficiency can cause heat exhaustion which is typically characterised by lethargy, fatigue and headaches. In comparison, in a heat stroke, it's the body's heat control mechanisms that break down and the body temperature rises to dangerous levels. Sweating diminishes, and headache and delirium also occur. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, drink lots of non-alcoholic fluids and increase salt intake in food. To protect yourself from sunburn always wear a hat, sunglasses and use some form of sun protection cream or lotion.

Food & Water Precautions

Watching what you eat and drink when you travel is as important as being vaccinated. This is because the vaccines are not completely effective. While travelling, contaminated food and drink are the major sources of stomach or intestinal illness or what they call 'travellers' diarrhoea', typhoid, cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis A.

Watch what you drink!

In areas with poor sanitation, only the following beverages may be safe to drink: boiled water, hot beverages (such as coffee or tea) made with boiled water, canned or bottled carbonated beverages, bottled mineral water (with the seal intact), beer, and wine.

Food should be selected with care. Any raw food could be contaminated, particularly in areas of poor

sanitation. Foods of particular concern include salads, uncooked vegetables and fruit, unpasteurized

milk and milk products, raw meat, and shellfish.

Avoid raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled. When you eat raw fruit or vegetables that can be

peeled, peel them yourself after washing your hands with soap first.

Eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked and that are still hot and steaming.

Avoid foods and beverages from street vendors. It is difficult for food to be kept clean on the street,

and many travelers get sick from food bought from street vendors.

Infants younger than 6 months should either be breast-fed or be given powdered commercial formula

prepared with boiled water.

Special advice for pregnant women and small children