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VACCINATIONS You will almost certainly be advised to be vaccinated against hepatitis A, cholera, tetanus, and typhoid; also make sure your polio immunization is up to date. Longer-stay visitors should consider getting the hepatitis B and meningitis vaccinations as well. Note that travelers arriving from yellow fever–infected areas must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

PACKING A FIRST-AID KIT Besides antidiarrheal medication, of which the most important are rehydration salts (available all over India as ORS—oral rehydration salts), it may be worthwhile to carry a course of antibiotics (such as Ciprofloxacin, which is widely available in India at a fraction of what you’ll pay back home) for stomach-related illnesses. It’s also worthwhile to take an antiseptic cream, and possibly an antibacterial soap (though the type of soap used matters less than vigilance: Wash your hands regularly, particularly before eating). Pack prescription medications in your carry-on luggage in their original containers with pharmacy labels, so they’ll make it through airport security. Also bring along copies of your prescriptions in case you lose your pills or run out (include the generic name; local pharmacists will be unfamiliar with brand names). Don’t forget an extra pair of contact lenses or prescription glasses or an extra inhaler.

COMMON AILMENTS

TROPICAL ILLNESSES Besides malaria, India’s mosquitoes are also responsible for spreading untreatable dengue fever and virulent Japanese encephalitis. Again, the best advice is to avoid getting bitten in the first place. (See the tips below.)

MALARIA Most doctors will advise you to take a course of antimalarial tablets, but as is the case elsewhere, the best prevention is not to get bitten. Malaria is a parasitic infection borne by the female Anopheles mosquito, and risks are greater in warm, wet areas (particularly during monsoon) and at night, when mosquitoes are at their most active. Cover all exposed skin with antimosquito creams (many effective creams are available in India) or sprays as evening approaches, and use repellent coils or electric plug-in mosquito repellents as a preventive measure at night, particularly in hotel rooms without air-conditioning. Note that some plug-in repellents can cause a mild throat irritation, in which case stick with creams. Wear loose, floppy clothes that cover as much skin as possible, but remember that mosquitoes sometimes do bite through thin clothing, so you may need to apply repellent on your clothes as well. Note that many travelers on antimalarial tablets suffer side effects including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and even mild forms of psychosis and depression; ask your doctor to suggest an alternative antimalarial that you can take if you end up having serious side effects (but bear in mind that chloroquine is not an effective antimalarial for India).

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES & BLOOD INFECTIONS Keep in mind that HIV and hepatitis B are transmitted not only through sexual contact, but by infected blood. This means that any procedure involving a used needle or a blade can be hazardous. Avoid getting tattoos or piercings, and steer clear of roadside barbers offering shaves (although we’ve noticed that many barbers do in fact use fresh, unused blades). For haircuts and procedures such as manicures and pedicures, stick to salons in upmarket hotels. Take the usual precautions if you are about to engage in any sexual activities—AIDS numbers are not well publicized, since the disease is widely associated with taboo and “anti-Indian behaviors,” but this is a huge and growing problem, and some doctors and NGO workers we have consulted suggest that India is on track to becoming the world’s worst-afflicted AIDS region.

DIETARY RED FLAGS & TUMMY TROUBLES Many visitors to India fall victim to the ubiquitous “Delhi belly,” an unfortunate reaction to unfamiliar rich and spicy foodstuffs that can overwhelm the system and cause symptoms ranging from slight discomfort