Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
IN INDIA
Availability & Cost of Health Care
Medical care is hugely variable in India. Some cities now have clinics catering specifically to travellers and expatriates;
these clinics are usually more expensive than local medical facilities, and offer a higher standard of care. Additionally,
they know the local system, including reputable local hospitals and specialists. They may also liaise with insurance com-
panies should you require evacuation. It is usually difficult to find reliable medical care in rural areas.
Before buying medication over the counter, check the use-by date, and ensure the packet is sealed and properly stored
(eg not exposed to the sunshine).
Infectious Diseases
Malaria
This is a serious and potentially deadly disease. Before you travel, seek expert advice according to your itinerary (rural
areas are especially risky) and on medication and side effects.
Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. The key symptom of malaria is fever,
but general symptoms, such as headache, diarrhoea, cough or chills, may also occur. Diagnosis can only be properly made
by taking a blood sample.
Two strategies should be combined to prevent malaria: mosquito avoidance and antimalarial medications. Most people
who catch malaria are taking inadequate or no antimalarial medication.
Travellers are advised to prevent mosquito bites by taking these steps:
» Use a DEET-containing insect repellent on exposed skin. Wash this off at night, as long as you are sleeping under a
mosquito net. Natural repellents such as citronella can be effective, but must be applied more frequently than products
containing DEET.
» Sleep under a mosquito net impregnated with pyrethrin.
» Choose accommodation with proper screens and fans (if not air-conditioned).
» Impregnate clothing with pyrethrin in high-risk areas.
» Wear long sleeves and trousers in light colours.
» Use mosquito coils.
» Spray your room with insect repellent before going out for your evening meal.
There are a variety of medications available:
Chloroquine & Paludrine combination Limited effectiveness in many parts of South Asia. Common side effects in-
clude nausea (40% of people) and mouth ulcers.
Doxycycline (daily tablet) A broad-spectrum antibiotic that helps prevent a variety of tropical diseases, including lepto-
spirosis, tick-borne disease and typhus. Potential side effects include photosensitivity (a tendency to sunburn), thrush (in
 
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