Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Typhoid
This serious bacterial infection is also spread via food and water. It gives a high and slowly progressive fever
and headache, and may be accompanied by a dry cough and stomach pain. It is diagnosed by blood tests and treated
with antibiotics. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers who are spending more than a week in India. Be aware
that vaccination is not 100% effective, so you must still be careful with what you eat and drink.
Travellers' Diarrhoea
This is by far the most common problem affecting travellers in India - between 30% and 70% of people will suffer from
it within two weeks of starting their trip. It's usually caused by a bacteria, and thus responds promptly to treatment with
antibiotics.
Travellers' diarrhoea is defined as the passage of more than three watery bowel actions within 24 hours, plus at least
one other symptom, such as fever, cramps, nausea, vomiting or feeling generally unwell.
Treatment consists of staying well hydrated; rehydration solutions like Gastrolyte are the best for this. Antibiotics
such as Ciprofloxacin or Azithromycin should kill the bacteria quickly. Seek medical attention quickly if you do not re-
spond to an appropriate antibiotic.
Loperamide is just a 'stopper' and doesn't get to the cause of the problem. It can be helpful, though (eg if you have to
go on a long bus ride). Don't take Loperamide if you have a fever or blood in your stools.
Amoebic Dysentery
Amoebic dysentery is very rare in travellers but is often misdiagnosed by poor-quality labs. Symp-
toms are similar to bacterial diarrhoea: fever, bloody diarrhoea and generally feeling unwell. You should always seek re-
liable medical care if you have blood in your diarrhoea. Treatment involves two drugs: Tinidazole or Metronidazole to
kill the parasite in your gut and then a second drug to kill the cysts. If left untreated complications such as liver or gut
abscesses can occur.
Giardiasis
Giardia is a parasite that is relatively common in travellers. Symptoms include nausea, bloating, excess gas,
fatigue and intermittent diarrhoea. The parasite will eventually go away if left untreated but this can take months; the
best advice is to seek medical treatment. The treatment of choice is Tinidazole, with Metronidazole being a second-line
option.
Environmental Hazards
Air Pollution
Air pollution, particularly vehicle pollution, is an increasing problem in most of India's urban hubs. If you have severe
respiratory problems, speak with your doctor before travelling to India.
