Vaccinations for India and health tips for your trip

If you are organizing your trip to the India You will probably have doubts about the vaccinations you should have and everything related to your health during the trip. Here you have all the information you need about vaccinations for travel to India and my best health tips, so that you can enjoy this adventure to the fullest without putting your well-being at risk. Keep in mind all my recommendations are for travellers with origin in Spain and other rules may apply for your region.

Vaccines for India

Before traveling you should always be informed of the current health situation in the country and the preventive measures you should take. Even if you travel to the same destination several times, each time there may be different risks due to the time of year, the area you are going to or temporary virus outbreaks. Being that said, I recommend always to visit an international vaccination center before your trip, and thus advise you of the vaccinations required at that time to go to India.

Do I have to be vaccinated to go to India?

It depends on your country of origin and/or countries visited prior to arrival in India.

Mandatory vaccinations for travel to India

There are no mandatory vaccinations to go to India. but travelers coming from yellow fever endemic areas are required to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Some Spanish-speaking countries in South America require this yellow fever vaccination certificate, so check with your nearest vaccination center.

Recommended vaccinations for your trip to India

There are two types of vaccines that are recommended, those suitable for all travelers and those specific to long-term travel or according to the risk activity to which the traveler will be exposed. Everything will depend on the type of trip you are going to make, the time of the year, its duration and the activities you will be exposed to. When you visit the international vaccination center, they will inform you in detail which vaccines are recommended for you.

Diseases in India, their vaccines and recommendations

Now that you know the vaccinations for travel to India, I will explain a little about each of them, the application of the corresponding vaccination and some recommendations..

I have classified the diseases according to their origin of contagion:

Diseases transmitted by contaminated water or contaminated food

Hepatitis A

This disease is common in developing countries. You can get it through consumption of contaminated food and water, and also by direct contact with infected people. It is the most common disease in international travelers and precautions should be taken in areas with poor hygiene.
The vaccine is administered in 2 doses per shot. Since some time has to pass between the first and second dose, so be sure not to leave vaccinations to the last minute!

Typhoid fever

Typhoid fever is transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or water Increased risk in rural areas with scarce drinking water resources.
The typhoid fever vaccine is not a prick vaccine and consists of 3 tablets. It is valid for 3 years.

Cholera

It is an intestinal disease in the form of sporadic outbreaks present in developing countries. It is transmitted by drinking contaminated food or water. Please note that the risk increases in rural areas with scarce drinking water resources and during natural disasters such as floods..
The cholera vaccine is not administered by injection but orally. It consists of 2 doses and you have to drink it dissolved in water. This vaccine is time limited so if you travel again you will have to take it again.

Diseases transmitted by mosquito bites

Japanese encephalitis

It is a viral disease transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is common in rural areas with pig farms or rice fields.. This mosquito usually bites between dusk and dawn.
Vaccine recommended for long duration trips and trips to rural areas. Not necessary if your only destination is cities and tourist routes.

Malaria in India and how to avoid it

Malaria is a serious parasitic disease widespread in most tropical countries. It is transmitted by the bite of an infected female mosquito. No malaria vaccine but malaria prevention prophylaxis and antimalarial drugs are available for self-treatment if you felt symptoms of malaria and did not have a medical center to go to.

In India, the areas with the highest risk of malaria are located in the northwestern states, but there may be a slight risk throughout the country. This risk is usually higher after the monsoon or rainy season..

Treatment for malaria

If the risk of malaria is low in the area where you are going, prophylaxis may not be necessary, but it is highly recommended to carry Malarone antimalarial pills in your first aid kit as an emergency treatment if you have symptoms and do not have a nearby health center.

Important: At the slightest symptom you should go to a health center and resort to Malarone only if you are in an isolated area with no health care nearby, but never self-medicate if you have access to medical care. On my countless trips to India I always carry Malarone just in case but I have never had to use to it.

My advice for any danger is always prevention, so the best thing to do is to avoid mosquito bites. This particular mosquito usually bites at dusk and at night. The risk of being bitten decreases from 1500 altitude onwards as the mosquito does not survive in such conditions. Below are some tips on how to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
If in the months following your trip you have episodes of high fever, do not forget to inform your doctor about your trip.

Dengue Virus in India

This virus is contracted by the bite of an infected mosquito and the risk increases during and after the monsoon. There is no vaccine.

Zika virus in India

Zika virus is contracted through the bite of an infected mosquito and also through sexual transmission. There is no vaccine.

Chikungunya virus in India

This virus is contracted by the bite of an infected mosquito. This mosquito usually bites during the day and at dusk.

Other diseases in India

Tetanus

Tetanus is a serious infection caused by bacteria. Tetanus vaccine is very important when you suffer an animal bite, cut or scratch.
This vaccine is included in the general health vaccination schedule in Spain and is usually administered together with the diphtheria vaccine.

Hepatitis B

This Hepatitis is transmitted through sexual intercourse and direct blood contact. That is to say that you can become infected if you share razor blades, through acupuncture needles or tattoos.. It is very common to return from India with a tattoo as a souvenir of the trip, the price for tattooing there is ridiculous if you compare it with the price in Spain but do not risk to do it anywhere and make sure that even if you pay a little more the tattoo artist complies with health standards and uses new needles for each client.
The hepatitis B vaccine consists of 3 doses per injection. This vaccine is included in the general health vaccination schedule in Spain.

Polio

Poliomyelitis is a viral infection that can affect the central nervous system. India is considered polio-free since 2014.
It is a vaccine included in the general health vaccination schedule in Spain.

Rabia

It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is contracted through bites or scratches from infected animals. In India there are many stray dogs, bats and monkeys, so I advise you to avoid direct contact with them,especially with the monkeys, which, although they look like a lot of fun, can be dangerous.
This vaccine is recommended for people who travel for a long period of time or those who may be in direct contact with animals due to their travel activities. If so, one dose should be applied before the trip and two more in a health center at the destination if there is a bite or scratch with risk of contagion. It is very important to wash the wound quickly, the international vaccination center will inform you about everything you should do in this case.

Yellow Fever in India

India is a yellow fever free country, and all travelers arriving in India from a yellow fever endemic country must be vaccinated and present the yellow fever vaccination certificate at the airport. Otherwise, passengers will be quarantined or may be deported. This certificate is valid after 10 days from the date of vaccination. I recommend you to consult with your international vaccination center to be well informed about this vaccination depending on your country of origin.

In summary, most of the diseases or infections present in India are transmitted through mosquito bites and the consumption of infected food or water..Being that said, it is in your hands to prevent and minimize the risk of contracting these diseases if you take the necessary hygiene and health measures. I will tell you about them in detail below.

How to prevent traveler's diarrhea?

Traveler's diarrhea also known as "Delhi Belly" is very common among foreign travelers during their first visit to India, approximately 60% of visitors suffer from it. Traveler's diarrhea is caused by viral infections and bacteria present in both water and food but can also be triggered by changing food, which is quite spicy and spicy.
To avoid Delhi Belly you must be careful with the water and food you drink.

Read on to learn about all the precautions you should take. They are listed in the following section of health tips in India.

Health tips for your trip to India

Water: bottled only

Always drink bottled water and check that it is sealed (in some establishments they refill them). The Indian population can drink tap water without any problem as it is drinkable but not suitable for travelers due to the microorganisms and bacteria it contains. If you drink it, you will most likely get traveler's diarrhea and I do not recommend it!
Please note that there are two types of bottled water in India: mineral water and drinking water. Mineral water comes naturally from springs and fountains while bottled drinking water is water that has been chemically treated for consumption, so choose mineral whenever you can!

Another option is treated water. Many tourist establishments, restaurants and private homes have filters to purify the water. It is a suitable option but as you never know if they maintain the filter correctly, on your first trip I recommend drinking only bottled water.

Water is a serious problem in India. The sewerage network is quite precarious in some developing areas, the use of latrines without sewerage is very common and where there are no latrines, defecation is usually done in the street. The rainy season does not favor this situation at all. And all these components make water in some developing areas a cause of many infections.
I share with you tips and some allies that you can take with you on your trip to India to ensure that you have healthy water at all times.

Tips on water in India:

• Always drink bottled water (the golden rule).
• Carry in your first aid kit water purification tablets for water in case you go to rural areas without access to water bottles.
• Get one purifying water bottle or a purifying filter for your trip in case you don't have bottled water.
• Avoid ice consumption since you don't know what water has been used to make it.

Food: enjoy with caution

Food is one of India's great favorites. They have an immense and delicious culinary variety. But once again we have to be cautious, so don't eat only with your eyes and keep in mind these tips to avoid a visit to the doctor during your trip.

Health tips for eating in India:

• Hand washing always before eating, cooking, after going to the bathroom and as often during the day since we touch everything. Since it is not very common to find decent bathrooms at every step of your trip in India, I recommend you to always carry hydro-alcoholic gel. My favorite gel in India is Himalayan brand and you can find it in most supermarkets and stores.
• Avoid eating salads and raw vegetables, as we do not know if they are properly sanitized and are a risk for bacteria.
• Do not eat peeled fruit. India has delicious fruits and you don't have to deprive yourself of them but always peel them yourself.
• Watch out for natural fruit juices, If you can see how they do it better!
• Always choose preparations cooked and served hot. This minimizes the probability of infection.
• Beware of street food randomly, let someone in the area guide you. Avoid it during the rainy season as infections in the water increase.
• Do not eat raw fish and shellfish. Always all cooked!
• Beware of too much spice if you are not used to it. Try to order your dishes with less or no spice.

And after following these tips, bon appetit!

Mosquitoes: avoid getting bitten

Mosquitoes are one of your two worst enemies on your trip to India. (the second is water) but if you take the right measures you can keep them at bay and avoid getting stung (or at least reduce the risk and thus the number of stings).

Here are some tips to help you:

Tips to avoid or reduce mosquito bites in India:

• Apply repellent on the skin with DEET 30-35% (always apply 15 min after sunscreen).
• Use electric mosquito repellents in the room.
• Make use of mosquito nets for bed and impregnate them with permethrin.
• Wear pants and long-sleeved shirt impregnated with permethrin, (especially at dawn and dusk).
• Avoid dark-colored clothing as it attracts mosquitoes.
• Do not use sweet perfumes as they attract mosquitoes.
• My favorite repellent is RELEC brand and as a plan B if I run out during the trip, I buy the brand's repellent Odomos in India.

The number of mosquitoes increases after the rainy season, so here is a link to the article on the weather in India where you will find more information about the monsoon.

Altitude or altitude sickness in India

Altitude sickness is a disorder that occurs when the body does not adapt properly to the decrease of oxygen in the air caused by altitude.. Normally this happens from 2000 meters of altitude and if you ascend too fast.

Tips to avoid altitude sickness:

• Plan the route and its stages
• Respect the maximum altitude increase per day of 500 meters
• Sleep at least 8 hours
• Drink plenty of water as it is very important to keep you hydrated.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco
• You can resort to the consumption of coca leaves, in infusion or chewing the leaf directly (without swallowing it). This leaf favors the absorption of oxygen in the blood.

If your symptoms do not diminish, descend to a lower altitude and if the symptoms persist, do not hesitate to visit a doctor.

Sun and heat

As a good adventurer, you will spend most of the day outdoors discovering and visiting the most exciting corners of your destination. You will be exposed to the sun, overwhelming heat and humidity.. I share my tips to protect you from the 3 factors:

• The use of sun protection (even if it is cloudy) to avoid burns. I recommend protection factor 50 and apply several times a day (always applied before the mosquito repellent).
• Wearing caps or hats to protect the head from direct sunlight
• Wear loose-fitting, breathable, light-colored clothing
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Carry an umbrella in case it rains and that can be useful to protect you from the sun

Web consultation on vaccines for India

On the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website there is a questionnaire you can fill out and get a basic idea of vaccinations for travel to India as a starting point but I would I recommend that you ALWAYS visit the international vaccination center, where you will be informed in detail about vaccinations as well as health hazards at your specific destination in India and during your travel dates.

International vaccination centers

Visiting an international vaccination center is a must for every traveler. In Spain there are centers all over the country so plan and make your appointment well in advance as it is recommended to visit the center about two months before your trip. At the international vaccination center, you will receive personalized information on the mandatory and recommended vaccinations for the area you will be visiting and they will also give you advice on prevention of health risks related to water, baths, solo etc.
I share with you the link to the list of international vaccination centers in Spain to look for the closest to your location and get advice on vaccinations to go to India from Spain and other health issues.

Appointment at the vaccination center

For your visit to the international vaccination center before your trip to India it is necessary to make an appointment in this link

Registration of travelers on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs web site

Before starting your trip, register in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs travelers' registry. It is the best way to be informed and located in case of crisis or catastrophe during your trip.. They basically ask you the dates and areas you will visit to inform you if there is a disaster or emergency situation in that area and also provide you with assistance and a meeting point.

Travel insurance

During a trip we are exposed to many dangers: we may suffer flight delays, our luggage may get lost, we may be robbed in the street, fall ill, have an accident, get a sprain or even be bitten by a dog or a monkey. Although in many areas of the country the health centers are precarious, in the big cities and tourist places there are excellent and very sophisticated medical centers and hospitals, but all of them are private and high priced. I am one of those who think that "Prevention is better than regret", so traveling with insurance is a must for your trip to India. To explain this in detail, I have written an article on the best insurance for your trip to India don't miss it!

I always recommend the Heymondo travel insurance as they are experts in the needs of travelers like you and have many options depending on your trip. In addition, as a reader of Mi viaje a la India, you get 5% discount on your insurance.

Travel kit for India

Whether you travel to India or to any other country, it is advisable to always carry a small first-aid kit for unforeseen circumstances that may occur to you.

"the main element of the first aid kit should be common sense".

In this list I indicate everything that should not be missing in your first aid kit:

• Material for cures and antiseptics: Band-aids, absorbent cotton, gauze, adhesive tape, sutures, bandages and Betadine for disinfection.
• Disinfectant for non-potable water: you can carry liquid iodine tincture (at 2%) or tablets. This is useful if you are going to rural areas with little tourist traffic.
• Thermometer: to take your temperature if you feel unwell.
• Surgical masks: always good to wear but now they are indispensable with the Covid pandemic situation.
• Sunscreen: I recommend one with protection factor 50 even if the day is cloudy.
• Insect repellent: my favorite for its effectiveness is the Relec repellent.
• Analgesics: in case you have an episode of pain. I usually carry Gelocatil and Ibuprofen.
• Antacid: in case you are affected by the change of diet as it is usually spicy and quite spicy. Almax may be a good option.
• Anti-allergic/anti-staminic: in case you have an allergic reaction during the trip.
• Antidiarrheals: I prefer to avoid them although I always carry them in my first aid kit just in case...because depending on where you are it can become a problem (for example: on a 10 hour train ride). I usually carry Fortasec.
• Antimalarials: if the doctor thinks it is convenient for the areas to which you are going to travel

Remember to always carry all medications with their corresponding package inserts.

Websites and links of interest

Travel Recommendations to India from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
Mscbs Vaccine Information for India
Contact Embassy of Spain in India
International vaccination centers in Spain
Vaccination appointment in Spain
Spanish Travelers Registry
Travelers' health information in Argentina

In summary, enjoy the adventure but don't forget about your health. Remember that during the preparation of the trip it is essential to visit the international vaccination center for advice on vaccinations for India. And during the trip the best prevention is to be careful with the consumption of water and food following the corresponding hygiene rules, avoid mosquito bites and very very important, to have a travel insurance to be covered for any unforeseen event during your trip.

I hope this information will be useful for you to organize your trip to India!