India : Travel Health
WARNING! This information is out-dated and likely to be inaccurate!
Researching Travel Plans
Please note that this health information about India may be out-of-date.
Always research the current health conditions and issues in any region you plan to visit
prior to departure.
Infectious Diseases and Medical Concerns for India
The following medical diseases or health concerns
are more common in travel to India
(compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World):
More Common Diseases and Medical Concerns for India
The following health concerns or diseases are more commonly found in India
compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:
Epidemics for India
The following health concerns, diseases or comments are related to epidemics in India:
Less Common Diseases and Health Concerns for India
The following health concerns or medical diseases are less commonly found in India
compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:
Uncommon or Rare Diseases and Medical Concerns for India
These medical diseases or health concerns are uncommon or rare in India:
- yellow fever - no current risk but vaccination certification may be required for entry
Vaccinations for Travel to India
The following medical vaccinations are desirable or helpful for travel to India
to prevent contagious diseases in India:
- hepatitis A - or immune globulin (IG)
- hepatitis B - If you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than 6 months, or be exposed through medical treatment.
- Japanese encephalitis - only if you plan to visit rural areas for 4 weeks or more
- rabies - if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation
- typhoid - important because of resistant strains of causative agent
- booster doses for tetanus
- diphtheria - booster
- measles - booster
- polio
Preventions or Health Precautions for Travel to India
Any health risk of travel to India may be reduced by the
following precautionary health measures when visiting India:
- Take your malaria prevention medication before/during/after travel as directed
- high rate of motor vehicle trauma - avoid night driving and wear seatbelts
- mosquito bite prevention
- insect bite protection
- avoid drinking non-treated water - only drink bottled or canned water
- eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself
- keep feet clean and dry - help prevent parasitic infections
- do not go barefoot - help prevent parasitic infections
- always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
- don't eat food purchased from street vendors
- don't drink beverages with ice
- don't share needles with anyone
- don't handle animals (especially monkeys/dogs/cats) - to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague - risk for travelers is small)
- don't swim in fresh water. Salt water is usually safer
- use sunblock and take sunglasses and a hat
- avoid crowded public places and public transportation whenever possible
- strong currents, undertows and lack of lifeguards make swimming dangerous
- Earthquakes may occur - take care and heed local precautions
Other Relevant Issues for Travel to India
The following may be issues relevant to travel to India:
- adequate medical care is available in larger cities but is not to the standards of industrialized countries, medical care is substandard throughout the rest of the country, hospital beds are limited and modern technology is lacking
- HIV testing may be required for entry
- people carrying antiretrovirals will be detained at customs
- there may be consular warnings against travel to the country
- check latest advice for updates
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