India is a tropical country and poor sanitation coupled with poor food regulation means that one can easily get sick in India.
However, a few precautions can prevent sickness. First and foremost take advice of your local doctors if you need preventive medicines, especially for malaria.
The most common sickness is stomach upset popularly known as “Delhi belly”. This can be unpleasant but there are lots of things you can do to reduce your chances of getting ill.
Independent vs Structured Trip
Going backpacking or travelling in India independent is usually the cheapest ways to get around India, but if you are travelling solo, or worried about the language barrier and culture shock, and you want to enjoy a hassle free trip you could go for a structured experience. There are lots of options including India tours – you’ll get to visit the best locations, travel with others, and get local guides who can help if anything does go wrong. An alternative if you want do something meaningful is to volunteer in India, there are lots of projects helping people, animals and the environment. You will get local staff to help you whilst in the country, perfect if you get sick or encounter any problems. The same goes for India gap year programs – local staff will be on hand for the duration of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Firstly, make sure that you buy travel and medical insurance and write down the contact number in India – this should always be with you. Having insurance gives you peace of mind when travelling in India just incase anything does go wrong you will be covered.
Tips for Staying Healthy in India
The following precautions can help you to avoid getting sick.
Avoid meat
Meat and its products are not properly regulated in India. Because meat has a greater probability of being infected, it is more likely to cause infection. India has a great variety of vegetarian food so you are unlikely to get bored.
Avoid anything un-cooked
Cut fruits, vegetables, salads, sauces, chutneys, pickles, even in seemingly up-market restaurants. Eat only freshly cooked hot food. There are plenty of restaurants which will serve hot food. Look for a restaurant frequented by the locals; they will only visit places which serve good food.
No tap water
Drink only bottled water. The following brands are recommended – Kinley (Coca-cola), Aquafina (Pepsi), Bisleri. And make sure the bottle is sealed when you buy the bottle and buy from a respectable looking shop.
Spicy food
Some food in India can be very spicy, avoid it.
Street juice
Avoid juices which are squeezed in small shops by the road side
Malaria Prevention
To avoid malaria, avoid mosquitoes. There are all sorts of mosquito repellents available in India – creams, sprays, oils etc. These are available in most pharmacies. Ask your hotel to provide one for your room and if you intend to be out during evenings and near a water body, applying a repellent cream is advisable or wearing clothes which hide your arms and legs.
What if I Do get Sick?
You should monitor your symptoms, inform hotel staff, visit a pharmacy or doctors, or go to hospital. You could also call the contact number provided by your insurance provider and follow their instructions.
India really is an incredible destination and hopefully you won’t get ill whilst visiting.