Indian doctors in US advise not going to India

sparkygirl · Oct 27th, 2006, 08:09

I spoke to 3 Indian female medical doctors in Chicago who all strongly advised me NOT to go to India in January. I spoke to all 3 of them at great length because they were all very concerned about my health. And I don't know any of them nor do they work together. They said that with the dengue and chikungunya fevers, that it is too risky for westerners. They stated that it could take up to a year to recover from the pain of the fevers and people can end up in the hospital for many months.

I have followed the news very closely about dengue and chikungunya and have been concerned myself. I tend to get sick when I travel (sensitive body) and my immune system suffers. I have already registered and paid for a retreat in a forest ashram with Sri Karunamayi in Andra Pradesh in Jan. and then planned on taking the yoga teacher training course at Yoga Vidya Dham near Nasik in March. Dengue and chikungunya are present in both areas. I wanted to travel around India or Thailand in between.

Now, I am unsure of what to do. I know all the precautions and will take them.

What are others hearing, thinking, experiencing in India? I feel like the spirits and the universe may be sending me a sign that it is not my time to go to India through these doctors.

Any thoughts or suggestions from the IMers would be greatly appreciated. I have to get my tickets soon.

Namaste and thank you!!!

ddevadatta · Oct 27th, 2006, 08:41

Travel to India or any other developing nation has its serious health risks. You weigh it based on what you will gain, take the necessary precautions (too many to write here)and take a step of faith. Avoiding India all together sounds strange to me however.

Gypsy64 · Oct 27th, 2006, 08:57

Take bug dope, mosquito netting, whatever you have to do to avoid bites. Driving on U.S. freeways/highways is probably way more dangerous than going to India. Listen to the warnings, then do what you can to mitigate the risks. And go!

I took a trip around the world several years ago as a solo woman, including time in Nepal and India, even though many folks couldn't understand the draw and foretold all kinds of horror stories before I left. I returned unscathed, and you most likely will too.

Have a great trip!

Susan

PeakXV · Oct 27th, 2006, 10:15

When I first read this I thought all US Doctors of Indian origin were saying this. If I remember correctly Dr. Sanjay Gupta (CNN fame)was there not long ago. I would say take all the normal precautions against the mossie such as keeping your legs, ankles, wrists and arms covered especially during morning and evening, take a net with you, especially if you are staying with relatives and bring a reliable deet repellant. That ought keep the majority of the gnats off you and lessen your chances close to zero of catching those baddies. Stay hydrated and healthy and you will be fine.

Go for it - Ma India is waiting for you!

slumpainter · Oct 27th, 2006, 12:32

I lived in Nepal for two years as a volunteer. When first in country, I drank the water and ate anything that didn't stink. When on short breaks from Nepal, I'd travel to India and drink tap water in Varanasi and use ice (in my Beer in Delhi during a Cholora outbreak). After getting sick, I started becoming extremely careful, to the point of wiping glasses dry before pouring my Compa Cola in it. I still got sick! By the time I left, I had paratyphoid and a gut problem (Delhi Belly) that took a full year to recover from.
Maybe it all comes down to a matter of luck or, as you say, "the Universe" on whether you get sick or not. Then again, just by entertaining that fear you may be inviting that very thing you want to avoid.

lez · Oct 27th, 2006, 13:11

Yes there is disease in India, to put it prospective, how many people where shot dead/mugged in your town this year? Would you advise me not to go to the USA because I may get shot dead?

Doctors, take a look at how many patients in your country have been killed by taking prescribed medicine on the advice of doctors.

How many people die on the roads in the USA? I bet you sill drive.

My point is you have to put prospective,

jyotirmoy · Oct 27th, 2006, 13:39

These epidemics normally go away as winter comes. Take the usual precautions and you will be fine.

capt_mahajan · Oct 27th, 2006, 13:58

Indian doctors often study in India, go abroad to practice, and then assume that India is teeming with disease and Indian facilities and doctors are close to useless.

I have a few of these doctor in my immediate family too, and they are often paranoid about this.

Take the usual precautions, as jyotirmoy says.

Nick-H · Oct 27th, 2006, 14:29

First the standard advice/disclaimer: the members here are not qualified medical people: In all important health matters you should take the advice of a properly qualified doctor, not the opinions of contributors to internet forums.

Right, that said, this is my personal unqualified opinion...

First, NRIs can be among the most cautious (and sometimes even negative) about visiting their own country. But hey, these guys are doctors...

Second, you are not headed to stay in a big metropolis. My guess is that the risk would be much greater in a city. To be at risk from Dengue or chikengunya there has to be people infected with the disease and mosquitoes to spread it: no people, or no mossies; no disease risk.

Personally, I can't do anything about the fact that I live in an area where there is a lot of chikungunya, but I wouldn't plan a trip tro Delhi just now... Given your intentions, I'd pack the mosquito repellant and net, and go.

(and somewhat offtopic: I can never understand this stuff about the immune system. A disease or two gives it something to do! People go to the gym to make their muscles stronger, but strenuously avoid giving exercise to their immune system. Doesn't make sense to me! )

greenchutney · Oct 27th, 2006, 15:35

chikungunya as i have posted before in some other thread here is bad..if you get it. and many in my extended family have gotten it (in the south) and are/have been suffering for an extended period of time.

if you are sensitive, its worth heeding the advice of the doctors. call up the ashram or find out from anyone else who has been there more about the surroundings. about mozzie protection, about the hygiene in the environs and stuff like this. ask the ashram whats the prevalence of chikungunya in there.

and lets not in wholescale belittle NRI indian docs. NRI indian docs if they have done their MD/MBBS in india know what they are talking about. its not a joke...and some diseases are a real deal. and what is happening with the current mozzie epidemic is serious, real and of concern. the govt has not declared an epidemic because of tourist $$$...

in the north, it might go away because of the onset of winter but the south is very well hot....no real winter there.

you still have a couple of months to monitor it. i would. and then make the call late december

Digital Drifter · Oct 27th, 2006, 16:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

First, NRIs can be among the most cautious (and sometimes even negative) about visiting their own country.

Aren't they all? Just look at you, as a NR Brit, you've kicked the following people in the shins, so far, in one thread or the other

NHS
Customs
Passport
DMV
& other sundry operations of HMG.

All this goes into the file, dear chap, into the file.

When you come to Blighty,it's going to be a bit frigid, I'm afraid.

There is only one choice where you can see a 'proper' reception

Belmarsh or Dartmoor?

Nick-H · Oct 27th, 2006, 17:17

DD's working for the Security Team again!!!!

DD... I haven't even started on the mess that GB has become! Why do you think I'm here!!!!

But, in practice, I'm much more worried that someone in the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs might be filing away any critical posts I make about India

But I do have to renew my UK passport in 2016. By which time it will probably be impossible without first amputating any limb that could possibly be used for terrorist purposes...

But, back on-topic... I agree with GC, both about the doctors and the diseases

crvlvr · Oct 28th, 2006, 01:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

First, NRIs can be among the most cautious (and sometimes even negative) about visiting their own country. But hey, these guys are doctors...

Well said Nick and other who have eluded to this. Ask your doctor when is the last time he/she has been to India before considering them "Indian" ..

In the US, doctors get sued a the drop of a hat. There is absolutely no incentive for them to give good advice. Rather, they give advice that will not get them sued. Taking that into consideration, let mull the "advice" you were given..

If they said it was ok for you to go and to you fell sick, you could sue them. It just safer for them to advice that you don't go to India. You can't sue them for that can you?

As cynical as this may seem, that is the reality. I have many doctor friends who fess up to using this strategy when dealing with patients.

GoanCanuck · Oct 28th, 2006, 02:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by crvlvr

Well said Nick and other who have eluded to this. Ask your doctor when is the last time he/she has been to India before considering them "Indian" ..

Agreed. My doctor who is of Indian origin but educated in Canada is almost always negative about anyone visiting India. He has not been to India for a long time and has a very outdated opinion about the conditions and life in general in India. If I listened to him I doubt I would ever go to India.

PortieOwner · Oct 28th, 2006, 03:31

Three Indian female doctors? That's a clinic I'd like to visit.

If they are ABCDs they may be revolted by India. I have run into that type of person. I have a relative who is an Indian-born and educated MD. He hates India and hasn't been there for 30 years.

Have you talked to any doctors at a travel clinic? They are usually the best experts on the risks and often times up to date on what is going on.

Having said that I always get a cold from hell when I go there, and my stomach never has recovered from my first trip to India. I used to have an iron-clad gut, but now it's soft lead.

Portie

Oct 27th, 2006, 08:09	#1
sparkygirl Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: chicago Posts: 7	Indian doctors in US advise not going to India I spoke to 3 Indian female medical doctors in Chicago who all strongly advised me NOT to go to India in January. I spoke to all 3 of them at great length because they were all very concerned about my health. And I don't know any of them nor do they work together. They said that with the dengue and chikungunya fevers, that it is too risky for westerners. They stated that it could take up to a year to recover from the pain of the fevers and people can end up in the hospital for many months. I have followed the news very closely about dengue and chikungunya and have been concerned myself. I tend to get sick when I travel (sensitive body) and my immune system suffers. I have already registered and paid for a retreat in a forest ashram with Sri Karunamayi in Andra Pradesh in Jan. and then planned on taking the yoga teacher training course at Yoga Vidya Dham near Nasik in March. Dengue and chikungunya are present in both areas. I wanted to travel around India or Thailand in between. Now, I am unsure of what to do. I know all the precautions and will take them. What are others hearing, thinking, experiencing in India? I feel like the spirits and the universe may be sending me a sign that it is not my time to go to India through these doctors. Any thoughts or suggestions from the IMers would be greatly appreciated. I have to get my tickets soon. Namaste and thank you!!!

Oct 27th, 2006, 08:41	#2
ddevadatta Finger Licking Good Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 907	Risk Travel to India or any other developing nation has its serious health risks. You weigh it based on what you will gain, take the necessary precautions (too many to write here)and take a step of faith. Avoiding India all together sounds strange to me however. __________________ Ayurvedic cure for an Indian headache

Oct 27th, 2006, 08:57	#3
Gypsy64 Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Alaska, USA Posts: 36	Go Anyway Take bug dope, mosquito netting, whatever you have to do to avoid bites. Driving on U.S. freeways/highways is probably way more dangerous than going to India. Listen to the warnings, then do what you can to mitigate the risks. And go! I took a trip around the world several years ago as a solo woman, including time in Nepal and India, even though many folks couldn't understand the draw and foretold all kinds of horror stories before I left. I returned unscathed, and you most likely will too. Have a great trip! Susan

Oct 27th, 2006, 10:15	#4
PeakXV Naan.tering Nabob Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Abode of Glooscap Posts: 4,333	When I first read this I thought all US Doctors of Indian origin were saying this. If I remember correctly Dr. Sanjay Gupta (CNN fame)was there not long ago. I would say take all the normal precautions against the mossie such as keeping your legs, ankles, wrists and arms covered especially during morning and evening, take a net with you, especially if you are staying with relatives and bring a reliable deet repellant. That ought keep the majority of the gnats off you and lessen your chances close to zero of catching those baddies. Stay hydrated and healthy and you will be fine. Go for it - Ma India is waiting for you! __________________ We shall not cease from exploration and at the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started ...and know the place for the first time. T.S. Eliot Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions? Last edited by PeakXV : Oct 27th, 2006 at 21:11.

Oct 27th, 2006, 12:32	#5
slumpainter Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Orange County, California Posts: 67	Fever? I lived in Nepal for two years as a volunteer. When first in country, I drank the water and ate anything that didn't stink. When on short breaks from Nepal, I'd travel to India and drink tap water in Varanasi and use ice (in my Beer in Delhi during a Cholora outbreak). After getting sick, I started becoming extremely careful, to the point of wiping glasses dry before pouring my Compa Cola in it. I still got sick! By the time I left, I had paratyphoid and a gut problem (Delhi Belly) that took a full year to recover from. Maybe it all comes down to a matter of luck or, as you say, "the Universe" on whether you get sick or not. Then again, just by entertaining that fear you may be inviting that very thing you want to avoid.

Oct 27th, 2006, 13:11	#6
lez Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: GOA Posts: 313	Yes there is disease in India, to put it prospective, how many people where shot dead/mugged in your town this year? Would you advise me not to go to the USA because I may get shot dead? Doctors, take a look at how many patients in your country have been killed by taking prescribed medicine on the advice of doctors. How many people die on the roads in the USA? I bet you sill drive. My point is you have to put prospective,

Oct 27th, 2006, 13:39	#7
jyotirmoy Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 4,659	These epidemics normally go away as winter comes. Take the usual precautions and you will be fine.

Oct 27th, 2006, 13:58	#8
capt_mahajan (in charge of navel affairs) Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 10,509	Indian doctors often study in India, go abroad to practice, and then assume that India is teeming with disease and Indian facilities and doctors are close to useless. I have a few of these doctor in my immediate family too, and they are often paranoid about this. Take the usual precautions, as jyotirmoy says.

Oct 27th, 2006, 14:29	#9
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,692	First the standard advice/disclaimer: the members here are not qualified medical people: In all important health matters you should take the advice of a properly qualified doctor, not the opinions of contributors to internet forums. Right, that said, this is my personal unqualified opinion... First, NRIs can be among the most cautious (and sometimes even negative) about visiting their own country. But hey, these guys are doctors... Second, you are not headed to stay in a big metropolis. My guess is that the risk would be much greater in a city. To be at risk from Dengue or chikengunya there has to be people infected with the disease and mosquitoes to spread it: no people, or no mossies; no disease risk. Personally, I can't do anything about the fact that I live in an area where there is a lot of chikungunya, but I wouldn't plan a trip tro Delhi just now... Given your intentions, I'd pack the mosquito repellant and net, and go. (and somewhat offtopic: I can never understand this stuff about the immune system. A disease or two gives it something to do! People go to the gym to make their muscles stronger, but strenuously avoid giving exercise to their immune system. Doesn't make sense to me! ) __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Oct 27th, 2006, 15:35	#10
greenchutney Account Closed Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: planet earth Posts: 1,578	chikungunya as i have posted before in some other thread here is bad..if you get it. and many in my extended family have gotten it (in the south) and are/have been suffering for an extended period of time. if you are sensitive, its worth heeding the advice of the doctors. call up the ashram or find out from anyone else who has been there more about the surroundings. about mozzie protection, about the hygiene in the environs and stuff like this. ask the ashram whats the prevalence of chikungunya in there. and lets not in wholescale belittle NRI indian docs. NRI indian docs if they have done their MD/MBBS in india know what they are talking about. its not a joke...and some diseases are a real deal. and what is happening with the current mozzie epidemic is serious, real and of concern. the govt has not declared an epidemic because of tourist $$$... in the north, it might go away because of the onset of winter but the south is very well hot....no real winter there. you still have a couple of months to monitor it. i would. and then make the call late december

Oct 27th, 2006, 17:17	#12
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,692	DD's working for the Security Team again!!!! DD... I haven't even started on the mess that GB has become! Why do you think I'm here!!!! But, in practice, I'm much more worried that someone in the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs might be filing away any critical posts I make about India But I do have to renew my UK passport in 2016. By which time it will probably be impossible without first amputating any limb that could possibly be used for terrorist purposes... But, back on-topic... I agree with GC, both about the doctors and the diseases

Oct 28th, 2006, 03:31	#15
PortieOwner Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 351	Three Indian female doctors? That's a clinic I'd like to visit. If they are ABCDs they may be revolted by India. I have run into that type of person. I have a relative who is an Indian-born and educated MD. He hates India and hasn't been there for 30 years. Have you talked to any doctors at a travel clinic? They are usually the best experts on the risks and often times up to date on what is going on. Having said that I always get a cold from hell when I go there, and my stomach never has recovered from my first trip to India. I used to have an iron-clad gut, but now it's soft lead. Portie

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