Is it necessary to get all my shots for India???

AG1975

Hello,

I'm going to India in Feb and I am wondering if its necessary to get all the shots?? For Malaria and Hep A & B. Also how bad are the mosquitos in February. We are going to Delhi and Jaipur and Punjab

thanks
Aman

ericd

The Hepatite shot will last for at least 10 years. It's not something you have to do for India only, it's like an investment - I would definitly go for that one.
About the malaria pills (there is not yet something like a vaccin), it is a personal choice. Some people choose for it, others don't. Last year I was in Delhi and I went to Punjab (December/January) and it was so cold that there were no mosquito's, so it was quite useless to take malaria precautions. Maybe you have to look at the weather conditions that time and decide then.
This year I went to the south and I was glad I took some precautions and a mosquito net.

amogasiddhi

Current research suggests that taking precautions not to be bitten by Mosquitos (some of which carry Malaria and fly between dusk and dawn; some which carry Dengue fever which fly by day) and to take a chemical prophylaxis such as a prescribed 'anti-malarial' which you should fist talk to your doctor about so that you get the right one. Also take the time to check out Homeopathic 'anti-malarials' for yourself and talk to a homeopath before making a decision.

To prevent being bitten, sleep under a Permetherine impregnated mozzie net, burn mozzie coils, use DEET spray repellant or one naturally based on Eucalyptus and Citronella or some other repellant and wear long sleeves and trousers whenever possible as some Mosquitos bite the ankles, wrists/ forearms and neck; these are the places to spray DEET. Read the instructions though cos it'll eat anything synthetic like polyester.

Hepatitis A is a virus which attacks the liver and which is contracted by coming into contact with mud or faeces (human shit) in some way. This is passed from person to person because many people in India wipe their arse with their hands and don't disinfect them afterwards. Hep-A is carried in shit, contaminated water, ice, shellfish, fruits and veg which has been contaminated through contact and it can be very dangerous.

Hepatitis B is transmitted by coming into contact with Blood which is infected, unprotected sex etc

It's probably best to check it all out on the internet and by talking to your doctor, travel clinic, homeopath etc. Some things are simply not worth the risk and some things are, inform yourself of the risks and only take medical advice from someone who is qualified to give it ie not an opinion from a forum.

Have a good trip.

www.cdc.gov

Type 'immunisations for India' into google and askjeeves.com