Scared of being ill

ERD

At first I thought India would be such a great adventure and possible great place to work, study and was excited to learn about the people, culture, land...I have been preparing for a trip to India and am overwhelmed with the immunizations, health safety needs/issues to go to India. I left the travel clinic wondering how can I enjoy this trip. I almost wanted to cancel the trip for fear of becoming ill. THere is so much to prepare for the trip, then watch out for while I am there, then watch out for when I come back. I will do my best to drink bottled water, eat power/energy bars, well cooked vegetarian food, wear mosquito repellant, shoes at all times. but I am wondering does anyone feel like this, is there a way to just relax and enjoy India?

New-South-Welshman

Everyone gets cold feet when travelling to a different country. A country has their pro's and con's. It's like me stepping out of the airport at Los Angeles and scared of being mugged. But because many people get mugged in the US, doesn't mean I will. Just have to have a confident view, and be assertive. Don't let any factor push you around in your decisions. Sure you might get sick, but there is madication for it. You have to experience it.

__________________
Mr. Burns "Non-violence never solved anything!"

rangss

There was a time when I felt that the idea getting sick in India as an over-imagined tripe. Not anymore.

This country has not done enough on the health front. Your fears are not entirely unwarranted. I would suggest you do what you plan to do. Bottled water, well-cooked food etc... Beware of the monsoons and rains....and crowded places.

Get some Pepto Bismol. Loperamide is available cheap in India. Buy some rehydrating salts as well.

Get a Tet vaccination and something for typhoid. Would suggest Hep B vaccination too.

Malaria pills.

__________________
...and I took the road less travelled.

CliveG

Taking precautions is always wise but it won't prevent you from getting an infection that you might get anywhere -your own country included. My wife got a chest infection a couple of years ago while in Kerala. I have to say I was impressed with her hospital treatment- they were prompt, informative and very kind to my wife. Keralan nurses are some of the best. Just go with the flow. Should you get ill there is plenty of available help.

Merchant

There's no unavoidable reason for you to get sick in India. Plenty of us here on IM go to India often and do not get sick. The most unhealthful environment you will encounter in your travels is a commercial airliner.

michael sunkist

The chances of you getting any illness other than the infamous Delhi belley are slim to none. I carry a water purifier and drink only water I have purified. MSR is a good brand. Your system will get used to the germs eventually and will be strong enough to handle most bacteria strains. I wander all over malaria infested areas in Asia and have yet to get it, not that it couldn't happen but I don't lose sleep over it. An Indian coming to America would go thru the same problems getting used to the germs we have here that are indigenous. Chai for the most part is made from boiled water so you can drink that everywhere and not worry. Don't eat fruit that has been peeled.

PeakXV

I use to get a cold every Spring and Autumn before travelling to India for the first time. Since then, I have gotten only one cold that I can remember. Don't know what that all means but I kinda credit India for somehow immunizing me against the common cold.

So if India doesn't kill ya .... it might mean less kleenex purchases in the future. You'll be fine ... Enjoy!

__________________
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?

Rich Anpoor

to help strengthen your stomach drink ginger and lemon everyday.

1. Slice ginger and boil in water (I do it for 20-30 mins cos' I like it HOT and SPICY.

2. Add fresh squeezed lemon (at the end so you don't kill off the vitamins)

3. Add honey, goor (date goor is good) or sugar (not refined - it has no benefits whatsoever) to taste.

My first trip I was sick as a dog but after doing this for a while, on my subsequent trips I haven't had a dodgy stomach once.

__________________
say hello at myspace.com/zappasearcher

The only law that applies to us, the law that protects the life, liberty rights and property of all living souls.

"If only lawyers understand the written laws, they are the only ones who should obey them"

smallsquirrel

Yes, the way you relax and enjoy it is to do what you are doing and realize the rest is out of your hands. Get the required immunizations and bring the following thigs with you:

-some kind of antibactiral hand gel (for when there is no handwash)
-loperamide (something to stop the trots, should you get them)
-pink bismuth (to settle a raging tummy)
-the brand of cold medicine you prefer
-some kind of pain reliever you like best (acetomenophen, etc.)

Then just do not eat raw foods (unless peeled) and drink only bottled water from a trusted source. Then ENJOY. The worst that will happen is that you might get an upset tummy or a cold. If you are someone who is prone to sickness, then you might get a bit worse of a cold. Use your best judgement. If spicy food gives you heartburn at home, then avoid it here... things like that. But seriously, do not worry. I am prone to catching every major sickness that comes down the pike... I visited India 3 times, then moved here and the worst I have suffered is a bad cold and a case of the trots (my fault, I drank watermelon juice outside and knew it might cause issues...but I did it anyway!)

safe travels!

Soniyamystical

Hi

Don't be scared and paranoid. I Learned that. I just got back from India and without any vaccinations. I had no problems.

This is how I handled it.

I am vegetarian, so I ate only veggie meals, non spicy in clean well known restaurants. I had coffee and chai and tea, bottled water. The food I enjoyed and ate the most was indian chinese food, fried rice, manchurain veggies, veggie rolls, noodles. Indian food. I have rice, chapatis dhal, curried potatoes, channa masala. I asked them to prepare it non-spicy, with no chillies. I also enjoyed the pizza, pasta, veggie burgers etc..etc..I think I gained a few pounds..the food was yummy..I ate no street foods, or oily fried foods. I did have ice cream too was good. I didn't use the tap water to gargle when I brushed my teeth..I used bottled water to even wash my tooth brush...and I am still alive and well..no problems at all.

SANJAY_DEL

Yes there is a way to just relax and have fun while you are in India.
Just Do It.

Chill.