Staying Healthy While Traveling in India

Prioritize water safety by drinking only sealed, bottled, or treated water, and strictly stick to cooked, piping-hot food from high-turnover stalls. Carry a basic medical kit with oral rehydration salts and anti-diarrheal medication to manage common stomach issues immediately.

1. Master the water rules. Never drink tap water, even in luxury hotels. Use bottled water for brushing your teeth. Ensure the seal on any water bottle is intact before purchasing. Avoid ice cubes in drinks, as they are almost always made from tap water.
2. Follow the 'boil it, peel it, or cook it' rule. Eat food that has been cooked thoroughly and served steaming hot. Avoid raw salads, peeled fruit that has been sitting out, and chutneys that may have been washed in tap water. Stick to busy street stalls where you can see the food being cooked fresh.
3. Build your medicine kit. Pack a stash of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) sachets, Imodium (loperamide), a broad-spectrum antibiotic (ask your doctor for a prescription like Ciprofloxacin), and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Use the sanitizer before every single meal.
4. Stay protected from mosquitoes. Dengue and malaria are risks in many parts of India. Use a DEET-based repellent (30-50% concentration), wear long sleeves and pants during dusk and dawn, and stay in rooms with screened windows or air conditioning.

Should I get vaccinations before I go?

Yes. Consult a travel clinic 6 weeks before your trip. Most doctors recommend Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus boosters for India.

What if I get 'Delhi Belly'?

Focus on hydration. Drink ORS mixed with bottled water. If symptoms last longer than 48 hours, include blood or mucus, or you have a high fever, see a local doctor immediately.